“Home renovation”: For anxiety-inducing phrases, it’s right up there with “audit,” “blind date,” and “family reunion.” But it does not have to be like that! The cabinet design is a perfect example. It’s also a great place to start the remodeling process. Why? Because it sums up everything exciting about home renovation: exciting options, endless possibilities, and the chance to let your creativity flow in a whole new direction.
Of course, having unlimited options is like having the day off from work due to a snow storm, only to spend the next 4 hours shoveling. It is not all that it appears to be. Similarly, the variety of shapes, colors, and sizes available for cabinet design can sometimes be overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to break down the cabinet design into a few manageable steps:
1. Open doors: Your choice of cabinet door style is critical. Not only will it be the highlight of your new space, but it will also help set the tone for the rest of the room. As you begin this initial stage of cabinet design, you will have three main options to consider:
Yo. slab doors: Ideal for a modern kitchen, these doors are made from a single piece of sturdy wood. Its simplicity and clean lines fit perfectly into an avant-garde design scheme.
ii. Square Doors: There’s a reason these are a popular choice among homeowners. Cabinetry design is all about matching the dwelling to the occupants, and square doors allow you to do just that. With a rectangular frame that offers the option of a raised or flat panel and a simple or detailed design, they can support any theme, from contemporary to traditional, with the same style.
iii. arched doors: Although similar to square doors, this cabinet design element features a decorative arch built into the top of the panel and frame. Its classic look and attention to detail are the perfect complement to traditional décor.
2. Finish strong: This is where your cup of creative juices can really overflow in your little nook. Cabinet designer finishes come in a variety of styles and combinations to reflect your unique tastes.
You may want to bring out the natural wood grain with a tint that can be light, dark, or something in between. Or maybe you prefer to paint the wood grain by selecting from an incredible variety of colors and shades.
If you like, you can finish it off with an attractive glaze that adds warmth and class to your cabinet design.
For something unique and brimming with character, consider a patina finish, where additional distressed sanding achieves an antique look for modern cabinets.
3. Open and close: The last step is to choose the knobs and handles for the doors and drawers of your wardrobe. Usually made of wood or metal, they can fall anywhere on the spectrum, from simple to intricate, depending on your preferences and the look you’re going for. To make things really interesting, try combining different styles until you find the perfect match. And sure, maybe this step is just the “icing on the cake”, but let’s be honest. If it was socially acceptable to eat just the icing and leave the rest behind, who wouldn’t?
So if you’re feeling a little anxious about the myriad of cabinet design options and not sure where to start, just take it step by step. Even if it is a bit stressful at times, the result is well worth it. And unlike the audit, the blind date or the family reunion, this is an event that is sure to have a happy ending.
