Kitchen cabinet design offers abundant options for every re-modeler to find the perfect cabinets for their new kitchen. Understanding the basic elements of design will help you narrow the array of options and simplify the decision. Some of these basics relate to the quality of construction and others are a matter of kitchen style and personal taste.

Let’s consider each in turn. Two of the basics of kitchen cabinet design are quality issues. The other two are about style and taste.

1. Material. What material will be used to build your cabinets? Material is one of the most important decisions you will make because the design and style of your cabinets are the major factor determining style and design of the entire kitchen. You have several choices:

• Metal (stainless steel, aluminum). Metal can be both expensive and heavy to hang. Some metals – especially those used in the past – were subject to rust. Metal can be available in colors or it can be painted. These cabinets also show any dings or dents if they are accidentally hit with a pan, and they will show scratches. For these reasons it is not a popular choice in kitchen cabinet design.
• Wood combinations. Some cabinet makers use less expensive wood, such as plywood or pine, to build the cabinet case and then use doors and exterior panels of better or more expensive wood. Some also use particle board or other composite materials. Any wood cabinets can be painted in the color of your choice. You can use a glossy finish or a matte finish.
• Solid wood. These cabinets are built entirely of finished, high-quality wood, such as hickory, oak, maple or more expensive woods like cherry or walnut. Traditional kitchens and some country-style kitchens might use a dark wood, such as cherry, mahogany, walnut or ebony. Contemporary kitchens tend to use lighter color woods such as birch or maple. You will want to consider the color, the grain of the wood and the finish applied to the wood. Better cabinets are finished with several coats of polyurethane to protect the wood. Solid wood is currently the most popular kitchen cabinet design choice.

2. Construction. Low quality cabinets are often put together with glue or with nails or staples. This is not a good idea (if you have the choice) because under the heavy use of kitchen cabinets and drawers, they will not last. High quality cabinets will be joined with dove tail construction. This is one of the most important aspect of kitchen cabinet design.

3. Door Style. There are many types and designs in cabinet doors. The door style is the primary determiner of kitchen cabinet design. For example, a contemporary kitchen would almost demand a flat panel door design. Raised panel design, on the other hand, is the preferred door style for a traditional style kitchen. Other cabinet designs include these door styles: reveal-overlay panel, frame and panel, beaded frame and panel, square raised panel, curved raised panel, bead board panel and cathedral panel.

4. Accessories are the final basic element of kitchen cabinet design. Accessories include knobs and handles, organization customizations, accessibility options and specialty modifications. Knobs and handles should match both the style of the kitchen (rustic, worn, sleek) and the other metals used in visible places in the kitchen. For example, brushed metals work very nicely with stainless steel appliances. There are many devices and gadgets that can be installed in drawers and cabinets to organize the contents. Many custom or customized units have these items built in. Accessibility items include things like sliding trays or spinning units (lazy Susan, for example) to make things in the cabinets easier to reach. Specialty modifications are changes made to any cabinets to make them function over refrigerated drawers or bar refrigerators, etc.

By understanding these basics of kitchen cabinet design, you will be better informed, better informed to ask questions, and better able to limit the number of cabinet styles you need to consider in order to choose the cabinets you will use in your kitchen remodel.

Scott Dostal is the President of Kitchen Cabinet Value, LLC, Clinton Township, MI, serving homeowners and real estate investors throughout SE Michigan. His company specializes in modifying structurally sound inexpensive kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities to look like cabinetry found in high value homes. To find out more about kitchen cabinet designs that contain the quality and look of expensive custom cabinets at a fraction of the price, get his free report at http://freereport.kitchencabinetvalue.com.

Shaker cabinets are super flexible type doors that they can be modern, traditional, old world or a variety of other styles depending on what they are combined with as far as design. Depending on the tile, lights, and hardware one can easily add interest and change the entire feel of a room.

Think of kitchen hardware as the cherry on the ice cream sundae. It is the completion of any good design and can make it look completely different than it did before.

Nickel and Steel

Nickel and steel are two finishes that continue to add value to a home when added, and especially in the kitchen. One simply cannot go wrong when choosing these finishes for hardware upon their shaker cabinets in any color or stain.

Since shaker cabinets are known for clean and beautiful lines, they work perfect with simple designs in hardware, however ornate knobs and pulls can be fun as well. Add a retro flair with white shaker cabinets or inset versions with exposed hinges for a fun look.

Antique Brass

Brass is a tough but brilliant finish to combine with shaker cabinets. Anyone that is looking for a warm, welcoming kitchen will be pleased with the addition of brass pulls. Add them in with stainless steel appliances and counter tops, industrial elements, dark or medium stained cabinets and even subway tiles just to present a few ideas.

Oil-rubbed bronze or brass looks amazing on white or grey cabinets which are very popular this year. See what can be found in antique stores and skip the cookie cutter pulls that are found in big box stores.

Glass Cabinet Pulls

Another vintage look is glass and ceramic pulls. Country style shaker cabinets will sing for attention and get it when adding these contrasting elements. These knobs and pulls come in a variety of styles and colors, and also opaque and transparent styles.

They can even be the perfect amount of bling for a girly girl kitchen, and add a chandelier. Why not go all out and really make a statement? Even glass front cabinets with a wood frame, still in shaker cabinet style can benefit from ceramic and glass pulls.

Flat Bar and Tubular Pulls

This type of pull upon colored or wood finish shaker cabinets gives a very contemporary or modern feel. If the homeowner is attracted to clean lines and basic, minimalist styles they’ll love these. They work great in town homes and flats in the city especially those with exposed ceilings and rough, brick walls.

Polished nickel is a popular choice as it sticks to the modern theme. They come in a variety of finishes, however, and lengths! Combine them with both light and dark shaker cabinets both for unique looks. Choose granite, stone or concrete counter tops and the same for floors. Also, glass backs plashes combine well. Sleek, modern and amazing anyone who visits this kitchen will be in awe.

Footed and Arced Pulls

For a graceful touch, consider footed and arced pulls which come in a variety of finishes, in glass and ceramic. Each type creates a different feel and is solely based on personal preference. Traditional and classic they are perfect for shaker cabinets. Switch up colors to keep interest within the kitchen and have fun.

Mosaic tiles are a fun addition to this type of kitchen, and decorators shouldn’t be afraid to mix up various finishes. Nickel, bronze, glass and everything in-between can be put together this year. It’s one of those “no rules” vibes. However, there is a strategic placement that one can observe to satisfy OCD friends.

Regardless of which pulls or knobs are the chosen hardware to adorn shaker cabinets, there is no denying that they are the perfect choice for any kitchen.

Domain Cabinets Direct is an online retailer for custom solid wood cabinets. Based in California they happily ship all over the United States and Canada direct to the curbside to make kitchen and bathroom upgrades simple and affordable. In addition to offering quality cabinets in a variety of finishes and styles, they also offer an online design tool and 3D design service. Cabinets can be viewed in the online showroom or in the in-house showroom for those in southern California. Contractors, designers and architects get a 15% discount on top of the already low prices offered. Because the products come direct from the distributor they are offered to you at very low cost. To learn more go to http://www.domaincabinetsdirect.com.

Shaker cabinets have been a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom cabinets for many years. This style has a timeless elegance about it, making it the ideal solution whether you’re renovating your kitchen or bathroom.

When looking for cabinets you will be presented with two types of doors, there are the slabs and the shakers. Slabs are a solid piece of smooth wood, there are no details, and they are plain, elegant and stylish. Shaker, on the other hand, has texture and personality, making it a cabinetry classic which will still be around in many years to come.

Shaker style is a more textured design, often looking like a square inside a square, or a rectangle set within a rectangle with a recess between the two. What makes this such a popular choice is that it is timeless, it will blend in with any kitchen design and will still look fantastic in twenty years or more.

It doesn’t matter how modern your home is, this particular type of door can really enhance your kitchen or bathroom design, adding personality to the space and creating a “wow” factor.

Even better, is that shaker style cabinet come in a host of different woods and color options. Those looking to create an environmentally friendly kitchen can choose from the spectacular bamboo options, while those looking for a good and solid wood choice can go for the many other wooden options available on the market, including cherry, birch and oak, just to mention a few.

These doors can then be varnished, left natural or painted to suit the style and finish of your kitchen or bathroom design. Often you will notice that these are painted in a white or cream color, this light color enhances the space, making it feel spacious and clean, a huge advantage in any room design.

The shaker system cabinetry classic looks fantastic when integrated with granite worktops. The sheer beauty of the doors combined with the natural stone, makes them stand out. Because worktops are so flat and smooth, the versatility of the cabinets ensures that your kitchen looks amazing.

For those looking to create an environmentally friendly space, using bamboo for the cabinets and floors is a step in the right direction, creating beauty at its best. You can easily incorporate these timeless cupboards into any kitchen or bathroom design, just be sure you choose the right color scheme to enhance the space.

While these remain a classic, it’s essential to ensure you only purchase from a reputable supplier that is known for their reliability in the industry. Many homeowners choose ready to assemble cabinets, enabling them to make them up themselves or making it easier for their contractors.

These options are much cheaper than having cupboards specially made for you. They come in a choice of sizes, designs and wood options, ensuring you find what you want to blend in with your overall design.

Do some online research before making any decisions and see how the shaker cabinets will blend in with your new kitchen or bathroom design. These are not for everyone, some people prefer the slab design, with smooth edges and clean lines.

There is no right or wrong when choosing your cupboards, just ensure that they work within the space. A traditional and contemporary kitchen will definitely benefit from the shaker options, while an ultra-modern kitchen that is brilliant white will benefit from the slab options.

Go and have a look at the different choices in person, even if you are ordering online, this will give you a clear idea of what to expect when your renovation is complete.

Domain Cabinets Direct is a premium Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) solid wood kitchen and bathroom cabinet supplier. This US based company provides high quality cabinets in shaker and slab designs that are modern with clear lines. The company offers their cabinets in a range of materials from eco-friendly bamboo to beautiful cherry and birch. Domain Cabinets Direct is members of the US Green Building Council and the Habitat for Humanity, to mention a few. The company offers an easy to use website brimming with information, including how to videos and information and Frequently Asked Questions and so much more. http://www.domaincabinetsdirect.com/