Many homeowners are surprised to discover so many styles of kitchen cabinets when they visit a home improvement store or cabinet maker. The sheer variety and number of cabinet options available can be overwhelming. This variety, however, also ensures that each owner can find styles that suit her personal taste.
We define kitchen cabinet styles by various components. The first is the wood used in construction. Homeowners choose wood for their cabinets based primarily on color and grain. Some styles are also painted. Options include:
- Oak
- Maple
- Cherry
- Walnut
- White
- express (black)
Most wood can have a natural or enamel finish. White cabinets can also be painted and glazed with an antique finish. The grain of the wood differs from one to another. Oak, for example, has a very prominent grain. Cherry and walnut are recognized both by the grain and by the color of the wood. The wood used for most cabinets built in the US is maple.
The most visible part of a closet is the door. However, the “box” side is visible at the end of a group of cabinets. The doors are manufactured with raised panels or with recessed panels. Some contemporary-style cabinets are made from flat door surfaces. The difference between these cabinet styles is whether the center of the door is raised above the level of the frame or recessed below the frame.
The next consideration when choosing kitchen cabinet styles is choosing the wood, finish, and door type that best suit the architecture and decor of the home. For example, a southern colonial style with traditional décor is the perfect match for antique white glaze finish with raised panel doors. A mountain cabin would be ideal for oak or walnut with recessed panel doors.
Most new homes being built today are in a “traditional” style of architecture, inspired by the Georgian two-story house or one-story ranch house popularized in the early subdivisions of the 1950s. These houses are ideal for oak, maple, walnut and cherry cabinets. Any of the door styles is appropriate.
Black and white are a good choice in most homes. The style of the doors and the options for handles and knobs can make them a good match for almost any style of home and décor. In fact, many homeowners install all cabinets without handles or knobs.
There are two ways to think about handles and knobs (pulls). On the one hand, the handles and knobs protect the wood of the cabinets. Wet or dirty hands will not stain or damage wood. On the other hand, some believe that knobs and handles detract from the beauty of wood and serve no important function. Handles and knobs are available in a variety of materials and styles to suit all tastes.
Whatever your opinion of handles and pulls, kitchen cabinets have become a work of art. Kitchen cabinet styles are available to suit any personal taste, any architectural style of the home, and any interior décor. Black and white contrast beautifully with stainless steel or colored kitchen appliances.
There is something very warm and beautiful about natural wood in any home. The options available in the various colors and wood grains make it possible for everyone to find what they like among the many styles of kitchen cabinets.