Making Your Kitchen Shine With Great Cabinetry

The kitchen is usually thought of as the "function" room. In other words, not as much time might be spent worrying about the decor, such as with the living room or other areas of the house. But there's no reason why the kitchen can't shine, too. Without getting away from the importance of function, form can play a strong role in making your kitchen what it is. An integral part of doing so is implementing cabinetry that works. Not only should your cabinets work well, they should look nice as well. Here are some things to keep in mind as you upgrade.

Experts say that cabinetry usually comprises up to three quarters of a kitchen's budget. If this is true, you'll certainly want to make sure you're getting your money's worth. But upgrading your cabinets doesn't have to be an expensive proposition. Yes, you're going to spend some money, but there are enough options and alternatives out there to keep yourself from going over budget. If you run into a money wall, get creative. Look at painting options and other alternative design choices that can serve form and function without cleaning out your bank account.

While keeping the overall look of your kitchen in mind, you'll want to start by examining how you use the room. Consciously note how you move when cooking the next time you are preparing a meal. What items are you reaching for the most? What features would make what you're doing easier? Which ones would make it more difficult? The answers to these questions can shed a light on what kind of cabinetry you should be looking for. If you look for form first, you'll easily be able to find a look that matches what you want out of your decor.

Don't overlook the benefits of consulting with cabinetry experts. Even if you're determined to do the actual labor yourself, you can learn a lot by talking with those in the industry. They have seen it all and then some and will be able to offer you some solid advice on how to move forward. You may want to avoid asking those in the sales business, as their advice could be designed to push you in whatever direction would get them a good sale. Look for carpenters and professional design experts. Peruse magazines and books on the subject. Magazines are a particularly good resource for finding examples you may want to emulate. Remember, however, that this is your kitchen that you're redesigning, and keep the choices within both your budget and your overall aesthetic.