Look To Different Styles To Make Your Kitchen Cabinets Stand Out

For dedicated home cooks, remodeling a kitchen is a stressful prospect due to the constant push-and-pull of style versus function. Whether you are considering a lighting upgrade that incorporates vintage trends or looking at an old-school kitchen island substitute, you have to consider what these aesthetic choices will bring to your cooking process. Is that opaline glass shade going to allow enough light for you to see what you are chopping on your counter? Is that ultra-cool cook's table going to leave wide-enough walkways for two cooks working on a holiday dinner? Luckily, the decision as to what cabinetry you install in your kitchen is a bit lower-stakes. Regardless of what the outsides look like, your cabinets will still fit a generous amount of plates, dry goods, and the spice jars that are, surprisingly, the dirtiest spot in your kitchen. Keep in mind, however, that kitchen cabinets can pack a huge style punch when it comes to the vibe that they bring to your favorite room of the house.

A lot of home builders will default to Shaker-style cabinets, which seem to resist design trends and remain a popular option decade after decade. Shaker cabinets feature a flat middle panel surrounded by a subtle raised edge. While these cabinets are undoubtedly versatile and can blend in seamlessly with many kitchen décor themes, they can also be boring. If you want cabinets that make a bigger statement, take a look outside the Shaker standard and consider the wide variety of alternatives that exist.

Don't underestimate the drama that a seemingly unassuming cabinet choice can bring to your cooking space. A flat-panel cabinet, also known as a slab, is easy to clean and can look very sleek when paired with a glossy finish and some minimalist hardware. This style is particularly easy on the wallet due to its simple construction. 

Speaking of surfaces that shine, one shouldn't discount glass cabinets. These can seem intimidating due to the specter of constant polishing and the fact that the contents will be on display, but you would be surprised how low-maintenance glass can be ... as well as how much it can open up a small kitchen. Use this style to display that vintage Pyrex collection or show off the immaculate organization of your shelves!

Do you like the essence of Shaker cabinets, but want to distinguish your kitchen? Consider raised-panel cabinets, which, as the name suggests, have a raised center panel instead of the recessed one that is a Shaker hallmark. You get all the classic, trend-resistant charm, with a bit more individuality. Can't make up your mind? Consider more than one style of cabinet. Glass, for instance, can look great when paired 50/50 with another style like raised-panel. The internet is full of cabinet inspo, so take a few hours to browse Pinterest and nail down your style identity. After that, take a deep dive into the many cabinet choices out there!