Kitchen Cabinets:
Complete Guide to Transform Your Home
What about how new kitchen cabinets can refresh your home’s central area? Cabinets nowadays aren’t just for holding stuff. They’re vital to making your kitchen look amazing. American Home brings you excellent design help, all thanks to Ed and Yvonne Weaver’s many years of experience.
We strive to design kitchens that offer both aesthetic appeal and high functionality. Let’s discover how diverse styles can render your kitchen stunning and inviting.
Kitchen cabinets truly form the core of a practical kitchen design, offering vital storage while also shaping how your area looks. No matter if you’re planning a full redo or simply updating your existing kitchen, picking the right cabinets is one of your most crucial choices.
Our complete guide will walk you through everything on kitchen cabinets, from their kinds and what they’re made of to how to install and care for them. It’ll help you create a beautiful, useful space that truly matches your own style.
Vital Knowledge
- Newer kitchen cabinets greatly impact both style and functionality.
- Choosing the right cabinet styles can completely transform your kitchen's atmosphere.
- Professional guidance can assist you in achieving your renovation goals.
- It takes excellent materials and great skill to create luxury kitchens.
- Check out various modern cabinets to find the perfect one for your space.
- Modern cabinets blend design with practicality, creating a more inviting feel in your home.
Types of Kitchen Cabinets
Pinpointing What's Right For You
Getting to know the different kinds of kitchen cabinets you can get is the start of your renovation journey. Each one has its own pros when it comes to personalization, price, and how quickly it can be put in.
Stock Cabinets
Pre-made kitchen cabinets are available in typical sizes and designs, and you can install them right away. They offer the best value for your money.
Strengths
- Best value pick
- Ready for quick access
- Speedy mounting
- High quality from trusted makers
Limitations
- Few size choices
- Narrow design possibilities
- Could be unsuitable for unique layouts
- Simple features and components
Semi-Custom Cabinets
Semi-custom kitchen cabinets act as a bridge between off-the-shelf and bespoke options. Manufacturers use common sizes but enable tweaks to dimensions, finishes, and included features.
Pros
- Greater size options than stock
- Broader range of styles and finishes
- Additional storage features available
- Higher-grade materials
Restrictions
- More expensive than stock cabinets
- Takes longer to get (3-8 weeks)
- Still a few restrictions on customization
- Professional help for install may be needed
Custom Cabinets
Built precisely to your needs, custom kitchen cabinets provide boundless design opportunities. Specialized artisans create these to perfectly suit your space.
Upsides
- Endless design choices
- Fits any area perfectly
- Top-quality materials and build
- Unique storage setups
Restrictions
- Top price range
- Extended lead time (8-12 weeks or more)
- Requires professional installation
- Might be out of financial reach for the usual homeowner
Options for Tailoring Kitchen Cabinets
For kitchens in that truly express who you are, design is key. Customizing cabinets is crucial because it lets you pick out the exact materials, finishes, and features you love. This is why custom kitchen cabinets are a popular pick. Drop by American Home, a kitchen & bath design retail store dedicated to its customers with a professional design staff, making sure to offer only superior products at a fantastic value.
Exploring Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Off-the-shelf vs. Bespoke Choices
Not Sure Which Cabinet Type Is Right for You?
Our skilled designers can assist you in selecting the ideal kitchen cabinets that fit your space, style, and budget. Receive custom recommendations made just for you.
Cabinet Materials: Durability Meets Design
Your kitchen cabinets material influences their look, durability, care needs, and expense.
Picking the right materials for modern kitchen cabinets is critical for both appearance and how well they work. Solid wood and MDF are common choices for homeowners, each offering benefits for different tastes and needs. Nowadays, selecting materials that are good for the environment is also a big factor.
Here’s an overview of top cabinet materials to assist your choice.
Solid Wood vs. MDF
Known for their longevity and aesthetic appeal, solid wood cabinets offer a timeless look. Each cabinet boasts a distinct grain pattern, adding unique character. They’re an excellent investment for any kitchen renovation.
MDF, or Medium Density Fiberboard, offers a more budget-friendly choice. Its smooth surface is ideal for various finishes. MDF cabinets can mimic the look of solid wood at a lower price.
Picking Green Materials
Using materials that are good for the environment is becoming more popular. Homeowners want to choose options that are kind to the planet. This includes using reclaimed wood or materials that are sustainably sourced.
Not only do these options make our kitchens look great, but they also prove we’re thinking about the planet. Choosing green materials means we make our homes look good while helping nature.
Cabinet Maintenance: Preserving Beauty and Functionality
Proper maintenance extends the life of your kitchen cabinets and keeps them looking their best. Different cabinet materials require specific care approaches to maintain their appearance and structural integrity.
Daily Cleaning
Tips
- Wipe spills immediately to prevent staining
- For everyday dusting, use a soft, damp cloth
- Wash with a solution of mild soap and water
- Avoid abrasive cleaners and scouring pads
- Apply material-specific cleaners
- Dry completely after cleaning
Quarterly Maintenance
- Make sure to tighten loose hinges and hardware
-
Clean and polish
hardware - See if there's water damage near your sink cabinets
- For solid wood cabinets, apply wood conditioner
- Thoroughly clean the inside of cabinets
- Check for signs of pests or damage
Common
Repairs
- With matching markers, touch up any scratches
- Swap out broken hinges or drawer slides
- Secure loose door panels with wood glue
- Resolve sticky drawers by lubricating or adjusting
- Give worn parts of wood cabinets a fresh finish
- Replace damaged laminate edges
| Cabinet Material | Recommended Cleaner | What to Avoid | Special Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Wood | Mild soap and water, wood cleaner | Ammonia, silicone, citrus cleaners | Apply wood conditioner quarterly |
| Painted Wood | Mild dish soap and water | Abrasive cleaners, magic erasers | Touch up chips promptly |
| Laminate | All-purpose cleaner, vinegar solution | Excessive water, abrasive pads | Seal edges to prevent peeling |
| Thermofoil | Mild soap and water | Heat sources, harsh chemicals | Keep away from heat sources |
| Metal/Stainless | Stainless steel cleaner | Chlorine bleach, abrasives | Polish with grain direction |
Solid Wood
Painted Wood
Laminate
Thermofoil
Metal/Stainless
See Cabinet Materials Before You Decide
Visit one of our showrooms in Okemos, Lansing or DeWitt to see cabinet materials up close and discover the ideal match for your kitchen or bath project.
Kitchen Cabinets Trends
Get ahead with these popular kitchen cabinet styles that mix good looks with real use. These modern designs can make your kitchen a stunning display while still looking classic.
Keeping up with kitchen cabinets trends can change how your home looks and works. Certain styles, like all black cabinets and floating cabinets, are becoming popular. They add a modern touch to open-concept kitchens.
Two-Tone Cabinets
Two-tone kitchen cabinets combine different colors or finishes, typically with lighter upper cabinets and darker lower cabinets. This adds visual interest & make spaces appear larger.
- - Popular combinations: white/navy, cream/sage green, white/wood
- - Creates visual depth and dimension
- - Allows for creative expression
Handleless Designs
Handleless kitchen cabinets create a sleek, minimalist look with clean lines. These designs use push-to-open mechanisms, integrated pulls, or recessed handles.
- - Creates a streamlined, contemporary aesthetic
- - Easier to clean
- - Safer in homes with small children
Glass-Front Cabinets
Glass-front kitchen cabinets add visual interest and create the illusion of more space. They're perfect for displaying beautiful dishware or collectibles.
- - Available in clear, frosted, or textured glass
- - Can incorporate interior lighting for dramatic effect
- - Best used selectively as accent pieces
Nature-Inspired Colors
Earthy, nature-inspired cabinet colors are replacing stark whites. Sage green, dusty blue, and warm terracotta tones bring organic warmth to kitchens.
- - Creates a calming, biophilic environment
- - Offers subtle color without overwhelming the space
- - Pairs beautifully with natural materials
Mixed Open and Closed Storage
Combining traditional cabinets with open shelving creates visual interest while balancing display space with practical storage.
- - Showcases decorative items while hiding essentials
- - Creates an airier, more open feel
- - Allows for personalization and easy access to frequently used items
Smart Storage Solutions
Modern kitchen cabinets incorporate innovative storage features that maximize space and improve organization.
- - Pull-out pantry shelves and spice racks improving organization
- - Deep drawer organizers for pots and pans
- - Corner cabinet solutions (lazy Susans, pull-out systems)
All Black Kitchen Cabinets
All black cabinets are becoming more popular for their dramatic yet elegant look. They stand out against lighter countertops and backsplashes.
- - Makes a bold design statement with timeless appeal
- - Enhances visual contrast in kitchens with light surfaces
- - Adapts seamlessly to classic or contemporary styles
Floating Cabinets
Floating cabinets are loved for their airy feel in open-concept kitchens. They make the space feel bigger and let you show off decor underneath.
- - Creates a spacious, uncluttered modern atmosphere
- - Leaves room to highlight decorative flooring or accents below
- - Brings a sleek, modern edge to open-concept layouts
Visualize These Trends in Your Kitchen
Our design team can create a 3D rendering of your kitchen with the latest cabinet trends, tailored to your space and preferences.
Kitchen Cabinet Installation:
DIY or Professional?
Precision and careful planning are needed when installing kitchen cabinets. Whether you’re thinking of doing it yourself or getting experts, knowing the steps is key for a good result.
DIY Cabinet Installation
If you're an experienced DIYer with the right tools, putting in kitchen cabinets can save you money on labor and be very satisfying. RTA cabinets are great for DIY. If you like doing home projects, it's fulfilling and gives you creative freedom and cost control. Just follow the advice and check your measurements twice to avoid mistakes.
Key Tools for DIY Installation
- Level (4-foot and torpedo)
- Stud finder
- Drill and driver bits
- Tape measure and pencil
- Clamps and shims
- Screwdriver set
- Circular saw or miter saw
Do-It-Yourself Installation Guide
- Get rid of old cabinets and prep the walls
- Find and mark wall studs
- Draw the level line for upper cabinets
- Put up a temporary support ledger board
- Put up the top cabinets first
- Put in base cabinets, starting with the corner pieces
- Attach fillers, trim, and hardware
- Fit countertops and backsplash
Everyday DIY Installation Missteps
- Failing to locate and attach to wall studs
- Skipping the use of a level throughout installation
- Installing cabinets in the wrong order
- Excessive tightening of screws leading to cabinet damage
- Incorrect spacing for appliances
DIY Installation Timeline
A 10×10 kitchen, usually having 12-15 cabinets, will take:
- Beginner: 3-5 days
- Experienced DIYer: 1-2 days
- Professional team: 4-8 hours
Professional Cabinet Installation
Hiring professional installers ensures precision, efficiency, and warranty protection. This option is strongly recommended for custom kitchen cabinets or complex layouts.
Perks of Professional Installation
- Experience with various cabinet types and challenges
- Right tools and equipment for efficient installation
- Knowledge of building codes and best practices
- Cabinet warranties often need professional installation for protection
- Saves time and reduces stress
Locating Qualified Installers
- Get recommendations from cabinet suppliers
- Look at online reviews and ratings
- Check licensing, insurance, and experience
- Request and contact references
- Request detailed written estimates from more than one installer
Need Help With Cabinet Installation?
We’ll put you in touch with qualified, experienced cabinet installers in your vicinity who focus on your cabinet type.
Your Dream Kitchen Project: Next Steps
Choosing the perfect kitchen cabinets requires balancing aesthetics, functionality, durability, and budget. By understanding your options and planning carefully, you can create a beautiful and functional kitchen that enhances your home and daily life.
Design Is in The Details
Our Process
The Consultation
We begin the process by meeting in our showroom to discuss your vision. Once we understand exactly what you are looking for we will meet at your home to measure and get to know how you and your family utilize your home to help us design a space that will meet you and your families needs and wants. This information is vital to the design process as our designers begin visualizing your space.
The Vision
Using the most advanced technology available in the industry, we begin the design process. Once the initial design has been completed, our team will create 3D color renderings to help you visualize your new space before you make your final decision.
The Finishes
We provide a wide variety of cabinets, countertops, decorative hardware, and other products to complete the look and feel you’re dreaming of . Whether your style is contemporary, traditional, rustic, or somewhere in between, we have the finishes to create any style.
Exceeding Expectations
Homeowners
The American Home Experience
We take pride in creating beautifully functional spaces that are tailored to fit our homeowner’s desired aesthetic and lifestyle. Our team designs in 3D and assist in coordinating all of the colors and textures to bring your space to life.
Creating Partnerships
Builders & Contractors
We’re Part of Your Team
It is our goal to provide our builders and contractors, or their clients, with the same level of service given to our homeowners. We specialize in design and products only, so we’ll never be your competition.
Conclusion
For good-looking and highly functional kitchens, modern cabinets are crucial. With many styles, colors, and materials, homeowners can easily find what fits their preferences and practical needs.
With choices from modern, sleek designs to traditional Shaker styles, there’s no end to the options. This makes it possible for each kitchen to be truly unique and distinctive.
We prioritize our customers at American Home. We guide you through each phase to fulfill your kitchen aspirations. From high-end to affordable options, count on us for assistance.
Let’s explore the transformative effect modern kitchen cabinets can have. They’re capable of enhancing both the beauty and practicality of your space. We aim to assist you in creating a kitchen that’s inviting and perfectly tailored to your requirements.
