WHERE THE WOW FACTOR STARTS?

So you’ve got the desire, goal or plan to remodel your kitchen we’re truly excited for you, and let us congratulate you, because Lord knows you’ve earned it. That said you’ll need to enter this process with a clear vision and easy-to-understand priorities. Ultimately, this will include not only your budget, but also your general style, preferred materials, and color scheme.

A little research can go a long way as you determine what, exactly, will go into your dream kitchen. Remodeling videos on television or YouTube; set aside some time to browse for inspiration. You can also find excellent ideas on Pinterest and Instagram or in home renovation magazines.

Consider not only what you like, but also, what you dislike. Begin with your current kitchen — where could it be improved? If you dislike virtually everything about your kitchen, identify the biggest offenders.

Looks are important, but don't stop there. Consider the use your cabinets will serve, as well as how could your new cabinets make your life easier? Some examples are; drawer inserts to pull-out trash cans, a variety of solutions can be incorporated to add that WOW FACTOR to you kitchen experience. You'll also want to consider the longevity of your cabinets; the ideal remodel will stand the test of time.

NARROW DOWN YOUR SELECTIONS

Versatility is the name of the game in modern cabinetry, but most kitchen cabinets fall under the umbrella of two main categories: traditional and contemporary. Transitional cabinets allow for a middle ground, blending the best of traditional design with modern functionality. Several factors can determine how traditional or modern your cabinets look, including:

WOOD VERSUS PAINT

The painted cabinet look is hot right now. White cabinets, in particular, provide an open and airy look that appeals especially to those with small kitchens. Grey is also an appealing option that can be integrated with nearly any tile or hardware style imaginable.

HGTV-inspired painted cabinets may currently be trendy, but there's plenty to be said for the elegant and more traditional look of wood cabinets without paint. The right stain can showcase wood's beautiful features, lending your kitchen more personality and visual interest.

If you opt for wood cabinets, you'll want to determine which type fits your budget and preferred aesthetic. Favorites include:

• White oak

• Red oak

• Cherry

• Maple

• Poplar

• Ash

• Birch

• Walnut

FINISH CHOICES

The right finish can attract attention to your wood cabinets' most impressive features. Conversely, the wrong finish will highlight flaws and do little to elevate your kitchen's style. As mentioned earlier, paint is always an option, especially for woods with tighter grains. Many homeowners prefer stains, which add color without obscuring the wood's natural characteristics. Glazes can be used to draw attention to accent pieces. Additional finishing techniques such as distressing and edge sanding can add further character to your kitchen.

CABINET DOOR STYLE: INSET VERSUS OVERLAY

Homeowners primarily focus on finishes when planning cabinet designs, but it's also worth considering how the doors will fit into the rest of the structure. Top options include:

• Flush inset: These doors fit directly into the frame, creating a smooth and cohesive look. When closed, the cabinet's doors and drawers are fully flush with the frame.

• Beaded inset: Beaded inset doors use the same structure as standard insets, but with accents provided to add flair. Plain & Fancy uses specific tooling to add a subtle “bead” to the interior of the cabinet frame.

• Full overlay: Offering a similar sleek aesthetic to inset doors, full overlay designs almost completely cover the cabinet's face, providing the smooth look that makes insets so visually appealing.

• Partial overlay: With partial overlay cabinets, the door rests on the face. This allows a significant portion of the frame to be seen. This traditional look offers exceptional versatility, as hardware is not required.

STORAGE OPTIONS

Whether your home boasts an expansive kitchen or something a bit cozier, storage can play a key role in how organized it feels not only when it's unveiled, but also as the craziness of daily life takes over. More storage space is always better, of course, but it's also crucial that this space is used effectively. Your designer can help you achieve an intuitive layout that makes it easy to keep every item in its designated place. This, in turn, will ensure maximum food prep efficiency.