Kitchen Cabinets Traditional or Contemporary?

by Miriam Kasdan
KitchensAndCabinets.com Columnist
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If you're thinking of refacing your kitchen cabinets to give them and your kitchen a new look, you must choose between traditional and contemporary cabinetry. Here's a brief primer.


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Traditional Kitchen Cabinets

Traditional kitchen cabinets come with more detail, such as raised panels or Victorian accents. The type of wood you select will bring with it a certain style for your kitchen. Wine-dark cherry wood fits an elegant formal setting, while warm brown oak works in a Prairie-style kitchen. Honeyed pine or cream-colored paint adds an English country flavor. Moldings and trims add to the traditional accents of this busy room.

Contemporary Kitchen Cabinets

These cabinets capture the furniture and design trends of the mid-to-late 20th century. Contemporary cabinets have an uncluttered look with few frills, clean lines, and simple geometry. The cabinet doors could be made of modern engineered materials instead of traditional solid wood. Add glass shelves, for a peek at your pretty dinnerware. If you have stainless steel sinks, contemporary kitchen cabinets would complement this modern look.

Buck the Trends

Whichever look you decide on, choose a kitchen cabinet style that works with the overall style of your house. If your home is contemporary, you probably wouldn't want dark cherry cabinet doors. On the other hand, if you live in an older home, you'll want cabinetry that matches the original furnishings and flavor of the home. One kitchen designer advises not to be seduced by this year's color or other passing trends. Remember that good choices stand the test of time.

Source:

Better Homes and Gardens

About the Author
Miriam Kasdan specializes in writing marketing and home improvement features. She earned a B.A. in Sociology from the University of California at Berkeley.

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