Selecting cabinets is one of the most difficult things you have to do when remodeling your kitchen.
Your choices will either leave you satisfied with or wanting more storage area or solutions. Your final pick will also affect the overall look and functionality of your kitchen. Because of this, you need to allocate a sufficient amount in your kitchen renovation budget so you can choose the best cabinets for your kitchen.
Tips for Selecting Kitchen Cabinets
If you want to have kitchen cabinets that will meet your needs and suit your lifestyle, here are five tips worth considering to ensure you’ll pick the right fixtures:
1. Set a budget.
Cabinets typically account for 40 to 50 percent of the total cost of a kitchen remodeling project. As such, you will need to set a budget that will cover these kitchen fixtures.
Generally, you can choose from three ranges: entry level, mid-level, and high-end products. You can also select from a wider range of products depending on the brand you prefer, and your builder, joiner or designer if you want custom-made furniture in the UAE (or wherever you’re located). Prices will also vary based on the design, quality, size, features, and finishes of your chosen cabinets.
You can avoid choosing cabinets that are unreasonably expensive (which often have unnecessary features) by setting a budget for these kitchen fixtures before embarking on your renovation project.
2. Look for ideas and inspiration.
If you don’t know what style and type of cabinet will look great in your kitchen and will work best for your lifestyle, do some research online first. Visit interior design and home improvement sites and blogs to look at different products. Save or print photos of the products and styles you like the most.
Show the photos of your preferred designs and types to your contractor or designer, if you are working with one. In case you’re shopping for stock or semi-custom cabinets, make sure you bring these photos with you so you can narrow down your choices.
Having an idea of your preferred cabinets for your kitchen will also help you stick to your allotted budget for your cabinetry needs.
3. Measure the space where the cabinets will be placed.
Your contractor or cabinet maker or joiner will measure the space where you want the fixtures to be placed. But if you will be buying stock or semi-custom cabinets, you have to measure the space or areas yourself.
When you have these measurements on hand, you can give accurate details to the sales staff at the home or furniture center. The sales staff can also give you advice and more precise estimates for your kitchen remodel.
4. Opt for low-maintenance fixtures.
Although you clean your kitchen every day, there’s a big chance you will forget to give your cabinets a wipe down every now and then. In addition, there are certain stains or dirt on cabinets that may refuse to go away even with your everyday cleaning regimen.
To avoid having fixtures that can make your kitchen look dirty and old, select cabinets that camouflage dirt and stains. Dark finishes often work best, especially if your cabinets are made of wood, such as hickory or oak which have distinctive grain patterns.
Wood grains are also easier to clean and maintain. They also enhance the appeal of any home and kitchen.
5. Add your personal touches.
Once you’ve made a list of possible cabinet types and designs, the next thing you have to do is think about their appearance and how they will work with the design of your kitchen and home, including the color of your walls and floors. This is something you have to do whether you’re having your fixtures custom-built or buying them from a store.
By adding your personal touches, you can make some improvements to these cabinets so they will work with the design and style of your home.
Enhancing these fixtures often means choosing the right finishes and hardware. Stained and painted finished cabinets remain popular options. In terms of hardware, knobs and drawer pulls are easy to use and inexpensive. You can choose from steel, natural stone, and even wood for your cabinet hardware. Knobs and drawer pulls also come with the advantage of being easy to replace when the need arises.
Finally, aside from customizing your cabinetry finishes and hardware to meet your style preferences, consider other elements that will make using them easier and more convenient. For instance, you may need to have the cabinets’ height adjusted so you and your kids can reach them.
When getting the kitchen cabinets for your dream kitchen, make sure you have an idea of what you want. Having a wish list will also ensure you have fixtures that will work with your kitchen and suit your and your family’s lifestyle and needs.