When it comes to cabinetry in your home, the style of the cabinet door can make a dramatic difference in the overall design. In a previous post, we discussed the basic styles for cabinetry doors. To further customize the look you’d like for your space, you’ll also need to consider the cabinetry finish and whether there are any specialty door styles that may be a good fit. There are a wide variety of options that can be combined to create a unique touch for the space to convey the exact feeling and style you’d like. In this post, we’ll look at many of the current trends and timeless options you can discuss with your designer.
Trending Cabinetry Finish Options
Custom Painted Finishes Custom colored finishes are popular in new kitchens and baths for the unique and personalized designs they create. Though most cabinetry manufactures offer a robust line of painted finishes to choose from, you and your designer may have a much more specific shade in mind. A color choice from a high-quality paint brand can be applied instead to achieve exactly the look you want for an eye-catching look that’s all yours.
Multiple Finishes Cabinetry schemes that use 2 or 3 coordinated finishes remains a favorite for those looking to add visual interest without overwhelming a space. A popular combination is darker lower cabinets paired with lighter uppers and a third finish for the central island, though any combination can be used if it achieves the look you want. This is also a great option for homeowners who like multiple finishes and don’t want to limit themselves to just one.
Natural Wood Finishes Wood finishes have always had a place in cabinetry trends, but today we’re seeing more natural wood with minimal staining, typically in the form of finished veneers. Blonde woods such as white oak and ash are gaining popularity in the Midwest. Walnut is also quite popular for its sophisticated and understated appeal. Natural wood finishes are often used as accents or in combination with neutral-colored cabinetry to help keep the overall design in balance, especially if a wood with a more rustic look has been selected.
Solid White Finishes There’s no denying that white cabinetry rules the roost. Whether a crisp snowflake white or a warm white with creamy undertones, a space that uses white cabinetry becomes a blank canvas for a timeless option. White cabinetry has long been used, especially in kitchens, as a basic backdrop for the activity and items of daily life. The key to using white in busy spaces is to ensure a stain-resistant finish is used to help the brightness of the cabinetry last.
Specialty Cabinet Inserts
While the finishes you select may be all your kitchen needs to achieve your style goals, sometimes an extra bit of customization may be in order. Specialty inserts are used by designers to add more interest, depth, texture, and design appeal to a space. While not all cabinets in your design plan need to use one of these special options, a few in some key zones can help create subtle focal points around the room.
Glass-Front Doors Glass-front cabinet doors, typically always paired with internal cabinet lighting, are a timeless choice that brings elegance and openness to both kitchens and bathrooms. Available in a variety of styles, glass doors can be customized with clear, frosted, or seeded glass to suit different aesthetics. Clear glass works well in more modern settings, allowing you to showcase curated items such as glassware, dishware, or decorative bathroom accessories. Frosted or textured glass softens or conceals the visibility of cabinet contents while still allowing internal lighting to diffuse through.
Molding-Applied Doors Panels with added molding are a great choice for those wanting to add more visual interest to their cabinetry. Molding-applied panels create a tactile feel and can serve as a striking focal point. There are several options for the shapes and motifs that can be added to the cabinet door, including layered X patterns or circular shapes. In smaller rooms, molding-applied doors are particularly effective for adding a layer of detail that stands out without overwhelming the space.
Mesh or Wire Inserts For those seeking a more industrial or utilitarian look, mesh or wire inserts are a distinctive option. Often used as a decorative element on select cabinets, these doors feature metal grilles in place of solid panels, creating a unique contrast when paired with natural wood finishes or painted cabinets. Mesh inserts are particularly useful in practical applications, such as in a mudroom for airflow or to conceal speakers without muffling the sound.
Metal-Framed Doors A bold, contemporary option, metal-framed cabinet doors provide a sleek and industrial aesthetic. These doors typically feature a thin, metallic frame, often in finishes like brushed nickel or matte brass, surrounding a panel made of glass, wood, or metal. Metal-framed doors can be used to introduce a modern edge to a kitchen or bathroom, and they pair especially well with transitional styles.
A professional designer will help you find the finishes and door styles that complement your home’s architecture, reflect your personal taste, and provide long-lasting beauty. Mixing trends and ideas can create a space that feels fresh yet enduring, but it’s important to get the balance correct. Whether you lean toward sleek, modern lines or the warmth of timeless wood, your kitchen or bath will stand as a showcase of craftsmanship and personal style.
For even more great cabinetry ideas or to see how cabinetry can transform a space, we invite you to gain access to our exclusive 1000 Design Ideas gallery. Inside this gallery you’ll be able to browse through hundreds of images from our real Cincinnati area projects to see what a difference a remodel can make. Use the link below to sign up.
