Kitchen cabinets are the most important design element for your kitchen. There are three categories of kitchen cabinets: stock, semicustom, and custom.
Stock kitchen cabinets are found in many styles at home improvement stores or from manufacturers catalogs. The kitchen cabinets come only in set sizes. Sizes start at 9 inches and increase by 3 inches up to 48 inches.
Semicustom kitchen cabinets are standard size units with modifications. Some options for semi-custom cabinets are matching interior and exterior finishes and different depths for a unique look. Chose from many styles, construction materials and colors rather than the limited amount found in stock cabinetry.
Custom kitchen cabinets can be any size or style because they are made to your design specifications. Match your existing woodwork with custom kitchen cabinets. Pieces can be free standing or built-in to look like furniture. The greatest thing about custom cabinets is that you can have special features like an extra long cabinet without partitions to fit trays and large pans. The wait for custom cabinets is at least six to ten weeks.
Storage Options for Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets need to be not only attractive, but functional. Cabinetry can have bins, baskets, and deep drawers for storage. A lazy Susan is ideal for reaching all of the items in a corner cabinet.
Kitchen Cabinet Designs
■Country
■Traditional
■Transitional
■Contemporary
■Rustic
■Arts and Crafts
■Old World
Country Kitchen Cabinets
Country kitchen cabinets are painted, glazed or distressed. French country incorporates cherry or oak cabinets with raised or recessed panels. An English country kitchen cabinet designs are square accented by curves. These cabinets have a light natural look so they are usually pine or oak. Crown and rope molding are all characteristics of English country. Country cottage kitchen cabinets are painted white with distressed finishes for an aged appearance.
Traditional Kitchen Cabinets
Traditional kitchen cabinets are cherry, walnut, or mahogany with raised panels on the doors. Crown and rope molding, fluting, corbels and a lot of ornamentation are found in the traditional kitchen cabinet design. Traditional kitchen cabinets include Victorian, Italianate, and Georgian designs. Victorian style cabinets have arched and raised panel doors. Cream painted cabinets with ornate onlays, rope moldings and carved reliefs are all features of the Italianate kitchen cabinet. Georgian kitchen cabinets are formal in cherry or walnut woods with heavy crown moldings and stacked cabinets that reach to the ceiling. Other traditional designs are Cape Cod, Neoclassical, Early American, Manor and Shaker.
Transitional Kitchen Cabinets
Transitional cabinetry combines elements from both traditional and contemporary designs with a mix of natural and man-made materials. An example of a transitional kitchen is taking the traditional Shaker design and implementing a lighter color palette and not hiding appliances behind wood panels.
Contemporary Kitchen Cabinets
Contemporary kitchen cabinets are modern, geometric or curved. They are free of molding or ornamentation. Cabinets can be stainless steel, white or bright color laminate. When wood is used it is lightly grained like birch, ash or maple. Doors are slab or horizontal lift-up styles with glass inserts.
Rustic Kitchen Cabinets
Heavily grained woods such as knotty pine, hickory or alder are used for rustic kitchen cabinets. The cabinets have flat panel doors and pieces that look like furniture. Common colored stains on rustic kitchen cabinets are red, green or yellow. The rustic design is rooted in distinct regional images like Adirondack, Pacific Northwest and Southwestern.
Arts and Crafts kitchen cabinets
Arts and Crafts cabinets emphasize craftsmanship. The design includes recessed panel doors with thick frames. Popular woods used for Arts and Crafts cabinets are maple, birch, beech, or oak veneered. The door panel and the frame can have contrasting finishes and wood. Prairie and Mission are other Arts and Crafts styles.
Old World kitchen cabinets
Old World kitchen cabinets have a painted, cracked, distressed finish. Dish and cup racks are part of the Old World cabinetry. Bead board doors have raised panels.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Designing A Corner Kitchen Cabinet To Utilize Space
A corner kitchen cabinet can be a problematic part of kitchen design, regardless of whether it is part of a remodeling project or new kitchen construction. However, there are several ways in which to design a kitchen cabinet so that it will be space efficient and easy to use for almost any home cook or homeowner.
Step 1–Evaluate How to Use the Space
One of the primary problems with corner kitchen cabinets is that they are often under-utilized and the space ends up wasted. Consider what you want to store in the corner cabinet and how it will best fit in the space available. For some cooks, a corner cabinet is an opportunity to store kitchen accessories or items that are rarely used, but need a large empty space for storage. For other homeowners, a corner cabinet can be an excellent space to store items that they want hidden from use or not easily accessible to others. Decide how you want to use the space and what you want to store in the corner cabinet.
Step 2–Evaluate Corner Cabinet Storage Options
There are several storage options available for the corner cabinet:
■Lazy Susan-A lazy susan is a circular storage unit that rotates in the space. Many lazy susans for corner cabinets have multiple shelves. These storage units can be very space efficient because the allow access to all of the items stored on them.
■Shelves-Shelves installed in a corner cabinet allow access to the items placed toward the front, but can make it difficult to reach the things placed at the back.
■Drawers-Drawers pull out and allow access to all of the items in them. Drawers can be an attractive option for selective access to items.
■Empty Space-For kitchen accessories or small appliances, an empty space may be an excellent option, because it provides both height and depth for storage.
Step 3–Measure the Space Available
Measure the height, width and depth of the space available. If you already have existing cabinets, you may decide to match the counter height or other measurements in order to keep everything consistent.
Step 4–Choose a Cabinet Style and Finish
There are many different kitchen cabinet styles and finishes available. You can visit almost any large home improvement center or cabinet retailer and purchase cabinets.
Stock cabinets have limited choices, but are readily available and can often be taken home when you purchase them. Semi-custom cabinets usually need to be ordered and take approximately 4 to 6 weeks for delivery. These cabinets have the advantage of more design options and finishes. Custom cabinets are often designed and created completely from scratch and require 8 weeks or more for delivery.
If you are designing a corner cabinet to go with existing kitchen cabinets, you will probably want to choose a style and finish that matches. If you take a cabinet door with you, it will help in your selection. However, if you are choosing entirely new cabinets, then the choice of styles and finishes is only limited by your budget and delivery schedule.
Step 1–Evaluate How to Use the Space
One of the primary problems with corner kitchen cabinets is that they are often under-utilized and the space ends up wasted. Consider what you want to store in the corner cabinet and how it will best fit in the space available. For some cooks, a corner cabinet is an opportunity to store kitchen accessories or items that are rarely used, but need a large empty space for storage. For other homeowners, a corner cabinet can be an excellent space to store items that they want hidden from use or not easily accessible to others. Decide how you want to use the space and what you want to store in the corner cabinet.
Step 2–Evaluate Corner Cabinet Storage Options
There are several storage options available for the corner cabinet:
■Lazy Susan-A lazy susan is a circular storage unit that rotates in the space. Many lazy susans for corner cabinets have multiple shelves. These storage units can be very space efficient because the allow access to all of the items stored on them.
■Shelves-Shelves installed in a corner cabinet allow access to the items placed toward the front, but can make it difficult to reach the things placed at the back.
■Drawers-Drawers pull out and allow access to all of the items in them. Drawers can be an attractive option for selective access to items.
■Empty Space-For kitchen accessories or small appliances, an empty space may be an excellent option, because it provides both height and depth for storage.
Step 3–Measure the Space Available
Measure the height, width and depth of the space available. If you already have existing cabinets, you may decide to match the counter height or other measurements in order to keep everything consistent.
Step 4–Choose a Cabinet Style and Finish
There are many different kitchen cabinet styles and finishes available. You can visit almost any large home improvement center or cabinet retailer and purchase cabinets.
Stock cabinets have limited choices, but are readily available and can often be taken home when you purchase them. Semi-custom cabinets usually need to be ordered and take approximately 4 to 6 weeks for delivery. These cabinets have the advantage of more design options and finishes. Custom cabinets are often designed and created completely from scratch and require 8 weeks or more for delivery.
If you are designing a corner cabinet to go with existing kitchen cabinets, you will probably want to choose a style and finish that matches. If you take a cabinet door with you, it will help in your selection. However, if you are choosing entirely new cabinets, then the choice of styles and finishes is only limited by your budget and delivery schedule.
Create The Perfect Kitchen Cabinet Front
Building your own kitchen cabinets can be a satisfying and rewarding DIY project, and the kitchen cabinet front will be the final face of your work. Since the front determines the size of doors and drawers that can be used, getting this part right is essential to creating an attractive and stylish cabinet.
Items Needed
■Wood for Cabinet Face (½-inch plywood works best – you will need enough wood for the cabinet face and a separate piece for doors and drawer faces)
■Circular Saw
■Saw Horses
■Sand Paper
■Stain or Paint
■Wood Sealant/Varnish
■Hardware (Hinges and Handles if Desired)
Step 1 – Measure the Existing Cabinet
Measure the width of the existing cabinet face, including width and length. Also measure the existing drawer openings and cabinet door openings. Measure the distance from the edge of the cabinet to the beginning of each of the drawer and door openings. Note the distance between the drawer, especially if there is a bank of drawers as part of your cabinet.
Keep in mind that you may want the doors and drawer faces to be slightly larger than the openings to accommodate hinges, to help open and close the doors/drawers and for appearance.
Step 2 – Cut the Cabinet Face
Place the plywood over the saw horses. Mark the measurements of the cabinet faces on the wood and cut the plywood to size with the circular saw. Set aside the cabinet face piece.
Take a separate piece of wood and mark the measurements for all of your drawer faces and cabinet doors. Use the circular saw to cut out these pieces. If needed, number each piece so that you know where it fits on the cabinet face.
If you want a special edge to the doors or drawer faces (angled, bull nose, etc), use a router edge to create the desired effect.
Step 3 – Sand the Edges
Using coarse sandpaper, sand off the edges of each of the boards you have just cut, removing any splinters and creating a smooth and safe edge for people reaching in and out of the cabinets. Set aside the doors and drawer faces to work on later.
Step 4 – Sand the Cabinet Face
Since it is easier to work on the cabinet face while it is unattached, sand the surface of the cabinet wood, focusing your attention on the good side of the plywood (this is the side with the best grain).
Start with coarse sandpaper. Brush and wipe away any accumulated dust.
Change to a finer grain of sandpaper and sand until you have created a completely smooth finish. Brush away any dust and wipe clean with a dry clean lint-free cloth.
Step 5 – Attach the Cabinet Face
Set the cabinet face against the cabinet, good side facing outward. Using finish nails, attach the cabinet face to the side rails of the existing cabinet and along the top and bottom.
Step 6 – Finish Cabinet Face
With windows open to provide ventilation, apply a thin layer of wood sealant to the cabinet face. Let this dry for the time indicated on the packaging.
If you will be using an oil-based wood stain or paint, use an oil-based sealant (these usually dry faster than water based). If you are using a water-based paint or stain, use a water-based sealant.
Now apply either stain or paint to your cabinet face with a clean brush. In most cases, you will want to match the finish of the existing cabinet body. Apply at least 2 coats of the stain or paint to the cabinet face, letting each coat dry between applications.
Apply a final coat of sealant or varnish if you used wood stain.
Step 7 – Finish Doors and Drawer Faces
Repeat Step 6 on the cabinet doors and drawer faces.
Step 8 – Attach Hinges
Attach the door hinges to the cabinet. Depending on the type of hinge you are using, the hinge will be attached either to the outside of the cabinet face or just inside the cabinet.
Attach the hinge to the cabinet doors, and then connect the doors to the cabinet face.
Step 9 – Attach Handles
Attach handles or pulls to your doors and drawers.
Step 10 – Attach Drawer Faces
Nail the drawer faces to the front of each drawer with finish nails.
Items Needed
■Wood for Cabinet Face (½-inch plywood works best – you will need enough wood for the cabinet face and a separate piece for doors and drawer faces)
■Circular Saw
■Saw Horses
■Sand Paper
■Stain or Paint
■Wood Sealant/Varnish
■Hardware (Hinges and Handles if Desired)
Step 1 – Measure the Existing Cabinet
Measure the width of the existing cabinet face, including width and length. Also measure the existing drawer openings and cabinet door openings. Measure the distance from the edge of the cabinet to the beginning of each of the drawer and door openings. Note the distance between the drawer, especially if there is a bank of drawers as part of your cabinet.
Keep in mind that you may want the doors and drawer faces to be slightly larger than the openings to accommodate hinges, to help open and close the doors/drawers and for appearance.
Step 2 – Cut the Cabinet Face
Place the plywood over the saw horses. Mark the measurements of the cabinet faces on the wood and cut the plywood to size with the circular saw. Set aside the cabinet face piece.
Take a separate piece of wood and mark the measurements for all of your drawer faces and cabinet doors. Use the circular saw to cut out these pieces. If needed, number each piece so that you know where it fits on the cabinet face.
If you want a special edge to the doors or drawer faces (angled, bull nose, etc), use a router edge to create the desired effect.
Step 3 – Sand the Edges
Using coarse sandpaper, sand off the edges of each of the boards you have just cut, removing any splinters and creating a smooth and safe edge for people reaching in and out of the cabinets. Set aside the doors and drawer faces to work on later.
Step 4 – Sand the Cabinet Face
Since it is easier to work on the cabinet face while it is unattached, sand the surface of the cabinet wood, focusing your attention on the good side of the plywood (this is the side with the best grain).
Start with coarse sandpaper. Brush and wipe away any accumulated dust.
Change to a finer grain of sandpaper and sand until you have created a completely smooth finish. Brush away any dust and wipe clean with a dry clean lint-free cloth.
Step 5 – Attach the Cabinet Face
Set the cabinet face against the cabinet, good side facing outward. Using finish nails, attach the cabinet face to the side rails of the existing cabinet and along the top and bottom.
Step 6 – Finish Cabinet Face
With windows open to provide ventilation, apply a thin layer of wood sealant to the cabinet face. Let this dry for the time indicated on the packaging.
If you will be using an oil-based wood stain or paint, use an oil-based sealant (these usually dry faster than water based). If you are using a water-based paint or stain, use a water-based sealant.
Now apply either stain or paint to your cabinet face with a clean brush. In most cases, you will want to match the finish of the existing cabinet body. Apply at least 2 coats of the stain or paint to the cabinet face, letting each coat dry between applications.
Apply a final coat of sealant or varnish if you used wood stain.
Step 7 – Finish Doors and Drawer Faces
Repeat Step 6 on the cabinet doors and drawer faces.
Step 8 – Attach Hinges
Attach the door hinges to the cabinet. Depending on the type of hinge you are using, the hinge will be attached either to the outside of the cabinet face or just inside the cabinet.
Attach the hinge to the cabinet doors, and then connect the doors to the cabinet face.
Step 9 – Attach Handles
Attach handles or pulls to your doors and drawers.
Step 10 – Attach Drawer Faces
Nail the drawer faces to the front of each drawer with finish nails.
Create an Industrial Look with Screen Cabinet Door Panels
Creating an industrial look in your cabinet door with screens is an easy process. Industrial looks are very popular among loft apartments, and other contemporary kitchens. With a few pieces of lumber, and some metal screen, your industrial looking cabinet door panels are just a few hours away.
What You Will Need
■1 by 2 Lumber
■Miter Saw
■Aluminum Screening
■Metal Bracket Plate
■Piano Hinge
■Wood Screws
■Silver Paint
■Drill
■Finish Nails
■Small Hammer
■Circular Saw
■Staple Gun
Step 1 - Create Frame of Cabinet Door
Begin building your industrial looking cabinet door by make the basic frame. Cut the 1 by 2 lumber with the circular saw to your dimensions. This will vary depending on the openings of your cabinets. If you're going to need two doors, remember to leave a 1/8-inch gap between the two doors in your measurements.
Step 2 - Paint Wood Frame
After the wooden frame pieces are cut out, spray paint them with the silver paint. Let them dry and then prepare for assembly.
Step 3 - Assemble Frame
Set the pieces together on a flat work surface and begin assembling the frame. Use wood glue and the finish nails to attach each piece to the other. Predrill the holes for the finish nails so that it doesn't crack the wood. Wipe off the excess glue and wrap in a frame clamp.
Step 4 - Attach Screen
After the frame has dried, you can remove the clamp. Lay the frame down on a flat surface again with the back side facing up. Cut out the screen with scissors to the dimensions of the cabinet door frames. Wrap the raw edges of the screen under so that there's a smooth edge all the way around. Staple the screen to the backside of the frame.
Step 5 - Paint Another Coat
Once the screen is attached to the cabinet door, spray paint the entire door to match the color. This will not only give a consistent color, but will also add another coat to the wood.
Step 6 - Attach Metal Brackets
In each corner of the front side of the cabinet door, attach a small metal bracket. This is mostly for decoration, but also adds support to the corners of the cabinet door. Set a bracket on a corner and mark the screw holes. Predrill the hole so the screw doesn't crack the wood. Use a screwdriver and attach the metal bracket to the cabinet door. Repeat until all four corners have one.
Step 7 - Attach Piano Hinge
To give a more industrial look, a piano hinge is a great touch. Cut the hinge to size, so it's flush with the door. Attach to the cabinet door with the small screws.
Step 8 - Position Cabinet Door on Cabinet
Line up the cabinet door with the cabinet opening, and attach by driving screws into the piano hinge. Screw on a cabinet door pull. Open and close the door to make sure it swings open and closes tightly.
What You Will Need
■1 by 2 Lumber
■Miter Saw
■Aluminum Screening
■Metal Bracket Plate
■Piano Hinge
■Wood Screws
■Silver Paint
■Drill
■Finish Nails
■Small Hammer
■Circular Saw
■Staple Gun
Step 1 - Create Frame of Cabinet Door
Begin building your industrial looking cabinet door by make the basic frame. Cut the 1 by 2 lumber with the circular saw to your dimensions. This will vary depending on the openings of your cabinets. If you're going to need two doors, remember to leave a 1/8-inch gap between the two doors in your measurements.
Step 2 - Paint Wood Frame
After the wooden frame pieces are cut out, spray paint them with the silver paint. Let them dry and then prepare for assembly.
Step 3 - Assemble Frame
Set the pieces together on a flat work surface and begin assembling the frame. Use wood glue and the finish nails to attach each piece to the other. Predrill the holes for the finish nails so that it doesn't crack the wood. Wipe off the excess glue and wrap in a frame clamp.
Step 4 - Attach Screen
After the frame has dried, you can remove the clamp. Lay the frame down on a flat surface again with the back side facing up. Cut out the screen with scissors to the dimensions of the cabinet door frames. Wrap the raw edges of the screen under so that there's a smooth edge all the way around. Staple the screen to the backside of the frame.
Step 5 - Paint Another Coat
Once the screen is attached to the cabinet door, spray paint the entire door to match the color. This will not only give a consistent color, but will also add another coat to the wood.
Step 6 - Attach Metal Brackets
In each corner of the front side of the cabinet door, attach a small metal bracket. This is mostly for decoration, but also adds support to the corners of the cabinet door. Set a bracket on a corner and mark the screw holes. Predrill the hole so the screw doesn't crack the wood. Use a screwdriver and attach the metal bracket to the cabinet door. Repeat until all four corners have one.
Step 7 - Attach Piano Hinge
To give a more industrial look, a piano hinge is a great touch. Cut the hinge to size, so it's flush with the door. Attach to the cabinet door with the small screws.
Step 8 - Position Cabinet Door on Cabinet
Line up the cabinet door with the cabinet opening, and attach by driving screws into the piano hinge. Screw on a cabinet door pull. Open and close the door to make sure it swings open and closes tightly.
Corner Cupboard Access Solution: Install a Lazy Susan
A corner cupboard can be awkward, but if you install an item like a lazy Susan you can effectively use the space and store your items in an attractive way. Having a well thought out kitchen is a great way to work more efficiently and save some space. There are many organizational tools that you can use in your kitchen to make sure that you are taking advantage of your available space more effectively.
Assess Your Available Space
To make the best use of your corner cupboard, you will have to take some measurements so that you can buy the right size lazy Susan. Even if you are making the unit on your own, you will need good measurements so that you can install the item and have it turn properly in the corner cupboard.
Remember that your lazy Susan is supposed to turn so that you have access to all of your items in a simple and efficient way. No longer will you be hunting in the back of the cabinet for that one item that you need. With this turning storage solution, you will simple spin the lazy Susan and bring what you are looking for right to the front.
Upper Cabinets and the Lazy Susan
The corner cupboard that is up above the counter top is the perfect place to keep spices and small bottles that you use frequently while cooking. Smaller bottles tend to get lost in a deep corner cupboard, but the lazy Susan will keep everything within easy reach.
The installation of this solution for the corner cupboard might require you to do a little changing with the way your cupboards are arranged. Put the items that make the most sense in the corner cupboard with the lazy Susan.
Lower Cabinets and the Lazy Susan
A corner cupboard that is below the counter can also use a lazy Susan for the items that you store in these cabinets. Cleaning supplies are a wonderful item to store on this organization tool to allow you to store a number of cans and bottles of cleaning solution without losing them in the back of the cabinet. Simply install the lazy Susan in the corner cupboard and put all of your cleaning products on the turntable.
Use it for Dishes
You can also use a lazy Susan in a corner cupboard to store your coffee mugs or glass ware. Many households have a number of coffee mugs jammed into a cupboard in a very unsightly fashion. The lazy Susan in the corner cupboard can put all of the mugs in a single location where you can spin to find your favorite mug in the morning.
The lazy Susan is a great organizational tool to use in your kitchen and even your bathroom. You can make great use of an awkward corner cupboard that doesn’t seem well suited to store much of anything. The organizer gives you easy access to everything that is stored in the cupboard with a simple to install tool.
Assess Your Available Space
To make the best use of your corner cupboard, you will have to take some measurements so that you can buy the right size lazy Susan. Even if you are making the unit on your own, you will need good measurements so that you can install the item and have it turn properly in the corner cupboard.
Remember that your lazy Susan is supposed to turn so that you have access to all of your items in a simple and efficient way. No longer will you be hunting in the back of the cabinet for that one item that you need. With this turning storage solution, you will simple spin the lazy Susan and bring what you are looking for right to the front.
Upper Cabinets and the Lazy Susan
The corner cupboard that is up above the counter top is the perfect place to keep spices and small bottles that you use frequently while cooking. Smaller bottles tend to get lost in a deep corner cupboard, but the lazy Susan will keep everything within easy reach.
The installation of this solution for the corner cupboard might require you to do a little changing with the way your cupboards are arranged. Put the items that make the most sense in the corner cupboard with the lazy Susan.
Lower Cabinets and the Lazy Susan
A corner cupboard that is below the counter can also use a lazy Susan for the items that you store in these cabinets. Cleaning supplies are a wonderful item to store on this organization tool to allow you to store a number of cans and bottles of cleaning solution without losing them in the back of the cabinet. Simply install the lazy Susan in the corner cupboard and put all of your cleaning products on the turntable.
Use it for Dishes
You can also use a lazy Susan in a corner cupboard to store your coffee mugs or glass ware. Many households have a number of coffee mugs jammed into a cupboard in a very unsightly fashion. The lazy Susan in the corner cupboard can put all of the mugs in a single location where you can spin to find your favorite mug in the morning.
The lazy Susan is a great organizational tool to use in your kitchen and even your bathroom. You can make great use of an awkward corner cupboard that doesn’t seem well suited to store much of anything. The organizer gives you easy access to everything that is stored in the cupboard with a simple to install tool.
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