5 Design Tips For Custom Cabinets That Will Transform Your Kitchen

Regarding kitchen cabinets, the right design details can make a huge difference. When creating a custom look, a professional cabinet designer considers your needs, style, and kitchen layout.

Try these ideas to take your cabinets beyond the standard builder-grade look. They’re sure to impress your friends and family.

Add Pull-Out Shelves

Adding pull-out shelves is one of the most important kitchen upgrades. These narrow shelves allow you to organize your cabinet contents, making them easier to access and allowing you to store items like tall bottles of cooking spray, olive oil, or vinegar that can otherwise take up valuable space.

You can find various pre-made wire baskets and trays that fit in standard cabinets, but building simple custom cabinets Seattle is much simpler. Adding sides to your new pull-out shelf will prevent it from sagging over time. This will also help prevent the shelf from hitting inner projections like cabinet doors and hinges when they open.

Paint the Insides

Paint color is one of the biggest design changes you can make. Whether you match the outsides and insides or add a bold pop of color, the fresh coat will instantly make your cabinets look custom.

To create a rich color, use a primer designed for cabinetry. Follow the directions and let dry thoroughly. Alternatively, sand and apply a stain-blocking oil-based primer and paint the cabinets.

Another way to add a unique element to your cabinets is to replace the doors with something special like reeded, tinted, or leaded glass or a mullion insert. This option is great for upper cabinets that might sit over a bar area. You can also swap the interior adjustable shelves for a different insert style, such as brass mesh screens or cane webbing.

Add Shelves and Racks

Whether you need extra storage space or want to create a more open look, adding shelves and racks can give your custom cabinets an updated aesthetic. For example, you are installing a door-mounted storage rack to hold cooking utensils and spices. You could also add a chalkboard or whiteboard to keep track of household schedules and grocery lists.

Another simple kitchen cabinet design solution is to add angle shelf supports. These are inexpensive and easy to install in place of your existing bottom cabinet shelves. Just measure and mark the location of the existing pin holes with a pencil or use Play-Doh to create a guide before drilling.

Another easy way to increase storage is to add wall cabinets that extend to the ceiling. This will give you more space and eliminate the need to climb up and dust all the cabinet tops.

Add an Accent Color

The right shade of paint can instantly brighten and liven up a room. When paired with neutrals, green kitchen cabinets look warm and inviting, while brighter shades like turquoise can infuse your space with energy.

For a subtle touch of color that doesn’t require painting cabinet doors, wallpaper can be a great choice. A fun and textured pattern can add texture to an open cabinet or provide a focal point on a wall, especially when used with a backsplash with a similar hue.

Empty spaces above cabinets can be a design pet peeve, but they can also offer the perfect spot for decorative dishware or vintage memorabilia. And with the addition of LED lights, you can easily create a color-changing effect. Just make sure the light is rated for wet-space use.

Add Potted Plants

The gap above cabinets is a common design pet peeve, but it can be solved with an easy DIY solution. Decorate the area with low-maintenance plants that can withstand kitchen conditions. Plants like English ivy, peace lily, and heartleaf rhododendron are low-light varieties that can thrive on the tops of custom cabinets.

Pair your potted plants with decorative trays that help protect the shelves from moisture damage. Adding trays also gives the cabinet tops a tablescape effect with various colors and shapes.

You can also use trays to hold other accessories, such as vases, decorative items, or cooking tools. Talk to your custom cabinet designer to learn about more functional ways to add storage to the tops of cabinets.