Kitchens are the heart of the home. As such, kitchen cabinet design plays a crucial role in creating a beautiful and functional space you’ll love spending time in. From materials to color schemes, hardware styles to layout, cabinetry anchors the look and functionality of your kitchen. Read on for creative kitchen cabinet design ideas to inspire your dream kitchen design. Whether you prefer a traditional, contemporary, or modern farmhouse kitchen in style, you’ll discover clever ways to maximize storage, showcase pretty dishware, and give your kitchen a gorgeous facelift with cabinet updates.
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Traditional White Oak Cabinetry For Timeless Style
There’s something special about white oak cabinetry. The beautiful wood tones add natural warmth while the traditional shaker-style cabinet doors lend a timeless elegance. White oak cabinetry works perfectly in almost any kitchen design from modern to traditional spaces. If you go visit a countertop store, you can always find one suitable for traditional white oak cabinetry for a timeless style.
Consider opting for simple shaker-style cabinetry fronts in a durable white oak material. The clean lines provide a neutral backdrop so other elements like hardware, countertops, backsplash tile, and paint colors can take center stage. Include glass front upper cabinets to break up the traditional cabinetry, while showcasing pretty dishware.
Go Green With Sage Green Cabinets
Want to make a bold statement? Go green with painted cabinets! Sage green cabinets breathe new life into any kitchen.
The earthy green tone feels fresh yet natural. It allows you to add an unexpected pop of color without overpowering the space.
Balance ultra-sleek cabinet doors with brass hardware for an elegant look. Contrast the green cabinets with bright white quartz countertops and subway tile backsplash for a vibrant modern kitchen.
Consider open shelving, a kitchen island with cabinets, floating shelves, or a wet bar to add dimensional interest while boosting storage space.
Sophisticated Style With Two-Toned Kitchen Cabinets
Two-toned kitchen cabinets continue gaining popularity for good reason. The mix of upper and lower cabinets in different stains, paints, or materials creates built-in contrast in your kitchen design. Two-toned kitchen cabinets allow you to emphasize the upper cabinetry as a stylistic focal point.
For a sophisticated look, consider white lower cabinets with rich wood-stained uppers. Or go for an ultra-modern vibe with glossy grey bottom cabinets and matte black uppers.
Include a sleek metal range hood and modern gold hardware to complement the aesthetic. Quartz “marble look” countertops tie the look together beautifully.
Stainless Steel Cabinetry For An Industrial Edge
Love the sleek professional look of stainless steel appliances? Bring that material into your cabinetry too. The industrial edge of stainless steel cabinetry creates a modern, ultramodern kitchen. It’s a perfect choice for contemporary spaces.
Consider cabinet fronts made of brushed stainless steel for added depth and dimension. Include some glass front upper cabinets to prevent too sterile of an aesthetic.
Add pops of color with the backsplash tile, bar stools, kitchenware, and decor items like plants or a fruit bowl. Stainless cabinets allow you to get creative with wall colors too. A deep blue, green, or even orange would sing against the silvery cabinetry.
Hidden Storage Solutions For Small Kitchen Spaces
Maximizing every inch of real estate is key in a small kitchen. Clever hidden storage solutions like pull-out drawers, blind corner cabinets, and slide-out shelving will help tackle clutter. Ample storage space helps keep the counters clutter-free so a tiny kitchen still feels open.
Consider open shelving for frequently-used smaller appliances like the toaster, microwave, and blender to free up cabinet space. Replace upper cabinets with floating shelves mounted high on the wall to reduce visual bulk.
Design a narrow built-in “pantry cupboard” for food storage to make the most of awkward nooks. Small space-saving touches make all the difference.
The Classic Charm Of Glass Front Cabinets
There’s something about glass front cabinet doors that instantly boosts kitchen charm. The transparent view provides a peek at pretty dishware while allowing more light to filter through. Glass front cabinets contribute warmth, texture, and dimension to any kitchen including modern, industrial, and traditional spaces.
To prevent too busy of an aesthetic, consider alternating glass front doors with solid wood panel options. Limit glass fronts to upper cabinets only to prioritize quartz countertop surface function. When it comes to glass color, opt for clear to feel ultra-modern or frosted glass for a soft, vintage vibe.
Quartz Countertops & Marble Backsplash For Luxe Style
Quartz countertops offer durability with the luxe aesthetic of marble and other natural stones. When paired with a marble tile backsplash, you achieve a high-end magazine-worthy kitchen. It’s a winning combo.
White quartz countertops with subtle gray veining emulate the look of a marble countertop without the high maintenance. Contrast with larger gray and white marble subway tiles on the backsplash to emulate exotic stone. Finish the luxurious look with brass hardware including the cabinet pulls and kitchen faucet. The overall aesthetic whispers sophistication.
Modern Farmhouse Style With Shiplap Backsplash
Want that rustic Chip and Joanna Gaines charm? Bring modern farmhouse style to your kitchen with shiplap. The classic wide plank wood design serves as an attractive, texture-rich backsplash alternative. Paired with white shaker cabinets, an apron-front sink, and antique bronze hardware, prepare for compliments.
Shiplap offers a clever way to add natural wood tones without the commitment of wood cabinets. Paint the planks white or black to match your cabinets or opt for a weathered wood stain for emphasis.
Include glass front cabinet doors and open shelving for a light, airy space. Finish the look with modern touches like gold hardware and an extra-large kitchen island for a fresh take on traditional design.
Clever Kitchen Cabinet Ideas To Maximize Space
A well-designed kitchen optimizes every inch. Tiny details like refrigerator and freezer drawers, slide-out shelving, spice racks, and tilt-out bins help conquer clutter. Evaluate your typical everyday items and tasks to customize space-saving solutions.
For dry goods, install pull-out cabinet shelves to see what’s hiding in the back easily. Add tiered spice racks inside a door or drawer to keep seasoning organized.
Utilize that space or awkward blind corner space with specialized pull-out cabinets. Reduce upper cabinet depth to gain countertop space. Consider custom built-ins like a floor-to-ceiling pantry cabinet, bookshelves, or desk in unused areas to multiply storage possibilities.
Consider creative cabinet lighting like:
-LED under cabinet lighting for task illumination
-Strips of pendant lights lining upper cabinets
-Mason jar sconces mounted inside glass door cabinets
-Beautiful displays of glassware, dishes, or collectibles lit inside cabinet
-Ambient step lighting along the base of perimeter cabinets
-Mirror backing inside glass door cabinets to amplify light
HGTV rightly declares that the first place to start when dreaming up your perfect kitchen is the cabinetry. The cabinets offer both form and important functions.
Properly illuminating cabinets provide both form and important function for your workstation spaces.
Minimalist Style With Handle-Free Cabinets
Prefer a pared-back minimalist aesthetic? Get rid of visible hardware with integrated handle-free cabinets. The ultra-sleek style streamlines your kitchen’s look for a polished modern feel. Eliminating hardware also facilitates easy cleaning by removing grooves and nooks where dirt and grime hide.
For a cohesive look, integrate handles directly into both the upper and lower cabinet doors. Opt for durable cabinets with soft-closing hinges for a more luxurious user experience.
While handle-free shaker-style cabinets may skew modern, the minimalist look works equally well in traditional spaces too. Mix handle-free shaker-style doors with open shelving and marble countertops to craft an elegant transitional design.
Add Texture With Wood Grain Cabinetry
While the flat panel and front cabinets dominate today’s cabinet styles, there’s something special about the dimensional look of wood grain cabinetry. Recessed panel doors with wood grain texture add cozy natural flair. The extra depth and noticeable wood grain bring warmth and nuance to modern and traditional spaces alike.
To prevent too rustic of an aesthetic, consider balancing wood grain cabinets with sleek marble countertops and backsplash tile. Incorporate glass front upper cabinet doors to allow more light to filter through the kitchen. For hardware, opt for an eye-catching gold finish instead of traditional bronze for a modern twist.
Boost Brightness With White Shaker Cabinets
All-white kitchens continue trending because they epitomize brightness and clean lines. For model-worthy basics, you simply can’t go wrong with white shaker cabinets paired with marble accents.
The combo emulates high-end kitchen spaces featured in magazines. Lean into the scheme’s versatility with personal touches like artisan tile or avant-garde light fixtures.
Crisp white shaker cabinets serve as a lovely blank canvas to build your kitchen design around. Have fun with the backsplash tile like handmade subway tile or vibrant patterns.
Incorporate brass hardware including the faucet, cabinet pulls, and pendant lighting for pops of shine. Consider a kitchen island painted a different color from the perimeter cabinetry for accent contrast.
Designer Details: Mixing Materials Like A Pro
Professional designers artfully blend metals, colors, textures, and materials to craft depth within a space. Similarly, you can break up all-wood or all-painted cabinets by mixing materials. The unique details transform kitchen cabinetry from basic to bespoke.
Some lovely blended white kitchen cabinet ideas include:
Wood lower cabinets, white uppers
The combination of rich wood lower cabinets contrasted by bright white upper cabinets creates built-in depth and dimension. The white-painted upper cabinets keep the space feeling light and airy while the wood cabinetry adds warmth.
Consider a crisp white shaker style for the uppers for airy charm and opt for a natural stain that perfectly complements your kitchen’s color scheme for the lower cabinets. Adding wooden counters or a reclaimed wood kitchen island would complement this mismatched cabinet look beautifully.
Patterned tile insets or backsplashes
Incorporating patterned tile insets is a lovely way to infuse color, texture, and personality. Opt for bold patterns like geometrics or florals, contemporary horizontal stacks, or playful tiles featuring fruits, vegetables, or fish.
Use the tile sparingly as a backsplash focal point or inside glass door cabinets rather than overwhelming the whole kitchen. Finish off the eclectic look with cabinet hardware like vintage brass pulls that feel hip and modern.
Natural stone floating shelves
The dimensional beauty of natural stone adds texture and intricate pattern to any kitchen. Floating stone shelves made of marble, travertine, or granite serve as attractive ledges to display cookbooks, plants, and cherished tableware.
Match the stone shelves to your countertop material for a cohesive custom look. Consider mounting the floating stone shelves on an accent wall painted a deep green or navy blue for some drama.
Painted cabinets, reclaimed wood island
Infuse farmhouse charm into a modern kitchen with the rustic twist of a reclaimed wood island. Salvaged wood islands add delightful contrast to crisp white shaker cabinets.
For added dimension, consider finishing the perimeter painted cabinets in different tones like navy lower cabinets with cloud white uppers. The mix of wood, white, and light blue also creates depth while keeping the aesthetic light and airy.
Glass front uppers, solid wood lowers
The charming appeal of glass front cabinets never fades. Glass fronts illuminate and add visual interest while wood cabinetry offers solidity. Using glass fronts solely for upper cabinets retains accessible storage space in lower drawers and cabinets.
For whole kitchen cohesion, integrate glass front uppers within cabinetry all finished in the identical stain or paint color. Modern metallics like stainless steel cabinets gray painted cabinets contrasted with glass front uppers prove particularly sleek and striking.
Metallic accents like brass hardware or steel legs
Metallic accents add literal shine while instantly modernizing kitchen cabinetry. Swap traditional bronze pulls for trending brass or champagne gold hardware. Consider avant-garde-shaped cabinet pulls for contemporary flair.
Or opt for stainless steel or powder-coated metal legs on a kitchen island or floating shelves for an industrial edge. Metallic accents harmonize elegantly with marble, glass, and wood tones. Introduce them sparingly through hardware and fixtures for maximum accent appeal.
Thoughtfully mixing textures, colors, and materials prevents any space from feeling flat or one-dimensional. Adding dimension through cabinetry ranks among the best ways to elevate a basic kitchen to feel special.
Eco-Chic Style With Reclaimed Wood Cabinetry
Reclaimed wood cabinetry offers character and eco-appeal, transforming kitchens into charming rustic spaces. Salvaged barn boards and weathered wood add natural texture without depleting additional trees. The dimensional and sustainability factors provide a feel-good vibe.
For a modern rustic look, combine reclaimed wood cabinets with marble countertops and black steel hardware. Or pair distressed wood cabinet fronts with bright white quartz countertops and open shelving for an airy coastal aesthetic. Finish the eco-chic style with energy-efficient lighting and appliances to complete your earth-friendly kitchen.
Classic Blue & White For Timeless Appeal
Like a crisp blue and white gingham tablecloth, some color combinations prove eternally charming. Matching blue cabinets with a white marble backsplash and countertops creates a timelessly appealing kitchen backdrop. For an elegant and cheerful space, the cool blue and bright white scheme wins every time.
For a lighter look, try pale sky-blue cabinets. The airy pastel shade feels cheerful and calm. For drama, opt for navy blue and white cabinets against the white stone. Finish the sophisticated color scheme with glamorous brass hardware and accessories.
Practical Design With Pull-Out Cabinet Storage
Function meets form with clever pull-out cabinet storage solutions. Customized pull-outs like tilt-out bins, divided organizers, and spice drawer inserts simplify everyday kitchen tasks. They also reduce wasted space from ineffective standard cabinetry layouts.
Evaluate the contents you routinely store within each cabinet, then customize. Pull-outs allow you to neatly organize anything from baking essentials to cleaning products.
Install shallower tilt-out bins to split a deep cabinet into two functional levels. Add custom dividers to optimize wide drawers for utensils and cooking tool storage. Thoughtful pull-outs conquer chaos!
Unique Hardware Makes A Statement
Designer home trends continue showing heightened appreciation of hardware finishes and styles. Cabinet hardware serves as an inexpensive, simple way to update your kitchen’s look.
Swapping basic bronze pulls out for trending champagne gold, matte black, or brass finishes instantly modernizes the space. Or opt for avant-garde-shaped handles like arched, angular, and curved pulls to craft contemporary flair.
When selecting hardware, consider the cabinet style as well as your kitchen’s overall aesthetic. Sleek modern cabinets cry for equally streamlined hardware while traditional shaker cabinetry feels best balanced with classic hardware shapes.
Pro design tip:
Opt for the same finish throughout the kitchen across lighting, faucets, and hardware for a polished custom look a professional designer would choose. Matching finishes elevate the kitchen to feel purposefully designed.
Special Finishes for One-of-a-Kind Style
Tired of basic stained or painted cabinets? Special cabinet finishes like the below add artisan allure:
-Whitewashed wood for a beachy coastal vibe
-Metallic finishes like champagne, bronze, or antiqued silver leafing
-Rich moody stains like espresso, charcoal gray, or black for drama
-Distressed paint techniques to emulate vintage charm
-Faux techniques like wood grain painted doors or marbleized finishes
-Wallpaper-wrapped cabinet fronts infuse color, pattern, and texture
-Concrete insets or floating shelves for an edgy contrast
With cabinets typically accounting for 40% of total kitchen renovation costs according to Consumer Reports, selecting durable, optimized cabinetry proves a smart investment.
Unique special finishes craft a personalized signature design style that wows. They allow you to create a custom look for design-savvy kitchens.
Key Takeaways
The array of kitchen cabinet ideas proves that selecting enticing cabinet designs need not overwhelm or bust budgets. Clever touches like glass cabinet inserts, pulled-out storage solutions, mixed materials, and updated hardware allow you to customize your kitchen around personal style preferences and space requirements.
Evaluate how you use your kitchen then optimize storage solutions accordingly. Mix classic elements like shaker cabinet fronts with contemporary textures, colors, or materials for a transitional style with broad appeal. Have fun brainstorming inventive ways to conquer clutter and craft a kitchen that awes guests while delivering serious function and charm.
