Cabinetry is important in interior design… and, no, not just in the kitchen. It’s integral in the bathroom, living area, home office, etc. After all, we use it for storing items, organizing them, and for adding style. So many purposes, just with one addition in decor! Keep reading to learn all about the art and functionality of cabinetry in interior design. We’ll share how we use it in luxury homes in Arizona.
The Purpose of Cabinetry
Cabinetry in our homes serves more purpose than one. For one, and the most obvious, cabinetry is used for storage. It efficiently organizes everyday items while keeping them accessible. If you go for custom cabinetry—which we love in luxury homes—you can maximize every inch of space available. This is because the cabinetry will be built to fit into nooks and crannies.
Also, when styled beautifully, cabinetry adds character to the overall design of the home. Use it to add textural elements, and you can also make the space inviting. Here, you get the opportunity to style it in two different ways. A) the cabinetry blends into the existing architecture or B) it stands out as a stunning focal point.
Types of Cabinetry (By Room)
We see cabinetry in almost every room of the home. And, as per the room, the type of cabinetry varies.
Kitchen Cabinets
The base cabinets in the kitchen help provide countertop support. They also hold appliances, like your dishwasher or sink. Paired with these are wall cabinets, which are used for overhead storage. These often store frequently used items (like the condiments you reach out for as you cook). Finally, we have pantry cabinets. These are tall units, and are used to stock up on food items.
Bathroom Cabinets
In the bathroom, cabinetry is found as the vanity. This combines the sink (in luxury homes, this often sits on the cabinetry as a vessel sink) with storage for toiletries. There are also linen cabinets that store towels and linens. And medicine cabinets to keep your personal care items.
Living Room/Media Cabinetry
In the living room, built-in units are used for cabinetry. They are used to frame televisions and fireplaces. They also have display shelves to add to the style of your space. In compact living areas, floating cabinets provide storage but without taking up floor space.
Home Office Cabinets
Desk units are the most common form of cabinetry in the home office. These include drawers, where you can store your office supplies. We also see file cabinets which can help keep your paperwork in order. Bookcases let you store your collection of books as well as decor and art on the open shelves.
Choosing Cabinetry Material
Cabinets come in so many different materials, including:
Solid Wood
Wooden cabinets are durable and timeless. We often use them to make the ambiance of luxury homes inviting. However, they can warp in high humidity levels. If you’re looking for a classic or traditional vibe, these cabinets do great!
MDF
Medium-density fiberboard cabinetry is affordable. It also has a smooth surface which is great for painting. But MDF is less durable than solid wood. If you want to paint your cabinetry to your liking, MDF is a good option.
Plywood
Plywood cabinetry is strong and resistant to moisture (so it’s a good option when humidity levels are high). It’s also a lightweight material—so easy to handle if you’re hoping to DIY your cabinetry. But plywood is more expensive than other options. We recommend it in high-traffic areas like the kitchen.
Laminate
This is a budget-friendly option in cabinet materials. Laminate is available in so many different colors and patterns, so you can find one for virtually every style. But on the flip side, it does look less luxurious than natural materials. It’s great for a contemporary or minimalist design.
Metal
Metal cabinetry is undeniably durable and sleek. We love it in interiors with an industrial vibe. But it can scratch or dent easily. If you have a modern or industrial design style, go for metal cabinetry.
Cabinetry Styles
There are as many cabinetry styles as there are materials! Your choice can set the tone for the entire room. Some popular styles are—
- Shaker style, featuring clean lines and a timeless design
- Flat-panel (slab), featuring a minimalist design with no ornamentation
- Inset cabinets, featuring flush doors that sit within the frame
- Glass-front cabinets, that allow you to showcase dishes or decor
- Beadboard, adding texture and a cottage-inspired vibe to the space
- Open shelving, which creates an airy feel (and is a modern alternative to upper cabinets)
Cabinet Finishes
These determine the overall look as well as the durability of your cabinets.
If you prefer a colorful look, you can paint your cabinets. White, gray, and navy are often used for painting cabinets. For folks who want to highlight the natural beauty of wood grain, staining the cabinets is a good idea. Glaze can add character (often seen in traditional styles) while lacquer gives a nice and glossy finish. We also love distressed finishes where we want to achieve a vintage look.
Custom vs. Semi-Custom vs. Stock Cabinetry
You can choose which level of customization you want for your cabinetry. You mainly have three options in that regard:
Stock Cabinets
These are pre-made and come in standard sizes. So, you measure your space and choose the closest fit from the options on the market. This is a more budget-friendly option but note that the range will be limited.
Semi-Custom Cabinets
These are also pre-fabricated but come with some options for customization. For example, you can choose the finishes or the hardware. This gives a good balance between personalizing your cabinets while also staying within a reasonable budget.
Custom Cabinets
These, as the name suggests, are made to order. They’re tailored to your space—so will fit even into the awkwardest corners. There’s unlimited design flexibility here, which justifies the higher price point.
The Importance of Hardware
Hardware may seem like an afterthought when choosing your cabinetry, but don’t underestimate its impact! You have quite a few options here, including:
- Knobs and pulls. These are available in materials like brass, chrome, or matte black.
- Hidden hinges. We use these when we’re after a modern look that appears hardware-less. These are hidden and lend to a contemporary ambiance.
- Soft-close mechanisms. These help prevent slamming. This extends the life of your cabinetry.
Some Cabinetry Trends…
With so many options, it can be hard to choose cabinetry for your home. That’s where trends can help. Look at what people are currently loving, and perhaps use it as inspiration to choose cabinetry for your home!
Currently, we’re seeing plenty of two-tone cabinets. Think: light upper cabinets and dark base cabinets. Bold colors are trending from the kitchen to the living, like bold jewel tones, and even black.
Lighting is also being integrated into cabinetry. LED strips inside (or under cabinets) not only adds to the functionality but also gives a unique visual appeal to the cabinetry. In terms of materials, we’re seeing a shift towards sustainable choices. Bamboo and reclaimed wood, in particular, are becoming famous.
Care
Once you have your cabinets installed, you want to care for them the right way to add to their longevity. This shouldn’t be too hard; just keep the following tips in mind, and you’ll be good to go.
- For cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution. Nothing too harsh.
- Whenever you notice a loose screw, tighten it in place.
- If you choose wood cabinets, be sure to reseal them every few years. This makes sure moisture doesn’t harm them.
Let’s Upgrade Your Cabinetry…
If you’re looking to upgrade the cabinetry in your Arizona home, we’re here to help. Let’s chat and see which cabinetry is the right fit for your space 🤍