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The Role of Cabinets in Kitchen Style
Posted by Admin on Jan 14th 2021
Anyone who has built or decorated a home in a specific style is likely to want the kitchen to follow suit, particularly if is a part of an open-plan space. Your house, as a whole, does not follow a thematic style, but many people enjoy creating a look for the kitchen that appeals to their personal taste and lifestyle.
Before you make a decision on style, it is a good idea to consider the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches. The various elements to also consider include existing characteristics in your kitchen to the type and style of the cabinets that are chosen. Of course, there will also likely be budget constraints to contemplate as well.
Basic Considerations for Kitchen Style
In addition to the size and shape, elements including flooring, ceiling type, and wall finish also play a role. For example, country cottages and farmhouse style kitchens will look more authentic if the floors are stone or brick. A smooth concrete finish will also work with these traditional styles. Quarry tiles suit cottage-style kitchens while marble or plain gray, white, or stone-colored tiles will generally add a minimalistic feel.
Exposed beams look good in country-style and farmhouse kitchens, and if the ceiling is high enough, these can be added for effect, even if they don’t form part of the structure. Doors and windows also play a role, but paint and window dressing can instantly change the look.
Country and Farmhouse Kitchen Style
Whether your home is located in a rural or urban area, it is relatively easy to create an authentic farmhouse- or country-style kitchen – providing the proportions of the room are large enough. Floor and wall surfaces should be practical and there should be plenty of cabinets for storage. Unless there is a separate pantry, tall cabinets play an important role in terms of food storage. Natural wood or painted doors can look good in this environment.
Consider open shelving instead of or combination with upper wall-hung cabinets and line these with homemade pickles, jams, and other goodies. A wooden table and chairs in the center of the room will complete the look.
Cottage Kitchens
Well suited to smaller homes that have a rustic feel, cottage kitchens generally have quarry-tiled floors, perhaps with a rug on the floor. They often combine loose wooden units with built-in cabinets, so these should also be wood, though both solid and arched glass cabinet doors look great. A traditional Welsh dresser lined with teapots and ornamental bowls, and perhaps a small butcher’s block and/or a small central table will add to the ambiance.
Because they are by nature small, cottage kitchens must be carefully planned to ensure that there are adequate work surfaces, particularly alongside the sink and stove.
Cooks’ Kitchens
Often large, the cook’s kitchen makes a statement in terms of equipment: pots, pans, and other appliances. While not all of this has to be displayed, a pot rack hung from the ceiling above a central island unit will certainly add to the style.
Storage space is important in the cook’s kitchen and so a balance of base, upper, and tall cabinets are best. Incorporate a freestanding bookshelf or wall-mounted shelves for recipe books, both in use and for inspiration. While sealed wood or plank, or any painted material may be used for cabinets, careful attention should be paid to work surfaces. Ideally, incorporate a hardwood chopping block and a marble slab in the plan. If you cannot build these in, at very least position them on top.
Urban Kitchens
Just as country-style kitchens may be found in the city, urban-style kitchens may be found in more rural areas. Slick and sophisticated, they are well organized, with loads of cupboard and cabinet space available. Stainless steel and high gloss tiles look great in this environment and it can be as subdued or as colorful as you like.
Urban kitchen style should incorporate super-efficient extraction and ventilation systems.
Minimalistic Kitchens
The minimalistic kitchen is streamlined and it has everything behind closed doors. Color is usually limited, although accent color can work. Curtains are typically not found and practical easy-to-clean blinds the norm.
Cabinets should be coated or painted or laminate and should ideally be solid. This rules out glass fronts. Use every bit of available wall and floor space for the base and upper cabinets.
Final Thoughts on Kitchen Style
Whether you choose a traditional farmhouse or a modern cooks’ aesthetic, the most important element of style is that it works for you. These styles are not mutually exclusive. You can create an eclectic style by mixing and matching pieces from various styles. If you are not sure what style you think would work best, then the best place to start is measuring. Before you even start browsing style options, you can create a detailed plan that includes an inventory of the items you have, what needs to be ordered, and the correct measurements for each. Once you have this plan, or if you are struggling with getting started, feel free to give us a call at 1-844-326-6680 or an email at info@cabinetdoormart.com.