Custom Kitchen Cabinets: The Path to Your Dream Kitchen

The Kitchen Master

You simply cannot dispute the facts: The single room in the home that most owners want to change is the kitchen. An update or remodel of the heart of the home is also a sound investment. You can expect a substantial return on the money you spend, plus the years of enjoyment you will experience from your custom designed kitchen.

How Do You Do It Right?

Planning is key. The truth is that kitchen styles vary greatly. Even though current trends may give you a general direction, there is no formula that can be universally applied. Here in the Chicago suburbs, chances are that style preferences will seldom be similar to those you would make for an Arizona ranch home or a Florida condo. Kitchen design is personal! To some extent, it is also regional. But that doesn’t mean your kitchen should look like your neighbor’s.

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Focus on Cabinets

Custom kitchen cabinets are a major cost component in any kitchen project. There are, however, some easy ways to stay within budget and achieve stellar results. Consider the following:

• Use custom kitchen cabinet doors with cabinet refacing to bring a modern look to your space, but retain the existing layout and cabinet boxes. Refacing saves money and allows you to reap big rewards and puts a brand new “face” on your cabinets.
• Mix old and new; add a furniture-look cabinet as an island. Use painted finishes alongside stained cabinets. Install some kitchen cabinet doors with glass fronts to showcase heirloom china or art pieces.

• Remove some of your upper cabinets: Opt for floating shelves, wallpaper or art instead. Add back storage space in the form of a tall cabinet, a hidden pantry or pull-out drawers and shelves that make existing base cabinets more efficient. Or update your look by removing the upper cabinet doors and mixing storage baskets with cookbooks and bright ceramics for an eclectic mix.

• Concentrate on “activity centers” in your kitchen. Vary finishes, heights and cabinet profiles for different uses. Consider a kids’ snack center with a lowered counter and an under counter fridge or a homework/snack center with pull-up stools. Install a stainless steel countertop to add drama or a marble square to facilitate baking needs. Search custom kitchen cabinets design books and Houzz.com to find other ideas for specialized uses and functional storage.

• Install a desk or “command center” for planning purposes; it fosters organization and the workspace can be used as a “coffee break” center as well.