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Feel Good Kitchens Writer

How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Cabinet Door Design for Your Home

Updated: Mar 6


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Picture this: your kitchen, a blank canvas, ready for a style transformation. But here's the twist – it's the cabinet doors that hold the magic wand.


Your cabinetry door design shouldn’t be just about functionality; it should be a staple in your kitchen's fashion statement, its secret sauce. We're here to unlock the doors to a world of possibilities. From different door styles, materials, and colors to those nifty little accessories, we're going to sprinkle some pizzazz on your kitchen space.


So, put on your chef's hat and your design shades, because we're cooking up a style storm in your kitchen! Ready to dive in and turn your cooking haven into a showstopper? Let's do this!


Popular Cabinet Door Styles

When it comes to choosing kitchen cabinet door styles, there are a lot of options to consider, each offering distinctive characteristics and aesthetics. Let's have a look into the world of the types of cabinet doors and the various styles available.


Raised Panel

Raised panel cabinet doors have a center panel that is raised above the surrounding frame, giving them a three-dimensional appearance. These doors are ideal for adding depth and elegance to traditional or transitional kitchens. Raised panel cabinet doors with various shapes and designs on the center panel, such as arches, curves, and exquisite beading, are available.

 
A kitchen with Raised Panel kitchen cabinet design
 

Recessed Panel

Recessed panel cabinetry doors, on the other hand, feature a center panel that is recessed below the surrounding frame, giving them a flat and smooth appearance. This design is great for modern or contemporary kitchens since it is sleek and streamlined. They are comparable to the Shaker doors and are frequently referred to as shaker-style doors.

 
A kitchen with recessed panel kitchen cabinets
 

Flat Panel

Flat panel cabinet doors have a flat central panel with no frame around it, giving them a clean and minimalist appearance. These doors are ideal for minimalist or industrial kitchens since they provide a clean and polished look. They are also known as slab doors since they are made of a single piece of material.

 
A kitchen design with white flat panel kitchen cabinets

(Source: Decorpad)

 

Glass Front

Consider glass front cabinet doors to add visual appeal and brightness to your kitchen. These doors have a glass panel rather than a solid panel, allowing you to display your dishes or treasures within the cabinets. Glass front doors are available in a variety of types, such as clear, frosted, and textured glass, each with its own amount of transparency and visual appeal.

 
A white kitchen design using glass front kitchen cabinets
 

Louvered

Louvered cabinet doors include horizontal slats that allow air to circulate within the cabinets. They're perfect for ventilated areas like pantries or laundry rooms. Louvered doors can also add texture and character to your kitchen design.

 
A kitchen using the louvered kitchen cabinet design

(Source: Allson Kitchens)

 

Kitchen Door Cabinet Hardware Options

The material you use for cabinet doors has a big impact on its longevity, performance, and beauty. Consider the following materials:


Wood

Wood is a popular and adaptable material for cabinet doors. It brings natural beauty and warmth to your kitchen and is available in a variety of species, including oak, maple, and cherry, each with its own distinctive wood grain pattern, color, and feel. To fit your selected style, wood can be stained or painted.


MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)

MDF is an engineered wood product comprised of wood fibers and resin that is both affordable and stable. It resists warping and cracking, creating a smooth and homogeneous surface suitable for painting or veneering.


Laminate

Laminate is a man-made substance made up of layers of paper or plastic that have been glued together with heat and pressure. It is scratch and stain-resistant, as well as robust and easy to clean. With accurate patterns and colors, laminate can also replicate the appearance of wood or other materials.


Glass

Glass can enhance the elegance and refinement of your cabinet doors. Glass can be transparent, frosted, or textured, each with a different level of transparency and visual appeal. It can be used with other materials such as wood or metal to add contrast and intrigue.


Color and Finish Selection

The color and finish of your cabinet doors have a big impact on the mood and ambiance of your kitchen. Consider the following suggestions:


Choose colors that compliment the overall palette and style of your kitchen.

For example, if your kitchen is white with gray accents, use white or gray cabinet doors to give a unified aesthetic. Consider using bright or contrasting colors like yellow or blue to create a splash of vibrancy.


Choose finishes that enhance your cabinet doors’ texture and appearance. 

To showcase the natural wood grain or smoothness, choose a matte or glossy coating for wooden cabinet doors. Choose finishes like distressed or glazed to give character or depth.


Choose hardware that complements your cabinet doors’ color and finish.

For contrast, if your cabinet doors are dark, try hardware in light or metallic colors such as silver or gold. Choose hardware in comparable or matching colors, such as black or bronze, for a unified look.


Cabinet Door Accessories

If you want to add some flair and personality to your cabinet doors, try the following accessories:


Decorative molding and trim

These decorative accents can be applied to the corners or edges of your cabinet doors to give them depth and detail. The styles of decorative molding and trim, including crown, dentil, rope, etc., each have their own shape and pattern.


Glass inserts and mullions

These glass panels can be used to replace the solid cabinet door panels in your cabinets. There are many different types of glass inserts and mullions, including clear, frosted, textured, etc., each having a different level of transparency and aesthetic appeal. Wooden or metal bars can also be used to partition glass inserts and mullions into smaller pieces, resulting in a grid-like pattern.


Handles and knobs

You can open and close your cabinet doors by attaching these useful components to them. The shapes, sizes, colors, and materials of handles and knobs vary, and each has a distinct aesthetic and ergonomics. Your drawer fronts and cabinet doors can benefit from the charm and intrigue that handles and knobs can bring as ornamental additions.


Cabinet Door Maintenance

You must maintain and clean your cabinet doors on a regular basis to keep them looking their best. Here are some helpful pointers on how to do that:


  • Clean your cabinet doors lightly with a soft cloth or sponge and a moderate detergent or soap. Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaning agents that could harm or stain your cabinet doors.

  • Dust out any dirt or debris from your cabinet doors with a soft brush or microfiber cloth. Avoid using a vacuum cleaner on your cabinet doors since it could scratch or dent them.

  • To revive the sheen and safeguard the surface of your cabinet doors, use a polish or wax product. Observe the product's application and removal directions provided by the manufacturer. Use of silicone or ammonia-containing products should be avoided since they can damage or dull your cabinet doors.

  • As soon as possible, take care of any wear-and-tear, scratches, dents, chips, etc. Your cabinet doors could need to be repaired or replaced, depending on how serious the problem is. If you are unclear on how to solve the issue, speak with a specialist.


Budget Considerations

You don't need to spend a bunch to get the best cabinet door design for your kitchen. You can attain a fashionable style without going overboard if you use frugal options. Here are some ideas for cutting costs on your project for designing cabinet doors:


Reface instead of replacing

If your current cabinet doors are in good shape, all it takes to update their appearance is to cover them with fresh paint, stain, veneer, or laminate. By doing this, you can alter their style, finish, or color without having to purchase new ones.


DIY instead of hire

Instead of hiring a professional, you might attempt to install or adjust your own custom cabinet doors if you have the necessary materials and abilities. By doing so, you can reduce your labor expenses and personalize your project to suit your preferences.


Shop around instead of settling

If you decide to buy new cabinet doors, you can shop around for different suppliers and compare their prices, quality, and service. You can also look for discounts, sales, or coupons that can help you save some money. You can also opt for less expensive materials or designs that still look good and function well. For example, you can choose MDF instead of solid wood, or flat panel instead of the raised panel.


Conclusion

Choosing the ideal cabinet door design for your kitchen remodel feels similar to adding a secret ingredient to your favorite recipe; it can change the entire meal and make it distinctively yours. It's a fun and satisfying activity that lets you put your own interior design stamp on your kitchen.


With all of the many different style options and considerations we've discussed, you're ready to start your cabinet design adventure. So, go ahead and select the cabinet door type that best suits your tastes, meets your needs, and fits within your budget.


Looking for some inspiration? Our Idea Design Gallery is the place to be. We break down some great kitchen designs and point you in the right direction to finding staple pieces for your kitchen.

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