Hinges… A Pivotal Styling Choice!

Next on our list of styling selections is hinging. Hinges are not only an integral part of the cabinet function, but are also used to emphasize the style of the kitchen. The popular options are:

  • Beaded inset hinging with exposed barrels

  • Flush inset with hidden hinges

  • Partial overlay hidden hinges

Beaded inset hinging with exposed hinge barrels is a very popular option, lending itself well to traditional styles. Flush inset with hidden hinges gives a clean look, working well with transitional and contemporary styles. Partial overlay hidden hinges are a common choice, working well with transitional styles.

Hinging is a broad and important topic, which we will expand on in later posts. Pick which one suits you best and move one step closer to transforming your existing kitchen space!

Keeping Your Eye On Design

Researching design ideas is an integral part of any kitchen remodeling project. When looking at different pictures you can start to draw elements from each by learning a few important facets that lead to the overall style of the kitchen.

Cabinets, and their resulting style, are made up of many small pieces fit together, with different combinations leading to different results. The major aspects of any kitchen are:

  • Wood color and/or paint color

  • Door and drawer front style

  • Hinging type

  • Moulding style

  • Detailed embellishments

  • Hardware choice

When a kitchen draws your attention keep these points in mind, as they will help you better understand what elements make up your preferences. Ackley Cabinet can combine the many options available to finish with the kitchen of your dreams, or simply match an existing style you have pulled out of a magazine (most often using a combination of the two!).

Call us today and schedule your in-home design consultation! We will go over all of these options, and help you make a decision on what will best suit your home and budget.

What Style!

Choosing your cabinet door style is the next important bridge to cross in your kitchen remodeling project. In another post, we covered the finishing and wood options available for your kitchen remodeling project. Now we will explore the different door and drawer front styles you can choose.

The door and drawer front style options available for your kitchen can generally be put in one of four categories. 

  • Applied moulding doors and drawer fronts
  • Raised center panel doors with raised, slab drawer fronts
  • Recessed center panel doors with flat, slab drawer fronts

Now, there are some general rules about mixing certain door styles with different finishes and hinging options, but don’t let that hinder your imagination. Once you have decided on a cabinet color you like, find a wide range of door styles in kitchen pictures and imagine each one in your desired finish. Depending on the overall style you prefer for your living space you will probably find yourself drawn towards one of the four groups.

Ackley Cabinet has a wide range of door style options, and will help you sort through the different combinations available to you. Call and schedule an in-home consultation where we will find what style kitchen you want and help you decide on what options will enhance your living space.

Choosing the Right Drawer Style for your Kitchen

When picking out the style of your kitchen, the drawer fronts (while small) can have a significant impact on the overall appearance of your cabinetry. With so many options to choose from, we boiled it down to the 4 main drawer front styles and the distinguishing features of each:

Slab Drawers

Denoted by their flat front, slab doors are popular choices due to their versatility (from their modern clean lines in a rich wood kitchen to a more transitional look in white). For a sophisticated look, this drawer front style would enhance any inset kitchen cabinetry (as shown below).

Slab with Perimeter Moulding

With the same basic foundation of a slab door, perimeter moulding imparts a formal style enhancement. Often this drawer front style works best when coupled with applied moulding on the doors for an elegant look.

Raised Front Drawers

While similar to the slab door, the center panel of this drawer front style is slightly raised for a refined look. Often used when the doors have a raised center panel. 

Five Piece Drawers

As the name suggests, this drawer style is constructed from 5 separate pieces of wood and assembled like a miniature door. With its formal appearance, this style can add interest and sophistication to a clean white kitchen or a regal touch to a rich wood space.

Moisture's Effect on Solid Wood Cabinetry Around a Farm Sink

Choosing a farmhouse style sink, also known as a farm sink or apron-front sink, is a beautiful addition to any kitchen that infuses a sense of rustic antiquity. With many options now available (ranging from modern stainless steel to the traditional creamy porcelain), their bold appearance can act as a dramatic focal point to any kitchen design. 

ackleycabinetfarmsink

If you have your heart set on the allure of a farmhouse style sink, we listed below our top 3 maintenance recommendations to keep this most used appliance looking it’s best for years to come.

  1. Moisture: Splashed water from the sink is a daily occurrence to take into consideration. If left to sit on your cabinetry, it can drip down and collect in the door style details and trim. Over time, it can penetrate seams and joints leading to flaking paint. Towel drying your cabinets below the sink is the best precaution to help this area remain beautiful.
  2. Water Flow: Farm house sinks inherently have no counter overhang in front of them. Because of this, overflowing water is not as likely to end up on the floor, but on the cabinets instead. As mentioned above, dry any splashes, but also ask for the seam to be appropriately caulked to fill in any gaps.
  3. Proper Cleaning: Depending on the coating and finish, always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper scrubbing when cleaning the basin of the sink. If you are accustomed to a stainless steel sink, remember that “brillo” or other abrasive type scrubbers can scratch and etch the finish of porcelain.