Kitchen Cabinet Design Ideas
If you’re wanting to make a high-impact change to your kitchen, updating the cabinetry is guaranteed to give your space a facelift.
Whether you’re updating your kitchen cabinets as part of a wider renovation, or just looking to make some targeted upgrades to freshen up the space, familiarising yourself with different cabinet styles will make it easier to choose the right one for the look and feel you want to achieve.
Read on for a more detailed look at the different kitchen cabinet designs, and the styles of kitchen each best suits.
Shaker-style cabinets
The shaker-style cabinet originates from America in the 1700s, but is still immensely popular today thanks to its timeless look.
Shaker-style cabinets are flat with recessed panels on the cabinet doors. This simple design never goes out of style as it makes for sleek and stylish kitchen cabinets that complement a range of different design aesthetics. The shaker style is also incredibly versatile meaning it can include fluted columns, corbels and mantels. The shaker cabinet can also be finished in a variety of textures such as ash grain, or opaque colours in gloss and matte.
Shaker cabinetry is most synonymous with Hamptons-style kitchens, though it also works well in country-style or traditional kitchens.
For a more comprehensive look at design styles for your upcoming renovation and how to achieve your dream aesthetic, browse our design principles guide – download your free copy.
Handleless cabinets
Popular in modern design for its unbroken lines and low-maintenance finish, handleless cabinets are a great choice for minimalists and families alike.
Quiet to close and easy to clean, handleless kitchens give the look of a uniform and symmetrical space. They also draw more attention to focal points in the space, such as a feature splashback or statement light.
Handleless cabinets can be fitted with touch mechanisms that open with a simple push. The handleless look can also be achieved with kitchen cabinet doors that have a slight overhang on the bottom which can be easily gripped, essentially creating a concealed handle.
Read more about handless kitchen design.
Glass-fronted cabinets
Glass-fronted kitchen cabinets are the perfect choice for homeware-lovers who want to put their collection of crockery, pottery and glassware on display. They can also be utilised to house a home bar, or to display cookbooks – they’re a great way to add personality to your kitchen while doubling as extra storage.
Above the bench, replace the centre panel of your cupboard door with a pane of glass to achieve the style. Ornamental detailing can add further personalisation to the final look.
See more stylish combinations of benchtop and cupboards.
Taller glass cabinets can also be created by taking an antique pantry facade and adding in glass doors. This treatment will give your kitchen a country-style look.
Keep in mind that the premise of this style means that the cabinets’ contents will be on permanent display, so regular organisation and cleaning is non-negotiable.
Textured profiled cabinets
Textured profiled kitchen cabinets are beginning to trend again, whether it’s their use as a raw material, or incorporation as a design feature through panelling.
Traditionally used to add character and warmth to a kitchen, the textured profiled texture has long been considered a luxury alternative to vinyl or laminate. They can skew country when paired with a heritage door profile, though the shade you opt for plays a large role in the final look and feel of your kitchen.
Panelling can also create a point of interest from your kitchen cabinets. The orientation and style of panelling you choose can create completely different design styles, but all can add a country or coastal touch to your home.
Beadboard panelling refers to the style characterised by long, vertical panels interspersed with raised ‘beads’. In cabinetry, this often forms the centre panel of the cupboard door, with a raised border around the outer edges.
Tongue and groove panelling is less ornamental, whereby panels interlock to form a singular piece. This can be vertical or horizontal, depending on your preference.
Integrated cabinets
For those who prefer their appliances to remain out of sight, or simply like the look of a sleek space with unbroken lines, integrating your appliances into the cabinetry itself provides a functional solution.
These can be built with or without handles, and seamlessly connect your cupboards with your appliances to create one uniform space to the unknowing eye.
As you can see, there are a range of kitchen cabinet designs to choose from, and many can be used across a variety of kitchen styles – some can even be combined together!
If you’re unsure which style would best suit your space, our friendly team of expert kitchen designers can help to narrow down the best option for your project. Get in touch with us today. Alternatively, visit one of our showrooms in Sydney, Western Sydney, the Central Coast, and Newcastle to get some inspiration for your kitchen cabinets.
