How to Choose the Right Cabinets for Your Kitchen
Planning a new kitchen? Follow this expert guide to choose the best materials and design for the job
Before you start planning a new kitchen, it’s important to know the products available to you and the pros and cons of each. Of course, your budget is also an important factor. This guide will help you decide what to spend money on and how to make choices based on both practicalities and the style you’re looking for.
2-pack
A 2-pack finish is a baked enamel surface, sometimes referred to as emporite, which can be up to 20 per cent more expensive than laminate.
The appeal of 2-pack over laminate is that it can be specified in any colour or finish from matt to high gloss. As a designer, I also love the fact that there are no joins, and that edges seamlessly wrap around doors and panels, creating clean, flowing lines.
If you are especially rough on your kitchen, 2-pack may be more vulnerable to chipping, but even if this occurs it can be resprayed and look as good as new!
This kitchen is an example of the lovely lines and flow that 2-pack can create, as well as a demonstration of mitered handles, which can only be achieved using this product.
A 2-pack finish is a baked enamel surface, sometimes referred to as emporite, which can be up to 20 per cent more expensive than laminate.
The appeal of 2-pack over laminate is that it can be specified in any colour or finish from matt to high gloss. As a designer, I also love the fact that there are no joins, and that edges seamlessly wrap around doors and panels, creating clean, flowing lines.
If you are especially rough on your kitchen, 2-pack may be more vulnerable to chipping, but even if this occurs it can be resprayed and look as good as new!
This kitchen is an example of the lovely lines and flow that 2-pack can create, as well as a demonstration of mitered handles, which can only be achieved using this product.
Veneer
Veneers are thin, decorative, slices of wood applied to boards and then sealed with clear 2-pack. Veneer can start at the same price point as 2-pack and then increase incrementally or dramatically depending on the species of timber chosen.
I personally love using veneer, particularly when designing Mid-century Modern style kitchens. It creates the organic Mid-century aesthetic while also providing the beauty and warmth of timber in a sustainable way.
Similar to laminate, veneer can also have matching ABS protected edging to provide extra protection from everyday bumps and accidents that happen in all well-loved and well-used kitchens.
In this design, the veneer brings an appealing warmth to a contemporary kitchen, sitting against the cooler elements and creating balance.
Veneers are thin, decorative, slices of wood applied to boards and then sealed with clear 2-pack. Veneer can start at the same price point as 2-pack and then increase incrementally or dramatically depending on the species of timber chosen.
I personally love using veneer, particularly when designing Mid-century Modern style kitchens. It creates the organic Mid-century aesthetic while also providing the beauty and warmth of timber in a sustainable way.
Similar to laminate, veneer can also have matching ABS protected edging to provide extra protection from everyday bumps and accidents that happen in all well-loved and well-used kitchens.
In this design, the veneer brings an appealing warmth to a contemporary kitchen, sitting against the cooler elements and creating balance.
Solid timber feature pieces
In contemporary kitchens, solid timber is being used less frequently in the entire cabinetry due to its relatively higher cost and also a greater awareness of the potential burden on the environment when timber is acquired from non-renewable sources.
A great way to still incorporate the nostalgia and pure textural joy of timber is to choose one or two select feature pieces. This may be in the form of a benchtop, as seen in the design above, timber shelving, or one-off pieces of solid timber furniture such as stools. Timber evokes a unique, tactile reaction in us and even a small, well-thought out feature can add something intangible and beautiful to an overall design.
In contemporary kitchens, solid timber is being used less frequently in the entire cabinetry due to its relatively higher cost and also a greater awareness of the potential burden on the environment when timber is acquired from non-renewable sources.
A great way to still incorporate the nostalgia and pure textural joy of timber is to choose one or two select feature pieces. This may be in the form of a benchtop, as seen in the design above, timber shelving, or one-off pieces of solid timber furniture such as stools. Timber evokes a unique, tactile reaction in us and even a small, well-thought out feature can add something intangible and beautiful to an overall design.
Contemporary
By its very definition, contemporary design is about the ‘now’. Currently the ‘now’ is low-fuss, smooth, clean lines and reinterpreting the use of materials that have been around forever, such as concrete and steel.
One of the real pleasures and keys to creating a contemporary look is simplicity. Pick basic elements and contemporary colours for your cabinetry (such as black, greys and whites) and keep lines and spaces clean by avoiding unnecessary clutter.
Keep in mind that contemporary does not necessarily mean austere, and an overall simple colour palette is a wonderful opportunity to choose fun and bold additions to make things ‘pop’, such as splashbacks, lighting or even everyday kitchen accessories, such as the yellow jars and long board in the example kitchen above.
By its very definition, contemporary design is about the ‘now’. Currently the ‘now’ is low-fuss, smooth, clean lines and reinterpreting the use of materials that have been around forever, such as concrete and steel.
One of the real pleasures and keys to creating a contemporary look is simplicity. Pick basic elements and contemporary colours for your cabinetry (such as black, greys and whites) and keep lines and spaces clean by avoiding unnecessary clutter.
Keep in mind that contemporary does not necessarily mean austere, and an overall simple colour palette is a wonderful opportunity to choose fun and bold additions to make things ‘pop’, such as splashbacks, lighting or even everyday kitchen accessories, such as the yellow jars and long board in the example kitchen above.
Mid-century Modern
When designing a Mid-Century modern kitchen, you are looking for small accents of Mid-century placed throughout a modern design.
When designing in this style, I start by designing a modern cabinetry base with clean lines. Once the cabinetry design is completed, I step back and decide how best to bring a Mid-Century feel to my blank canvas through finishes such as veneer or tiles, and original or replica Mid-century accessories – or both.
As Mid-century is so popular at the moment, it is easy to find modern design interpretations of the style from larger pieces such as furniture and lighting, to smaller touches such as kitchen accessories.
The designer of this kitchen has used a lot of veneer cabinetry to capture a Mid-century Modern style, supported by the choice of gorgeous clear lights.
When designing a Mid-Century modern kitchen, you are looking for small accents of Mid-century placed throughout a modern design.
When designing in this style, I start by designing a modern cabinetry base with clean lines. Once the cabinetry design is completed, I step back and decide how best to bring a Mid-Century feel to my blank canvas through finishes such as veneer or tiles, and original or replica Mid-century accessories – or both.
As Mid-century is so popular at the moment, it is easy to find modern design interpretations of the style from larger pieces such as furniture and lighting, to smaller touches such as kitchen accessories.
The designer of this kitchen has used a lot of veneer cabinetry to capture a Mid-century Modern style, supported by the choice of gorgeous clear lights.
Eclectic
An eclectic kitchen is about taking all the things you love from any era, mixing colours, patterns and textures, and pulling them together to create harmonious balance. Designing this type of kitchen is not for the faint-hearted, but is so rewarding when completed because you have created something truly unique.
I like to start with a decorative or routed cabinet door (whether a traditional framed door or Shaker door, such as the ones used in the kitchen above) as this adds to the character and sets the tone for the kitchen, creating a base from which to work outwards.
When creating an eclectic kitchen, also take into consideration the existing features of the room, such as the brick walls and high narrow windows of the kitchen above, which the designer has embraced rather than hidden with too much unnecessary overhead cabinetry.
In an eclectic kitchen you can have your favourite things on show. No need to hide pots and pans in cupboards; rather hang them off the wall! Let your kitchen wear its heart on its sleeve and proudly show off its herbs and spices, flour and sugar.
A delightful finishing touch to this one-off kitchen is also the fun, colourful upside-down mixing bowls used as feature lighting.
An eclectic kitchen is about taking all the things you love from any era, mixing colours, patterns and textures, and pulling them together to create harmonious balance. Designing this type of kitchen is not for the faint-hearted, but is so rewarding when completed because you have created something truly unique.
I like to start with a decorative or routed cabinet door (whether a traditional framed door or Shaker door, such as the ones used in the kitchen above) as this adds to the character and sets the tone for the kitchen, creating a base from which to work outwards.
When creating an eclectic kitchen, also take into consideration the existing features of the room, such as the brick walls and high narrow windows of the kitchen above, which the designer has embraced rather than hidden with too much unnecessary overhead cabinetry.
In an eclectic kitchen you can have your favourite things on show. No need to hide pots and pans in cupboards; rather hang them off the wall! Let your kitchen wear its heart on its sleeve and proudly show off its herbs and spices, flour and sugar.
A delightful finishing touch to this one-off kitchen is also the fun, colourful upside-down mixing bowls used as feature lighting.
Modern French Provincial
When designing a contemporary French Provincial kitchen, you want to strike a balance between traditional and modern. French Provincial design is a nod to the 17th and 18th century homes of Provence in the South of France, and, as such, should echo the warmth and classical elegance of the time, alongside the recognition of the kitchen as the functional heart of the home.
A good way to bring this feel into your 21st-century home is to choose cabinetry with traditional base colours (white/cream) but modern finishes such as satin flat 2-pack. To set this off, I like to exchange traditional accessories of wicker baskets or copper pots for more dynamic colours and lines, such as those found in the red Le Creuset pots and galvanised Tolix bistro stools I used when designing this Modern French Provincial kitchen in Beaumaris, Melbourne.
When designing a contemporary French Provincial kitchen, you want to strike a balance between traditional and modern. French Provincial design is a nod to the 17th and 18th century homes of Provence in the South of France, and, as such, should echo the warmth and classical elegance of the time, alongside the recognition of the kitchen as the functional heart of the home.
A good way to bring this feel into your 21st-century home is to choose cabinetry with traditional base colours (white/cream) but modern finishes such as satin flat 2-pack. To set this off, I like to exchange traditional accessories of wicker baskets or copper pots for more dynamic colours and lines, such as those found in the red Le Creuset pots and galvanised Tolix bistro stools I used when designing this Modern French Provincial kitchen in Beaumaris, Melbourne.
The dark side
There are lots of great reasons to choose darker colours in your palette and throw out the ‘rule’ that dark colours always make a room ‘cold’ or ‘cavelike’. On the contrary, modern colour trends of blacks, browns and greys can bring warmth, personality and sophistication to your kitchen while also giving you the opportunity to get creative with colour accents.
If you are using dark colours, ensure you have plenty of natural light, from large windows and skylights, to ensure the darker colours don’t suck too much light from the room. Offset darker cabinetry with vibrant moments of colour in the form of accessories, stools or even artwork, as seen in this fun kitchen.
Alternatively, if you like the darker colours but don’t necessarily want to make them a base, try using accents of it in your kitchen – it might be in the form of a floating shelf, pendant lights or barstools.
There are lots of great reasons to choose darker colours in your palette and throw out the ‘rule’ that dark colours always make a room ‘cold’ or ‘cavelike’. On the contrary, modern colour trends of blacks, browns and greys can bring warmth, personality and sophistication to your kitchen while also giving you the opportunity to get creative with colour accents.
If you are using dark colours, ensure you have plenty of natural light, from large windows and skylights, to ensure the darker colours don’t suck too much light from the room. Offset darker cabinetry with vibrant moments of colour in the form of accessories, stools or even artwork, as seen in this fun kitchen.
Alternatively, if you like the darker colours but don’t necessarily want to make them a base, try using accents of it in your kitchen – it might be in the form of a floating shelf, pendant lights or barstools.
Glass doors and lighting
When using glass in cabinet doors, I recommend lighting them and also seeing them as an opportunity to frame and show off the display items that you love.
If glass cabinetry is not lit, the overall effect can be grey and cold, especially when using opaque glass, which draws light out of your kitchen. This kitchen demonstrates how simple cabinet lights can really lift a kitchen and provide a fun and practical space for featuring unique, beautiful or even quirky items that are treasured.
When using glass in cabinet doors, I recommend lighting them and also seeing them as an opportunity to frame and show off the display items that you love.
If glass cabinetry is not lit, the overall effect can be grey and cold, especially when using opaque glass, which draws light out of your kitchen. This kitchen demonstrates how simple cabinet lights can really lift a kitchen and provide a fun and practical space for featuring unique, beautiful or even quirky items that are treasured.
Shelving
Shelving looks great, but can pose a practical problem if it becomes a dust collector.
The benefits of shelving are clear: easy access to the things you use regularly, personality through the design and placement of the shelves themselves, and the opportunity to display the things you love.
To maximise the appeal while minimising the hassle, ensure shelving is at an accessible height for easy cleaning, and don’t over-shelve your kitchen. This is a feature best used in moderation unless you are prepared to commit to the maintenance needed to keep it at its best.
YOUR SAY
What’s your favourite kitchen cabinet look? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
MORE
6 Factors to Consider When Choosing Handles for Your Kitchen Cabinets
Clever Corner-Cupboard Storage Solutions for Your Kitchen Renovation
How to Plan a White Kitchen That’s Anything but Boring
Shelving looks great, but can pose a practical problem if it becomes a dust collector.
The benefits of shelving are clear: easy access to the things you use regularly, personality through the design and placement of the shelves themselves, and the opportunity to display the things you love.
To maximise the appeal while minimising the hassle, ensure shelving is at an accessible height for easy cleaning, and don’t over-shelve your kitchen. This is a feature best used in moderation unless you are prepared to commit to the maintenance needed to keep it at its best.
YOUR SAY
What’s your favourite kitchen cabinet look? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
MORE
6 Factors to Consider When Choosing Handles for Your Kitchen Cabinets
Clever Corner-Cupboard Storage Solutions for Your Kitchen Renovation
How to Plan a White Kitchen That’s Anything but Boring
If you’re watching your budget but still want a quality finish, laminate is a good place to start. Laminates have come a long way since ’70s Mission Brown, and there is a wider selection of colours, textures, wood grains and benchtops available than ever. This range means that there are endless opportunities to express individual taste without sinking the entire design budget.
Gone are the days of edges peeling back from kitchen doors or chunks being taken out if you accidentally hit a laminated edge with a pot! I only use ABS edging when specifying kitchen finishes as it’s a high-pressure laminate banding that is abrasion-resistant and seals the edges of kitchen doors. At only a few hundred dollars extra, this edging is also a relatively inexpensive way to insure the longevity of a laminate kitchen.
This kitchen is a great example of the versatility of laminate, with the bright, fun orange overhead cupboards set off by the contrasting laminate of the lower cabinetry that provides the look and feel of a modern wood veneer.