A Cabinet for all Seasons

13 Jun A Cabinet for all Seasons

Regardless of kitchen style, there’s a cabinet that’s perfect

You can’t just throw caution to the wind, cabinet doors are too important to make an uneducated choice about. They can be the identifying factor of your kitchen’s design. They are certainly considered the most visible. If you’re not careful, they may also be the most expensive. Whether you have the budget for the elaborate, or simply prefer the simple route, there is a door designed to be the right fit in any scenario.

Among the most well-known cabinet styles is the Shaker-style door. It is in fact, the most common in use today. It is a five piece flat-panel comprised of a four piece frame and a large center panel. It is a timeless design that lends itself to just about any décor, from traditional to contemporary, with variations in wood species, stains, paint colors and hardware. It is the embodiment of utility and is compatible to nearly any budget, depending on the choice of wood.

Void of decorative flair, the simplicity of a single flat panel cabinet door is in fact the basis for its style. It is versatile in its modest design, appropriate for both modern and contemporary motifs. It is generally made of wood, but when budget is a priority, a laminate construction is preferred. Of further advantage, laminates are available in a variety of colors and patina.

Among the more expensive door styles, however, is the ventilated Louvered design. Much like you would find in wooden window blinds, it is comprised of horizontal wood slats. Most examples are built with thin open spaces between each long panel that are barely visible (although cheaper molded versions are made as well). The subsequent air flow makes them ideal when ventilation is required, although they are generally chosen for their visual aesthetic.

Also on the pricey end, an inset construction features a classic design proven to endure. What makes it different from other cabinets is that the door is set inside the frame (most others rest out). It is made only to the most extreme measurements, so intricate that even the expansion of the wood is considered and calculated. It usually needs exposed hinges, two per cabinet. Unlike other styles that feature concealed hinges that are already factored in to the cost, these are not.

Certainly one of the more popular ideas to emerge in recent years is that of the distressed-style cabinet doors. The vintage appeal has never been more fashionable, and that’s exactly what distressed doors emulate – an antique appearance. For an additional ‘relic’ feel you may even opt to have the corners sanded down to emulate age-old wear. This antiquing technique may be applied to most of the door styles.

For those who adore the homey feeling of cottages, the beadboard door style is ideal. Before the days of drywall and plaster, it was the material most commonly used for wall embellishment. The center panel of a beadboard cabinet emulates the classic paneling design associated with the vintage rustic flavor of quaint chalets.

When keeping costs low is the priority, thermofoil doors are at the top of the list. They are actually molded, made from a material called “medium-density fiberboard” (or MDF), that is covered in a type of laminate and heat treated to make it solid. They are quite durable, though any damage they potentially incur is generally irreparable. Though mass produced, they are limited in selection – solid colors or imitation wood grain only.

When budget is not a concern, but you find the standard styles generally unappealing, you may always design your own. Custom cabinets are the ideal – made to order per your personal specifications. If you have a vision, there is a professional creative collaborator out there who wants to help you realize it. Simply seek out cabinetmakers or designers in your area.

There you have it, eight of the most popular kitchen cabinet styles available. It’s fun to pick one and search for the hardware and finish that will complete your desired concept – the end result being a product of your own intuitive artistry – kitchen style!