Choose the Right Cabinet Style for Your Home

To create a kitchen that looks as good as it functions, start with the right cabinetry.

Written by Suzanna Logan

Kitchen Cabinets -CrownPoint Cabinetry photo

Photo: CrownPoint Cabinetry

Once upon a time, kitchens were the workhorse of the home, hidden away behind closed doors. But in today’s open-plan world, kitchens enjoy an elevated status — and a dizzying array of cabinetry options to match. So how do you know which is best for you? Stock or custom, flat panel or shaker-style? Below, we’re breaking down the info you need to know to score the kitchen of your dreams.

In or Out of the Box

When it comes to choosing cabinetry, the first thing you’ll choose is the type that works best for your budget. There are three main categories:

Stock.

Also known as prefab, stock cabinets are readily available off-the-shelf from big-box retail stores. As the most cost-friendly option, they come in a predetermined, somewhat limited selection of standard sizes, finishes and styles.

Semi-Custom.

The sweet spot between stock and custom, semi-custom cabinets come in standard design configurations but can be personalized with door styles, finishes, hardware, etc. Expect to pay a little more than stock cabinetry.

Custom.

The Cadillac of cabinetry, every detail of custom cabinets is designed to your specifications, from size and material to color and specialty features, such as pull-out shelving or appliance garages. Of course, the price tag and delivery time mirror the personal touch.

We’ll See You to the Door

The door profile you choose will have the biggest impact on the look and feel of your kitchen. Here are the most common options:

Raised panel.

A grooved framework around a raised center panel gives this door stand-out style; typically used in traditional or rustic settings.

Flat panel.

With no framing or three-dimensional detail, the sleek lines of these slab-front doors are decidedly minimalist and look great in a modern home.

Shaker.

The chameleon of the cabinet world, this style is an easy-fit in any kitchen design, thanks to a simple recessed center panel that adds a subtle, versatile design detail.

Beadboard.

A series of narrow, parallel boards is the identifying mark of this style. If “cozy cottage” comes to mind when describing your log or timber home’s aesthetic, beadboard fits the bill.

Glass.

Most often paired with another door style, glass-fronts can lend an airy, fresh feel to your kitchen, while showing off favorite dishware collections.

Combos We Love

Like pairing food with wine, half the fun of choosing kitchen cabinetry comes from combining it with the right accessories — aka countertops, backsplash and hardware! Here are a few of our favorite pairings: