Contemporary Kitchen

Contemporary style kitchens are described as modern, minimalist and geometric. The main characteristics are asymmetry, horizontal lines and lack of molding and other ornamentation.  These style of kitchen cabinets utilize materials that are man made as opposed to natural.  Some of the materials used to make these cabinets are stainless steel for metal kitchen cabinets, laminate, frosted glass, concrete, linoleum, chrome and lacquer.

Contemporary incorporates styles from the 1940s to the present with many European countries like Scandinavia, Germany and especially Italy leading the way on this kitchen design.  There are many cabinet accessories that compliment these kitchen styles perfectly.  Choose from a vast array of  kitchen cabinet knobs, hinges and pulls to suite the design of the kitchen.  Leading companies such as Home Depot, Sawhill and Sears offer a wide range to name a few.

Rustic Kitchen

Rustic kitchens incorporate a style that has a regional American influence e.g. Adirondack, Southwestern, Pacific or Mountain West.  Others resemble log cabins and lodges.  The main characteristics include kitchen cabinets in knotty pine, alder, hickory, ceiling beams, and warm shades of brown, green red and yellow.  Select your kitchen cabinet doors from beautiful wood grains, compliment them with the right cabinet knobs and hinges and the transformation it will make to your kitchen is drastic.  If you’re up to this bold move, go for it.

Country Kitchen

Country Kitchens I like to describe as very cheerful and welcoming.  They are light and bright colored with painted and glazed cabinets.  They can incorporate wire or metal inserts, woven baskets, bead board panels, floral motifs and decorative shelving and molding.  These style of kitchen cabinets are fun and add such flair to your kitchen.  Accessorize them with the right kitchen cabinet knobs, pulls and hinges and you have a winner.  A stunning upgrade to any outdated kitchen.

Old World Kitchen

Old World kitchens trace their beginnings back to pre 17th century Europe.  The main characteristics are large cooking grotos or hearths with distressed unfitted kitchen cabinets made from wood.  Themes include Tuscan, Mediterranean, Medieval, Castle, French Chateau, Italian Villa and Normandy or Dutch cottages.  These kitchen cabinets are accessorized with heavy duty hinges, knobs and pulls because the cabinet doors are typically made from heavy woods.  To compliment this, the kitchen itself incorporates stone floors, mosaic tile, brick or plaster walls and pewter and copper accents.  Not one of the cheapest routes to go, but for those of you who enjoy the history of that era, take yourself back into time with your Old World kitchen.

Traditional Kitchen

Traditional kitchens are the formal elegant look characteristic of American and European homes from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.  Design styles for these kitchen cabinets are more Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian, Federal, Regency and Early American.  Expect to see more ornate molding and trim, and elegant kitchen cabinet doors in Cherry, Walnut and Mahogany with antique hinges, knobs and pulls.  The classic look that has stood the test of time.

Transitional Kitchen

Transitional kitchens incorporate elements of both contemporary and traditional styles.  Eclectic in nature, they mix man made and natural materials as well as finishes and textures for the kitchen cabinet doors.  Hinges, knobs and cabinet accessories are vast in appearance because you get to choose from a good mix.

I hope this information has helped you decide on your style of kitchen which will ultimately determine your design and selection of your kitchen cabinets, doors, knobs, hardware and accessories.

Questionnaire

Questions to ask when choosing cabinetry.  You can print this out and take it with you when visiting show rooms and consulting with on site experts.

1.  Do my current cabinets provide enough storage space?

2.  Do I need more cabinetry, or do I need more organization elements?

3.  Who will be using the kitchen?  Do their needs differ by height and age?

4.  What additional activities takes place in the kitchen besides cooking and eating?  Do I need to conceal a washer and dryer or add additional shelving for a tv?

5.  What about the care of my cabinets?  What materials can I choose where maintenance is easy?

6.  What features do I need with my new cabinets?  Can I live without them and add them later?

7.  Do I want my new cabinets to display what’s inside them?  Do I want glass front doors?

8.  Do I need wall cabinets and how many?  Should I leave some wall space to add windows and shelving?

9.  Moldings and trim are pretty additions.  Do I need them for the theme and style of my kitchen?  Do I want the headaches of dusting them?