Men and women may find their forever homes and live there for several years before needing to make upgrades. They plan to stay in this house forever and want to ensure it meets their needs in every way. Life moves forward, and what worked several years ago may not be beneficial anymore.
These individuals may be dealing with an empty nest or have elderly loved one moving in with them. A person might choose to start a food-based business from home and need a kitchen that will allow them to do so. The reasons for updating a kitchen are endless, but one thing is sure: New kitchen cabinets will be needed, and they must be perfect for the homeowner’s needs.
These cabinets must be visually appealing to add to the home’s ambiance. They need to provide storage for items used in this room and should increase the property’s resale value. What should a homeowner look for when making this crucial choice?
Purchase Options
Homeowners might visit a big box store or kitchen remodeling center and choose stock cabinets. These cabinets come pre-assembled and ready to install. Individuals on a budget often choose this option but have limited color, material, and style options. They aren’t ideal for a forever home because the buyer must settle for what is available.
Semi-custom cabinets are a step up from stock cabinets. They can be modified in several ways to meet the purchaser’s needs, but because of the customization options, people will pay more for semi-custom cabinets.
Individuals often opt for custom cabinets for their forever home to ensure they get what they want. The cabinet maker builds the cabinets to the homeowner’s specifications before finishing them as the purchaser desires. The buyer can request unique features like an appliance garage or invest in leaded-glass doors. The options are endless when a person goes this route. They can even request floor-to-ceiling cabinets if desired, says McManus Kitchen and Bath.
Material Options
A homeowner must decide which material they want for the forever home cabinets. Solid wood is durable, attractive, and never goes out of style, so many homeowners select this option. They may choose from cherry, maple, oak, and other woods. Each offers a distinct grain pattern and color variations. The owner must maintain the wood to ensure its quality, particularly in areas with high humidity.
Many homeowners research plywood when choosing a material for their kitchen cabinets. This sturdy and affordable alternative to solid wood is also popular. It resists cracking and warping, making it ideal for use in a room that gets significant use.
Medium-density fiberboard is a good option for painted cabinets because it has a smooth finish and is easy on the wallet. It resists moisture but won’t hold up like plywood or solid wood. For those who don’t want wood cabinets, laminate is an option. These cabinets are easy to clean and come in various colors and patterns. However, individuals purchasing cabinets for their forever homes often choose solid wood because they know the cabinets will last a lifetime with proper care.
Style Options
Cabinets come in several styles. When choosing, one should find a style that blends with the other elements of the home. A traditional farmhouse kitchen, for example, will benefit from shaker cabinets with their simple, clean design. The recessed center panel differentiates this cabinet style from others offered today.
Flat-panel cabinets complement a modern kitchen because they have a minimalist design. The flat, frameless cabinets harmonize with other features of the home. Another option buyers should consider is glass-front cabinets. These cabinets give the kitchen an airy, open feel and allow the homeowner to display treasures, dishware, or decor. Before buying these cabinets, individuals should ensure they have time to keep the doors clean.
Another option is raised-panel cabinets. The raised panel centered above the frame gives the cabinets a formal look. This cabinet style benefits traditional and classic kitchens.
Color and Finish
Homeowners might choose classic white or cream for the cabinets or a bold color. Rich wood tones add warmth and beauty to the room. Dark woods make the room luxurious, while lighter woods give the kitchen a rustic, natural feel. Homeowners must also choose between matte and glossy finishes. Matte finishes provide a modern feel, but glossy ones are easier to clean.
Functionality
As this kitchen is meant to last forever, homeowners want to ensure they get all the details right. Storage and organization can make or break a kitchen. Many people today request an appliance garage so their small appliances don’t make the kitchen look cluttered. However, this is only one of several options they should consider.
Nobody likes digging in the back of a drawer where they can’t see anything. Consider installing pull-out drawers to hold items in lower cabinets. Doing so makes it easy to access frequently used items without bending or reaching to get them.
Lazy Susans are ideal for corner cabinets because they allow a person to see everything in the cabinet quickly and easily. Items that would otherwise get lost in the back of a cabinet will take center stage when this accessory is added.
Vertical dividers keep flat items in place. Cutting boards, trays, and cooking sheets often get stacked or thrown haphazardly into a cabinet. The dividers can easily organize these items for storage and retrieval.
Consider installing a built-in trash can and recycle bin. This will ensure the kitchen remains clean and organized. Most people install them near a sink, but other options can also be considered.
Reduce waste in the landfill by investing in a trash compactor. Recycle whenever possible and crush the remaining items. Doing so will help keep landfills from overflowing.
A homeowner should spend significant time choosing kitchen cabinets for their forever home. The right cabinets will last a lifetime and ensure the homeowners get the most use from this room. Work with a professional kitchen designer when choosing these cabinets.
McManus Kitchen and Bath has an in-house design team and dedicated project managers to help clients create their perfect kitchen or bath. The showroom allows clients to see items before they purchase. Having all services in one location ensures projects take less time to complete, and the customer is thrilled with the completed project.
