Kitchen Cabinet Remodeling - Ideas and Estimates

Think Details when Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

by Allison E. Beatty
kitchensandcabinets.com Columnist

The details in a kitchen design often say more about your personal style than the major design elements. During a cabinet refacing project, look for ways to accent important details and let your style shine through.

Choose Cabinet Finish Wisely

The color and style of your cabinet finish are important, as they set the tone for the kitchen design. When selecting cabinet refacing details, look for a cabinet finish that will give interesting texture or color tones. Among the options are:
  • Wood doors and drawers in light, medium or dark wood tones.
  • Varying wood grains, from smooth to textures, with some horizontal grains.
  • Laminate cabinet doors for a smooth look.
  • Mullion or glass doors to bring extra light in the room.

Cabinet Accessories Add Function

A good cabinet design also should be functional, with easy to open drawers that glide right into the cabinet opening. Among the functional features to add during a cabinet refacing are:
  • Lazy Susans for ease of storing items in deep cabinets.
  • Wine racks.
  • Pullout trash and recycling bins.
  • Flip-out drawer fronts.
  • Roll out drawers for storing pots and pans.
  • Pullout shelves.

Cabinet Hardware Adds Flavor

Cabinet hardware is an inexpensive addition to your kitchen design, yet it can make a big difference in the way the room looks. There are a variety of interesting styles on the market, from rustic iron to oil rubbed bronze to fanciful fruit or flowers.

Kitchen Design Tips

Most people use the same cabinet hardware throughout the kitchen, but there are no strict design guidelines. To add some variety:
  • Use a fruit and vegetable motif on the island cabinetry
  • Try painted porcelain knobs on cabinet drawers and complementary hardware on the cabinet doors.

Cabinet refacing can make a world of difference in your kitchen design. As you plan all the details, look for ways to make all the elements pull together to create a unique style.

About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.