Historically, for a lot of people, cabinets were only cabinets. From their beginning, kitchen cabinet styles were boxes with or without doors on them that hung on kitchen walls. After awhile base cabinets were added as homemakers accumulated additional kitchenware and had to have a place to keep it. The cabinets didn't have to be beautiful, because they were supposed to be functional. Exceptions to this practice were in the manor houses of the rich who had intricately-carved wood and custom-designed cabinetry.
During the Victorian age, cabinetry, just like the designs in furnishings, wallpaper, and carpeting, was particularly ornate, created using fine hardwoods. You might have had the good fortune to visit some of these vintage houses and observe the elaborate cabinetry wealthy people enjoyed. Kitchen cabinet styles were pretty much limited to what people could afford.
Modern cabinets have evolved into many different styles in a variety of different price ranges to satisfy the needs of all homeowners. Instead of just being basic boxes with shelves any longer, there are many specialty cabinets you can purchase, such as a pantry, a cabinet with a pull-up shelf for a stand mixer, or open plate racks. Cabinets are available in solid woods like oak, cherry, maple, and birch plus the ones with melamine or wood veneers. Tastes can differ from sleek contemporary styles to ornate, hand-carved models. It all depends on what you want.
The first thing to think about when picking a kitchen cabinet style is the basic style of your home. Many people would rather have kitchen cabinets that match the home décor which will allow their kitchen seem like it belongs with the rest of the house. The most popular styles that you can locate for kitchen cabinets include:
* Traditional – formal kitchen cabinet style with hardwoods, dark stains, and polished brass hardware. Follows|Conforms with|Looks like[/spin] the styles of the 18th and 19th century.
* Contemporary – sleek, streamlined cabinetry with simple, basic lines and flush doors. Can be built of many|a lot of|a selection of[/spin] different materials, such as wood, glass, laminates, chrome, or stainless steel.
* Shaker – very simple, plain wood cabinets finished with dyes and oils.
* Country – simple lines for a very cozy look. Finished with paints or stains and either with or without doors
* Rustic – knotty pine, strap hinges, and basic kitchen cabinet style.
* French Country – European styling with ornate| intricate|decorative[/spin], carved moldings and possibly feet, more like furniture than kitchen cabinets.
* Arts and Crafts – Square, bold lines done| created[/spin] in Mission style. Often of oak.
* Cottage – casual and cozy with uniquelookscabinetry,finishes, and hardware.
With all of these different kitchen cabinet styles to choose from, there's sure to be one that will look perfect in your home and blend your kitchen into your total décor. You can also add personal spins to the styles of various cabinets. For example, you might want to consider adding stained glass panels to the doors or finish them with colored glazes and exotic hardware. As you can see, kitchen cabinets aren't just boxes any longer. They're a revelation of your excellent taste.
