Are you planning a kitchen renovation? Start with the perfect cabinets. Follow these 5 steps to find the right cabinetry for you:
1. Choosing the Right Material – There are a range of cabinet materials available. Wood, reclaimed materials, laminate, and medium density fibreboard are all popular options. All materials will range in price, durability, and ease of maintenance. If you are looking for a durable, easy to clean, and cost-effective option, laminate is a good choice. Wooden cabinets are great for customization and creating a new look down the road.
2. Picking the Perfect Colour – The gleaming white kitchen has been a popular choice in recent years, but it looks like colour is making its way back into the kitchen. Choose a cabinet colour that will work well with your countertops, flooring and backsplash. Gray is a popular choice for cabinets, and it pairs nicely with stainless steel appliances and black countertops. Remember that dark paints and stains do not hide dust well. Lighter cabinets may stain more easily, but they also hide dust. Consider what would be easier for you to maintain.
3. Deciding on Paint or Stain – Kitchen cabinets are largely about the finish. Do you prefer a sleek, or a textured finish? To help you decide, here are some pros and cons to both:
Paint
PROS: Offers a clean aesthetic, flawless finish and crisp design. Offers endless possibilities for colour options and opportunity for customization. Allows you to cover up any imperfections in the wood.
CONS: About 10-15 per cent more expensive than stain. Harder to touch up. If you bought semi-custom or prefabricated cabinets, you may not be able to find an exact colour match. Cabinetmakers may also apply paints by spraying – this method looks great but it is harder to replicate with a touch-up kit. Brushed finishes are easier to touch up.
Stain
PROS: Shows more wood features, and has a good balance between color and texture. Allows natural character of the wood to shine through and is easier to touch-up.
CONS: Stains will show all imperfections. Not all cabinets take stain well. Cabinets made of fibreboard are better suited for paint while higher end natural wood cabinetry can look brilliant with stain.
4. Updating with Hardware – Bold colour is not the only way to create interest with cabinets. Bold knobs, pulls and handles are a simple and inexpensive addition that can change the overall appearance of your kitchen. Pairing contemporary hardware with classic wooden cabinets can bring your kitchen into the 21st century.
5. Getting Innovative – Kitchens are getting high-tech, and it is not just the appliances! Cabinetmakers are coming out with innovative cabinets that are self-closing, space-saving and designed for different functions throughout the kitchen. Have a small kitchen? You can now find specially designed cabinets to make the most use of your space.
Are you renovating to sell? A modern/updated kitchen is one of the most sought-after features that home buyers look for in a home. If you have any questions on how to get your kitchen (and the rest of your home) looking its best, call me at 416.960.9995.
