Cabinets: Top of the List for Every Kitchen

By Barbara Ballinger and Margaret Crane

The biggest cost in a kitchen redo is the cabinetry. Homeowners want appealing designs and quality craftmanship, and they expect their cabinets to last for many years. They also want a functional layout to provide optimal use of space, and to accommodate all kitchen essentials. According to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs Value Report, the average upscale kitchen remodel has gone beyond $120,000; even a mid-level redo is above $60,000.

New cabinet trends emerge yearly, and here are trends worth noting from MasterBrand Cabinets' Stephanie Pierce, Director of Design and Trends:

Cabinets go deeper. Rather than standard industry 12-inch depth, they extend 13 inches to accommodate larger plates.

Specialized interior options increase. Being organized means faster accessibility--a boon for busy lives.

Open upper shelves take over. More free space gives way to more windows and light, bigger range hoods and the look of floating storage.

Cabinets edge toward traditional. The shift is from popular Shaker and "super" plain to designs with some detail for personalization.

White still reigns supreme, but….It comes in more warm variations, along with continued popularity of khaki, taupe and gray, plus blue and green accents.

Interior variety gains momentum. In premium designs, materials expand to maple and quarter-sawn oak.

Lighting shines brighter. Bulbs are integrated into box interiors and underneath. "It's all about aging in place and having the convenience of immediate light when a door is opened, just as with the refrigerator," says Pierce. LED is pervasive for energy efficiency, along with dimmer controls for flexibility.

Laminate gains attention. It's been highly improved to compete with wood for durability, and it’s affordable.

Video: More Kitchen Cabinet Ideas? Click below.

Find all Your Home products and services at 1 Source, YourHome1Source.com.