An efficient kitchen cabinet idea strikes a balance between form and function. When it comes to kitchen cabinet ideas, it’s important to find solutions that look good but also offer smart storage. The best kitchens have cabinets that meet the needs of the cooks who use the space every day.
An experienced kitchen renovation contractor or interior designer can help reconfigure your current cabinets. Another affordable choice is getting quality pre-made cabinets from a home improvement or cabinet store and installing them yourself. We’ve got plenty of kitchen cabinetry inspirations below if you’re looking to give your cooking space an upgrade.
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18 Inspiring Kitchen Cabinet Ideas
1. White shaker-style cabinets
This classic, versatile style provides a crisp clean look that feels fresh but also timeless. Pairing white shaker cabinets with a marble countertop or backsplash elevates the kitchen with an elegantly polished look. The combo of bright white cabinets with pretty dark gray, and white swirled marble makes this style instantly sophisticated yet still welcoming.
2. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry
In a small kitchen, maximizing storage is key. Take cabinets all the way up to the ceiling for a huge gain in hidden storage space. This wall of custom cabinets makes even a narrow galley kitchen feel open rather than cramped. Floor-to-ceiling built-in cabinets also add architectural dimension and interest to a plain boxed kitchen space.
3. Glass front cabinets
For a lighter, airier atmosphere replace solid upper cabinet doors with glass fronts. This allows the display of beautiful dishware while maintaining enclosed storage space below the counter. Glass front doors on cabinets keep the space feeling open without fully exposing everything inside. They are the perfect backdrop to artistically style and spotlight pretty kitchenware and glasses.
4. Bold paint color on cabinets
Make a dramatic style statement by painting kitchen cabinets in a deep, saturated shade. Navy blue offers a bold yet classic look. Paired with brass hardware and a bright marble backsplash, deep navy cabinets pop beautifully in a kitchen washed with abundant natural light. This rich, bold color is perfect for contemporary spaces.
5. Matte black hardware
Switch out standard silver and brushed nickel knobs for matte black hardware. This Finish adds sophisticated interest and a modern edge to all-white minimalist kitchens or to shaker-style cabinet-style cabinetry. Black hardware subtly draws the eye to display the clean lines and detailing on fronts and drawers. Let this hardware element ground lighter colors and materials.
6. Open shelving
For a lighter, breezier feel alternate some wall cabinets with open shelves. This gives easy access to everyday dishware and pantry goods without cramming everything behind closed doors. Styled with an artful, minimalist kitchen design, open shelves introduce texture and dimension while keeping things aesthetically pleasing. Monthly rotations of seasonal tchotchkes prevent clutter.
7. Cabinets matching kitchen islands
Selecting cabinets in the same finish and style as the kitchen island creates visual flow. The eye seamlessly moves around the full space, taking in harmonious wood elements. Matching the island and cabinetry in a natural wood tone also cultivates a cozy modern farmhouse kitchen atmosphere. Tying the two major features together makes the busy kitchen feel like one large, warm furniture piece.
8. Dark walnut shaker cabinets
In a busy family kitchen, rich walnut shaker-style cabinets will ground the space with natural texture and earthy color. Darker wood brings a cozy, cottage feel that children warm up to. The dark brown hue hides daily wear and tear more graciously than light-painted cabinetry. For contrast, pair with crisp white countertops and backsplash tile to keep things fresh.
9. Mix wood with painted cabinets
If you can’t choose between painted or wood cabinets, why not pick both? Combine your cabinets to match the soft organic texture of wood cabinets for the lower portion with matte white uppers for a lighter feel. Working the contrast between the two materials adds a compelling visual dimension. Or stick to one cabinet style but mix and match colors for accent.
10. Custom kitchen cabinet hardware
Take ordinary flat panel or shaker cabinets up a notch with a modern twist and unique, custom hardware. Swapping out standard knobs and pulls for custom cast brass or blackened steel handles makes things feel bespoke and designer. This is a relatively affordable trick that subtly modernizes the space with a custom feel.
11. Under cabinet lighting
Strategically place puck lights underneath upper cabinets to spotlight and illuminate tasks occurring below. For example, focus functional light over the kitchen sink, stove, or primary meal prep area. This makes cooking and cleaning up far easier. Just be sure the lighting is positioned to avoid glare in the main line of sight.
12. Pullout cabinet organizers
Keep cabinets neatly organized with specialized built-in storage like spice racks, pan organizers, and custom drawers. Pull-out cabinet inserts make finding what you need easy. No more rummaging to locate the right ingredient or untangling pots! These smart storage solutions reduce wasted space considerably.
13. Glass front cabinet doors
In dining areas or drink stations, glass front cabinet doors allow you to artfully display beautiful plates, mugs, glassware, and barware collections. Lit with delicate lighting, this glassware takes center stage while remaining free of dust and grime. Enclosed storage sits conveniently below to tuck away extras.
14. Floating kitchen shelves
Unexpected floating shelves contrast beautifully with standard lower cabinets in a kitchen. Opting for open shelves in lieu of upper cabinets maintains storage options below while giving an airier, modern feel. The floating block shelves can be styled decoratively with lush plants, cookbooks, or artwork.
15. Benjamin Moore light blue cabinets
A soft blue-grey hue from Benjamin Moore is very on trend and gives off calm, airy vibes. Light blue painted cabinets pop beautifully against bright white walls and marble counters in a crisp, beachy combo. This cabinet color feels fun yet soothing if you don’t want an all-white scheme but still have bright space and desire something light.
16. Hidden trash and recycling
Reduce visible kitchen clutter with base cabinets outfitted with pull-out bins. Keep your trash, recycling, and compost contained within cabinetry rather than sitting out on the countertops. Simply open the cabinet door and pull out the container when needed, then neatly tuck it back into place.
17. Rolling ladder for high cabinets
In a cottage-style kitchen with very tall upper cabinets, consider installing a rolling library ladder on a side rail. This allows safe and easy access to items stored on top shelves. No more precarious climbing onto countertops! It also enables the use of hard-to-reach vertical storage space.
18. Lazy Susans corner kitchen cabinets
Maximize tricky corner cabinet storage with a smooth spinning “lazy susan” insert. This round spinning tray neatly organizes spice bottles, cooking oils, and food cans so you can easily see everything. No more jumbled items caught in the back! This storage solution is also great for pantries and utility closets.
Kitchen Cabinet Organization and Tips
No matter the size or layout of your kitchen, it likely contains cabinets and drawers galore for storage. However, things can quickly become disorganized and cluttered if you don’t utilize storage space efficiently. Take full advantage of cabinets through some clever tips and solutions below:
Declutter First
Declutter first before organizing. This allows you to see all the items you actually need to store and identify problem areas. Get rid of excess or unused kitchen tools and non-essentials.
Use Food Storage Containers
Invest in food storage containers to neatly corral ingredients like flour, sugar, and coffee. Clear ones allow you to instantly see the content. Having these staples at the ready minimizes shopping needs.
Install Pullout Pots & Pans Organizers
Install pullout cabinet shelves or drawers to neatly store all pots and pans in one spot. No more digging under stacks to find the right lid. Customize the cabinet colors and size to perfectly fit what you own.
Use Cutlery Drawer Organizers
Use cutlery and utensil drawer organizers to neatly file all silverware, spatulas, tongs, etc. in divided sections. Deep narrow drawers work best to keep these essentials right at your fingertips.
Designate Cleaning Cabinet
Store all cleaning supplies including sponges and brushes in a designated lower cabinet fitted with slide-out trays and baskets. Keep these messy items contained but easily accessible.
Add Upper Cabinets
Take advantage of wasted vertical storage space above cabinets. Install extra shelving for small appliances or rarely used servingware. It keeps items handy but off your counters.
Install An Appliance Garage
For small kitchen appliances like the toaster, coffee maker, or stand mixer that you use often, install an appliance garage. This enclosure neatly tucks the appliance away when not in use but makes it easily accessible when needed since it’s right at the counter level. Hide the appliance clutter when not needed!
Get Organized with A Custom Kitchen Cabinet Refresh
Organizing your kitchen cabinets effectively maximizes storage potential while keeping daily essentials tidy and accessible. Clever solutions can transform the space into a clutter-free cooking haven.
W Kitchen & Bath takes pride in crafting kitchen and bathroom designs centered around smart storage and organization solutions to best suit each client’s design style and needs. We offer FREE online design consultations to provide custom recommendations. Contact us today to get the process started!