Welcome to our comprehensive guide on buying cabinets, where we’re diving into everything you need to know to make the best choices for your home. Cabinets can make or break a space, so it makes sense to choose carefully.
Whether it’s your kitchen or bathroom, cabinets are a huge part of the room. They’re not only storage solutions; they’re the backbone of your space’s style and functionality. From sleek, modern designs that make a statement to classic, timeless pieces that exude warmth and comfort, your cabinets set the tone for your room’s ambiance.
As you’re choosing which cabinets you want to occupy your space, there are many things to consider. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key aspects of cabinet selection. We’re here to help you navigate these options. So, let’s get started on this journey to find the perfect cabinets for your kitchen or bathroom!
Budgeting for Your Cabinets
When buying kitchen or bathroom cabinets, you should approach the financial aspect with a well-thought-out plan. Cabinets are a significant investment in any building or redecorating project, especially for a room with lots of cabinetry.
Setting a realistic budget is essential. Start by assessing the quality of cabinets you want and how much you’re willing to invest. Remember, the quality will impact the price. Are you looking for something that will last a lifetime, or are you preparing a property for sale? If this is your forever home, investing in higher-quality, longer-lasting cabinets might be worth the extra cost.
Another factor to consider is how often you use your cabinets. If your kitchen is the heart of your home, bustling with activity, you’ll need cabinets that can handle constant opening and closing and the occasional bump and knock. In contrast, bathroom cabinets might not see as much action, but they need to withstand humid conditions.
It’s also important to note that the cost of kitchen cabinets is usually different from bathroom cabinets in terms of size, complexity of design, and materials used. Remember to factor in installation costs. Professional installation ensures that your cabinets are fitted correctly and function optimally, but it does add to the overall expense.
Understanding Your Style
Understanding the style of your cabinets is like choosing the perfect outfit for your home — it should reflect your personality while complementing the overall architecture and design. The style you select sets the tone for your kitchen or bathroom, influencing the ambiance and feel of the space. The right cabinet style will transform your kitchen or bathroom.
So, what kind of style are you looking for? Try diving into some home decor magazines or scrolling through Pinterest boards for inspiration. You might even wander around a home improvement store for ideas. You should choose a style that resonates with your personal taste and blends seamlessly with the architectural style of your home.
There’s a vast spectrum of cabinet styles to explore. Modern cabinets, with their sleek lines and minimalist design, bring a contemporary and clean look. Traditional cabinets, on the other hand, offer classic elegance with detailed designs and ornate hardware. And then there are transitional cabinets, which balance the ornate traditional and the stark modern.
When selecting your style, consider the longevity of your choice. While it may be tempting to opt for the latest trend, think about whether you will still appreciate this style in five, ten, or even fifteen years. Investing in a classic style might be a safer bet for long-term satisfaction. Remember, your cabinets are an integral part of your home’s character.
Nowadays, buyers get to choose from a variety of colors, woods, stains, and finishes. This allows them to customize their cabinets to their exact preferences. Whether you’re drawn to bold colors or prefer the natural beauty of wood, choose something that you’ll love for years to come, both in terms of function and style.
Measuring Your Space
It’s important to accurately measure your space when installing new cabinets in your kitchen or bathroom. It’s the foundation upon which your entire project rests, ensuring that your chosen cabinets fit perfectly into your designated area.
We strongly recommend having a professional come and measure your space. Professional measuring is not only about getting the dimensions right; it’s also about understanding the nuances of your space, including any irregularities that might affect the installation.
The process starts with measuring your cabinet area’s height, width, and depth. Professionals use precise tools and techniques to ensure every measurement is exact. They take into account the placement of windows, doors, appliances, and any other elements that could influence the cabinet installation.
This attention to detail matters because even a small miscalculation leads to issues down the line.
Incorrect measurements result in cabinets that don’t fit and leave unsightly gaps or, worse, cabinets you can’t install at all. An accurate measurement by a professional saves time and money and ensures that the final installation is seamless and aligns perfectly with your vision for the room.
Choosing Between Stock, Semi-custom, and Custom Cabinets
There are typically three types of cabinets to choose from — stock, semi-custom, and custom. Knowing the difference allows you to make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and budget. Each type offers its own set of advantages and considerations.
Your choice between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets should be guided by your specific needs, the uniqueness of your space, and your budget.
Stock cabinets
These cabinets are the most budget-friendly option available. Stock cabinets are pre-manufactured in standard sizes and shapes and are designed to fit most kitchens and bathrooms.
The advantage of stock cabinets lies in their immediate availability and affordability. However, their limited style, size, and color options might be a drawback if you want something specific or unusual. They are ideal if you have a general design in mind and want to save money.
Semi-custom cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets are a step up from stock cabinets and offer more flexibility. While they are also built in standard sizes, they provide a wider array of styles, finishes, and storage solutions. This means you can choose a design that closely aligns with your vision while still keeping costs relatively manageable.
The price is higher than stock cabinets, but the ability to customize some aspects, like size and trim, makes this a worthwhile investment.
Custom cabinets
Custom cabinets are the way to go for those seeking ultimate personalization and quality. They are crafted to your specific requirements, offering limitless possibilities in terms of style, materials, finishes, and configurations. If uniqueness and specific design requirements are your priority, custom cabinets are your best bet.
Custom cabinets are perfect (and sometimes necessary) for unique spaces. They are also great for achieving a specific design vision that can’t be fulfilled with stock or semi-custom options. While they are the most expensive choice, the value lies in their tailor-made solution that perfectly fits your space and style.
Color and Finish Options
The color and finish of your cabinets dramatically affect the ambiance of your kitchen or bathroom. Choosing the right one will elevate your space from ordinary to extraordinary.
Whether you’re drawn to the classic elegance of rich, dark woods, the contemporary appeal of bright whites and grays, or the bold statement of vibrant colors, there’s a palette to suit every taste.
When selecting the color, consider the overall color scheme of your room. Lighter colors make a small space feel larger and more open, while darker hues add a touch of sophistication and depth.
For finishes, you have choices, including glassy, matte, or distressed. It all depends on what look and feel you’re going for.
Choose a color and finish that reflects your style and complements the other elements in your space. Think about the lighting, the color of your walls and floors, and even the hardware on your cabinets. A harmonious blend of all these factors will create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere in your home.
Additional Features
In the world of cabinetry, little details make a big difference. Beyond the style and color, additional features and accessories significantly enhance the functionality and convenience of your cabinets.
Soft-close hinges
Soft-close hinges are a popular choice for cabinets. They ensure your doors close smoothly and quietly, adding a touch of luxury while also preventing wear and tear.
Pull-out drawers
Pull-out drawers or pull-out cabinet organizers are another fantastic addition to kitchen cabinets. They offer easy access to deep spaces and make organization a breeze.
Other accessories
Other accessories like built-in spice racks, lazy Susans, and under-cabinet lighting can transform your cabinets from mere storage spaces to efficient, user-friendly components of your daily life. These features maximize the usability of your cabinets and contribute to a more organized, enjoyable kitchen or bathroom experience.
Investing in these additional features and accessories is not merely about the immediate convenience; it’s about creating a space that’s tailored to your lifestyle, ensuring that every interaction with your bathroom or kitchen cabinets is as seamless and satisfying as possible.
Get Your Dream Cabinets with Mountain States Kitchen and Bath
As you embark on the journey of buying cabinets, remember to consider all aspects: your budget, the style that reflects your personality, the precise measurements of your space, the type of cabinets that suit your needs, the material and color that complement your home’s decor, and the additional features that enhance functionality.
At Mountain States Kitchen and Bath, we understand the importance of each of these elements in creating a space you’ll love. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your cabinet-buying experience is as seamless and satisfying as your final choice. And if you need help with windows or siding, we know who you can call.
Contact Mountain States Kitchen and Bath today to start crafting the heart of your home with cabinets that are as unique as you are.
