Typically, the rooms that we spend the majority of our time in, kitchens and baths, are the ones that present the most challenges. The right cabinetry can make or break your style and functionality, not to mention your budget. Cabinets can set the visual tone for your room, and are a huge part of how well it functions.
Cabinetry usually devours the bulk of a budget, especially during an entire kitchen remodel. Because it is a major investment, you need to sort through the many options and make your choices with confidence. Get your cabinets right and the chances of loving your room will go way up.
The freedom to explore different layout possibilities provides an added bonus when installing new cabinets in your kitchen. Years ago cabinetry was just placed in the room, and that supposedly made it functional. Now, every cabinet has a purpose. Pullout drawers for pots and pans, oversized drawers for baking sheets and designated cabinets for trash and recycling are just a few examples. Accessories like Lazy Susans, built-in spice racks, drawer organizers and other cabinet extras make the kitchen a much more efficient and enjoyable place. Wall cabinets today often extend to the ceiling, making use of high-up space for storing infrequently used specialty serving-ware and cookware. Or, wall cabinets are blown to full-length proportions, stretching from floor to ceiling to create an accent wall that can house everything from cookbooks to appliances.
Cabinets form the backbone of the kitchen. Consider different layouts and looks. Choosing kitchen cabinets can be the biggest, if not the most nerve-wracking decision you'll make for your kitchen. It's easy to understand since the cabinets will have a big impact on your budget as well as how your kitchen looks. It is one of the first things you see when you walk in a kitchen and has a large influence on the whole "feel" of your room.
The look is not the whole story however and with cabinets there is an element of “you-get-what-you-pay-for.” That's because they're made with a variety of construction techniques using several different materials in a "good", "better", "best" fashion. You can find good products at an affordable price and don’t have to incorporate the absolute best materials or the latest organizer gizmos. Just be aware however that cabinets generally consume about half of the typical kitchen budget so you'll want to be sure you know what you're getting for your money. The best way to do that is to understand the differences in construction and materials and how those elements impact their quality and durability.