7 Tips for Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

Planning a kitchen remodel is one of the most exciting (and, at times, overwhelming) home improvement projects you can take on. Your kitchen cabinets take up significant real estate in your kitchen, so getting them right means balancing style, function, and budget all at once. But there are so many decisions throughout the process that it's easy to second-guess your choices.

With years of kitchen design and build experience, we created this comprehensive guide to walk you through our top tips on how to choose kitchen cabinets for your space.

#1 – Evaluate Your Current Space

The first step in learning how to choose kitchen cabinets is to gather information from your current kitchen. Take a look around and ask yourself:

• What spaces are overcrowded (pots and pans, baking tools, etc.)?
• What spaces are underutilized? Why?
• Are there any tools or appliances that are difficult or awkward to access?
• How usable is my current food storage? What improvements could be made?
• Are there any features or elements of my current kitchen I love that I want to carry into my new design?

Answering these questions honestly will save you from making the same mistakes twice. Knowing what is (and isn't) working will give you a great foundation for planning your new kitchen cabinet layout.

#2 - Explore Your Kitchen Cabinet Options

Once you know what’s working and what needs improvement in your kitchen, you can start exploring the wide variety of cabinet and drawer options on the market. If you're used to standard builder-grade cabinets, you'll be amazed by the possibilities. Some of our favorites include:

• Appliance lifts for stand mixers and other heavy small appliances
• Lower drawers instead of traditional base cabinets for easy access
• Kitchen appliance garages to hide counter clutter
• Adjustable kitchen cabinet shelves that maximize storage

Pro tip: Don't just shop for what looks good. Shop for what solves a problem in your current kitchen.

#3 – Choose Your Cabinet Layout

Now that you have a general idea of the number and type of cabinets you need, it's time to figure out how to make them work within your kitchen's layout. If you work with a professional kitchen designer, they can help you assess and maximize your kitchen space, all while considering your personal priorities like:

• Dining space
• Prep and cooking space
• Storage and pantry space
• Entertaining areas
• Kid-friendly zones for homework and other activities

Skipping this step is one of the costliest mistakes homeowners make. Enlisting an expert will prevent you from spending thousands on a new kitchen only to realize that the oven opens into a major walkway, or the cabinet layout makes no practical sense. A good designer will make every inch count.

#4 – Pick Your Kitchen Cabinet Style

Cabinetry is one of the most functional (and visible) additions to any kitchen. Since they dominate so much of your kitchen's visual landscape, you'll want to choose a style you genuinely love. Here's what to know about frames and doors.

Cabinet Frame Options

Generally speaking, there are three kitchen cabinet frame styles to choose from:



• Inset: Inset doors sit flush inside the door opening of the cabinet box for a sleek, tailored look. They tend to be more expensive because they require special door stops, but the refined finish is worth it for many homeowners.
• Full overlay: Full overlay cabinet doors lie on top of the front cabinet frame, covering it almost completely and nearly touching neighboring doors. This is one of our top picks for its clean, contemporary aesthetic.
• Partial overlay: Considered "standard" for many home builders, partial overlay doors cover only part of the cabinet box front, leaving visible gaps between doors and drawer fronts.

Cabinet Door Styles

One of the biggest decisions you'll make is which style of cabinet doors and drawer fronts to use. The good news is that you have hundreds of options. Some of our most popular recommendations include:

• Shaker: Clean, simple, and timeless for a reason
• Slab: Sleek, modern, and perfect for contemporary kitchens
• Raised panel (square or arched): Classic and traditional
• Mullion (glass): Great for showcasing dishes and adding visual depth

Think about the overall vibe you want your kitchen to have before committing to a door style. Your cabinets take up a great deal of the visual landscape of your kitchen, and the style you choose will make a big difference in its final appearance.

#5 – Choose Your Finish

Once you've settled on a frame and door style, you have one major decision left: stain or paint? Here's what you need to know.

Staining Your Kitchen Cabinets

Stained wood cabinets are a timeless option that has stood the test of time. If you go this route, start by selecting a high-quality wood, since the stain will put it front and center. Oak, alder, maple, and cherry are all excellent choices that take stain beautifully.

From pale whitewashes to rich cherry lacquers, there are hundreds of choices when it comes to staining your cabinets. Choose a tone that reflects the mood you're going for, whether that's a relaxed, casual feel or something more elevated and formal.

Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets

Painted cabinets offer a fresh, modern look that many families find stylish and practical. The color possibilities are virtually endless, from crisp white to deep navy, forest green, warm grey, or bold black. Painted cabinets can create a beautiful contrast with your walls, countertops, and flooring, and really anchor the look of your kitchen.

One underrated perk of painted cabinets is that you can use MDF or composite wood doors, which are often more affordable and durable. MDF won't warp or crack even after years of use, and it's more resistant to humidity changes than solid wood. This option is a smart choice for busy, high-traffic kitchens.

#6 – Select Kitchen Cabinet Hardware You Love

Don't underestimate the power of the right kitchen cabinet hardware. The perfect pulls, knobs, and hinges can elevate an ordinary kitchen into something that feels truly custom and high-end.

Handles & Drawer Pulls



Your cabinet handles and drawer pulls can be equally functional and beautiful. With hundreds of options available (knobs, bar pulls, cup pulls, recessed pulls, and more), you're sure to find something that fits your style.

Our top advice is to choose a finish that ties into other elements in your kitchen, like your faucet or light fixtures. Whether you go with brass, brushed nickel, or matte black, coordinating your metals creates a cohesive look.

Hinges & Slides

While you’ve likely thought about your cabinet handles, you may not have considered the kind of hinges and drawer slides you’d like. They can make a big difference in the day-to-day functionality of your cabinets.

We strongly recommend slow-close cabinet door hinges and drawer slides on every cabinet installation. They prevent slamming, protect your cabinet boxes from wear, and add a satisfying, high-quality feel every time you open a drawer.

#7 – Add the Finishing Touches

Finally, don't forget the extras that can take your kitchen to the next level.

Cabinet Drawer Inserts & Organizers

A beautiful kitchen is only as good as how well it works day-to-day. Smart inserts and organizers keep your drawers tidy and your workflow smooth. When choosing kitchen cabinets, consider adding:

• Pot and pan storage racks
• Utensil organizers
• Knife blocks
• Pull-down or lift-up storage
• Modular or adjustable shelving

Kitchen Lighting

Lighting in your kitchen is one of the most overlooked finishing touches in any kitchen remodel. A simple strip of LED lights under your upper cabinets can illuminate your countertops for late-night snack runs, double as a soft nightlight, and add a polished, layered look to your space.

Childproofing & Safety Features



Last but certainly not least is safety. Childproof cabinet locks keep cleaning products, medications, and other hazardous items out of reach for little ones and curious pets. It's a small addition that delivers serious peace of mind for your family.

Ready to Choose Cabinetry and Design Your Dream Kitchen? 

Choosing kitchen cabinets is one of the most important decisions you'll make during a kitchen remodel, and as you can see, there's a lot that goes into it. Thankfully, you don't have to figure it all out on your own.

Working with an experienced kitchen designer means you get expert guidance at every step of the process. No guesswork or costly mistakes. Just a kitchen you'll love for years to come.

If you’re ready to get started, explore our kitchen remodeling services or schedule a consultation with us today.