The cupboards you go with will also have functional impacts. “When deciding on the profile, consider how easy it is to clean,” says Kathryn. “Also consider what surrounding materials you plan on using near the cabinetry to ensure you don’t create lines that fight each other and make the space look busy.”

Kitchen cabinet door styles

We run through the most popular cabinetry looks, and the home styles they suit.

Fluted

Fluted or ribbed kitchen cabinets lend themselves beautifully to two-pack polyurethane finishes in your chosen colour. Some timber veneer profiles also come in fluted or ribbed slats that can be used to clad your cabinetry fronts. Try the look at home for a warm retro feel or as a highlight – for example, on your island bench cabinetry – within an otherwise pared-back space.

“Many people and designers are starting to use multiple profiles in the one space,” says Kathryn. Here, NXN Interiors integrated appliances behind boldly ribbed MDF cabinetry, alongside motorised free-fold thin Shaker drawers, both by Scandinavian Profiles. The juxtaposition of the dark Dulux Castlecliff and bright Dulux Mt Aspiring completes the dramatic contrast.

Mesh

Cupboard doors with semi-obscured, mesh inlay panels are ideal to break up a run of plain cabinetry. Enduringly popular in farmhouse style, newer metal mesh designs can add a chic industrial note or a glamorous, brass-toned highlight to your kitchen. Rattan inlays are also having a moment – especially in coastal abodes – and instantly achieve a relaxed, tactile look.

Minimalist

Minimalist, unadorned doors and drawers suit a range of home styles, especially modern and contemporary interiors. “The smooth, flat profile is timeless,” explains Kathryn. It’s also the perfect backdrop for statement hardware and lets the finish do the talking. Textural materials, such as timber veneer or even microcement, can add interest to flat-fronted joinery. With no framing to distract the eye, it’s also great for small kitchens.

Founder of Humphrey Munson, Peter Humphrey, designed this kitchen with modern sensibilities in mind. Portman oak is used on the lower cabinetry, paired with brushed nickel handles. The upper cabinetry fronts are glass, with handles seamlessly integrated into the frame of the doors. Plates and glasses are stacked and stored in effortlessly chic displays.

Shaker

Shaker cupboards and drawers feature horizontal rails and vertical stiles that make up a clean surface frame. Their relaxed but elegant aesthetic is ideal for modern, Hamptons and coastal-style homes. The width of these rails and stiles is what can take Shaker profiles from one interior style to another. For a modern look, choose a thinner width; for a traditional feel, use a wider measurement. “There’s an emerging preference for sleeker, more contemporary interpretations of this style,” explains Giorgia Manenti, content lead at Kaboodle Kitchen.

Clear

Glazed joinery is a staple of Hamptons-style kitchens, but retro influences are making themselves felt here, too, in the form of fluted and reeded glass. This glazing is more forgiving than regular glass, which shows fingerprints and necessitates scrupulously tidy cupboards. While glass requires a little more maintenance, there’s something joyful about seeing carefully curated displays. “We’ve noticed a growing trend in kitchen designs integrating open shelving or cabinets, providing a platform to showcase cherished items,” says Giorgia.

Grooved

Ideal for country and heritage looks, panelled cabinetry delivers with its grooved fronts. Classic creams, whites and navy suit this style. As a statement look, it works better in larger kitchens, and you might find yourself getting out the duster more often to keep the detailing spotless. While V-groove panelling has long clad the walls of traditional homes, it has recently moved into kitchen cabinetry. The subtle routing delivers character and interest, and works surprisingly well in contemporary kitchens as well as country- or Hamptons-style homes. Talk about versatile!

What is a cost-effective cabinet material?

Melamine is usually the most affordable, followed by two-pack polyurethane finishes. Timber is a greater investment than veneer, though its longevity is reflected in the price. Lighting cupboard interiors adds an extra trade (and cost), as do special touches, such as fluting or mesh inlays.

What colour cabinets are in right now?

Using colour can make a kitchen uniquely yours, and while timber cabinetry continues to trend, painted looks are also in the spotlight now more than ever. Specifically, says Giorgia, “there’s a rising demand for soft green tones and blue hues as timeless alternatives that diverge from the traditional white aesthetic”.

Deep berry tones, bold burgundy, buttery yellows and warm browns are also popular, offering richness, character and a nostalgic nod to retro style. Bear in mind that the finish can change up the look, often drastically. “It’s important to know where your natural and synthetic light comes from, how it moves during the day and what parts of the kitchen are in direct light,” explains Kathryn. “Any areas that have plenty of light should be a matte or satin finish, as anything too high gloss will be glary.”

Can you just get kitchen cabinet doors?

You can certainly just replace your kitchen cupboard doors. You would do this if they’re broken, have rusty hinges or are in poor condition in some way. Before going ahead you’ll need to make sure the skeleton of the cupboards are in good condition so they’ll last for years to come. Fresh, new cabinet doors is also a way give your entire kitchen a new look without the cost of redoing all of the joinery.

Is it cheaper to just replace cabinet doors?

If sticking to a tighter budget is front-of-mind, replacing just kitchen cabinet doors rather than all of the cabinetry is an excellent way to update your kitchen in a more affordable way. You’ll save a significant amount by doing this. The cost of the labour to remove all of the existing joinery, plus the material costs adds up to thousands of dollars. Cabinetry is usually a large portion of a kitchen renovation budget, so if you have the option to just replace the doors and still get a look you’re pleased with, it’s financially beneficial.

More kitchen ideas

Previous

20 glorious kitchen islands that steal the show

9 easy design hacks to totally transform your kitchen

How to clean your kitchen quickly (and properly)

Next

The post What you need to know before choosing kitchen cabinet doors appeared first on Home Beautiful.

It worked, but times have changed and we’ve realised not everyone wants the same thing from their kitchen space. Just as some people love to entertain guests and others happily spend hours baking up a solitary storm, so too will their dream kitchens have quite different needs.

Enter the ‘zone’ method, a more versatile approach that allows a kitchen to be customised to suit the specific needs of each home chef. If you’re planning a kitchen layout, zoning is a practical way to go. Here are five different zones to consider, plus the top appliances and tricks to tailor them to your exact needs.

The cooking zone

One of the fundamentals of every great kitchen, the cooking zone usually comprises an oven, cooktop and microwave. You might stack them vertically with the oven sitting under the cooktop, or you may prefer to separate them so the oven can be mounted at a custom height. Either way, allow plenty of bench space around these appliances and keep frequently used cooking utensils stored within easy reach.

When planning your cooking zone, be realistic about the type of food you cook and how you like to prepare it. For example, if you enjoy chatting to other members of your household while you cook, consider positioning your cooking zone appliances in a kitchen island, instead of around the perimeter. The Westinghouse WHI955BD 90cm Induction Cooktop is ideal for this, as it heats up quickly but the safer induction surface doesn’t feel hot to the touch. Home chefs also love the cooktop’s cutting-edge BoilProtect feature, which detects rising bubbles in boiling water and automatically reduces to a low simmer to prevent boiling over (BoilProtect applies to stainless steel and enamelled pots filled with water only).

Alternatively, a freestanding cooker offers extra versatility and generally boasts a large cooking capacity that’s brilliant for bigger households. The Westinghouse WFEP9757DD 90cm Freestanding Electric Cooker combines a safe and efficient 5-zone induction cooktop with a spacious 125-litre oven complete with 10 innovative functions to take your cooking zone to the next level. These include an AirFry function to cook crispy, crunchy foods with less oil, and Roast +Steam for the juiciest roast dinner you’ll ever cook.

The baking zone

The right oven is also a centrepiece of this zone but if you take baking seriously, you’ll want to kit out the area with some specific features. Be sure to install additional powerpoints and extra bench space in your baking zone so you can use a mixer or food processor. Store other tools – such as measuring cups, whisks, rolling pins and baking pans – nearby so you can seamlessly transfer your mixture from bowl to pan to oven.

Speaking of the oven, Westinghouse is always happy to help bakers achieve their very best results. The new Westinghouse WVEP6918DD 60cm Pyrolytic Oven boasts 19 different cooking programs including a Bake +Steam function that gives bread, cakes, pastries and scones a crispier crust, fluffier centre and the perfect rise. 

The consumables zone

Having a well-organised space to store food keeps every kitchen running efficiently. Ideally, your fridge/freezer and pantry should be grouped together so you can easily move between the two when preparing food. Adding bench space nearby makes the consumables zone even more practical when you’re unpacking groceries.

The drinks zone

Ready to get creative? A drinks zone can be adapted to suit your beverage of choice. Ice on tap? No problem. The Westinghouse 564L French door fridge in matte charcoal black (WQE5650BA) has an automatic icemaker. If you’re a coffee devotee, set aside space to create your own barista-style hub, complete with espresso machine, bean grinder and an airtight container to keep your beans fresh. Position your favourite mug nearby so everything is exactly where it should be to brew the perfect cup.

If cocktails are more your speed, set up a dedicated cart or cabinet to house your preferred spirits plus a set of bar tools such as a shaker, strainer and muddler. Give this zone extra flair by adding your favourite decorative cocktail glasses.  

The cleaning zone

Just as important as your cooking areas, a well-planned cleaning zone allows you to scrape and stack dirty dishes with ease. Ideally it will be ordered from left to right, moving from garbage and food waste bins to the sink and then on to the dishwasher. Fast wash cycles make for entertaining or high-rotation use dishes is made easy with the Westinghouse Freestanding Dishwasher in Dark Stainless (WSF6608KXA).

One appliance you don’t need to worry about scrubbing clean is your oven, thanks to the pyrolytic self-cleaning function in Westinghouse’s new Kitchen range of electric ovens. Simply tap the button and leave the oven to heat to an incredibly high temperature, turning grease and splashes into ash that is easily wiped away.

The post 5 zones to consider when planning your dream kitchen appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Talia Levine, one half of interior design studio Smith + Levine, agrees that kitchen cabinets should be designed with both the look and how they function in mind. “As kitchens are so integral to how we live and are such heavily utilised spaces, they should be designed as a living space, not just a functional space,” she says. Our insights into the latest kitchen cupboard styles will help you get the most from the heart of your home.

White kitchens with a unique twist

The ubiquitous white kitchen has been overshadowed by unique spaces that embrace individual preferences and lifestyles. “Materiality and detailing is a really strong theme in kitchens at the moment. We are seeing a lot more dynamic stone being used, as well as interesting colour,” says Alexandra. Unexpected hues and open shelves displaying treasured collections – such as cookbooks or ceramics – allow the homeowner’s personality to shine through. Joinery designed to look like furniture adds to the character of a home. As Louise Smith, the other half of Smith + Levine, explains: “A kitchen island that looks like a bespoke furniture piece assists in integrating the kitchen with the adjacent furnished living spaces, providing a holistic design.”

Customisation around appliances

Integrated and concealed appliances give kitchens a less-cluttered feel. Alexandra notes a trend towards appliance cupboards hidden behind pocket doors – the perfect spot for a coffee station or breakfast bar – and Talia reports an increase in custom range hoods. The level of integration depends on the desired overall look and feel. “Full integration of appliances often suits a contemporary aesthetic,” explains Alexandra. “Whereas traditional kitchens often suit exposed fixtures and fittings.” Unsightly electrical outlets can be tucked away in cupboards, drawers or under benches. “Unless, of course, they come in a beautiful brass or copper plate, or one of the stunning flush fixtures from Zetr,” shares Alexandra.

Next-level storage solutions

With the right combination of cabinets and drawers, every nook and niche can be utilised for kitchen storage. “It’s very important to understand how clients live in order to design a tailored product that suits the end user,” Alexandra offers. Cabinetry that stretches to the ceiling maximises the storage potential, while drawers positioned beneath the bench and in the island ensure everything is visible and easily accessible. Keen cooks will appreciate conveniently positioned pull-out cutting boards, drawer dividers for storing baking trays and tiered racks for spices and oils. As for the tricky corner cupboards that are often underutilised, their functionality can be increased with internal hardware. “Carousels are a great option, as is the Magic Corner range,” Alexandra suggests.

“Oak is always popular as it coordinates with many colours and finishes. its natural grain adds texture and a level of quality to the kitchen.”

Talia Levine, interior designer

Multipurpose designs

No longer just a spot to cook or pour a wine, kitchens are expected to operate as multipurpose hubs. “Many clients ask for integrated desk nooks and extra storage, but with everything concealed behind doors,” Louise explains. “Breakfast nooks or banquettes for informal meals, and as secondary spaces for reading or even working, are also popular considerations that extend the area’s functionality.” The needs of our furry friends are also being met with stylish, space-saving solutions, such as built-in pet beds and pull-out feeding stations.

It’s all about texture

Like a piece of beautiful jewellery completing an outfit, door details can elevate the overall design. “Bespoke-joinery pulls and decorative hardware is a great way to enhance joinery and give it a furniture-like look,” shares Talia. For a sleek, modern finish, handleless styles and touch-to-open mechanisms are the way to go. “It reduces the visual clutter, especially when there are several doors and drawers and the hardware is difficult to align,” Louise adds. Kitchen cupboards with clear glass panels allow you to show off beautiful crockery, while fluted glass and metallic mesh inserts add interesting texture.

“The finishes and materials used in kitchens should be functional, serviceable and beautiful.”

Talia Levine, interior designer

The post Kitchen cabinet ideas to update the hub of your home appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Storage is key in keeping your home clutter-free and making each room work efficiently. Maximum use of space is essential and, whether built-in, freestanding or retro-fitted, you may be surprised at just how much space can be gained by going that extra mile towards fitting in a little more storage here and there.

1. Cleverly concealed kitchen appliances

Consider a hidey-hole for everyday appliances that are large and unwieldy but used every day. Blenders, toasters, coffee machines and the like are often essential to kick-start your morning, however, lining them up on your benchtop leaves little space for anything else. This recessed cupboard at the end of the benchtop is within easy reach for daily use, but the pull-down door is quick, and simple and needs no extra space to open a swinging door.

2. Integrated kitchen cabinetry

Push-release operation means this full-sized pantry opens into the kitchen area with substantial food storage – from fingertips to above head height. It then glides effortlessly away after use, concealed in sleek cabinetry running floor-to-extra-high ceiling for maximum efficiency.

3. Charming vintage plate racks

A small kitchen needs clever storage for often-used items and these vintage-style open dish racks perfectly suit the style of this petite country kitchen. All-white crockery lines the upright racks, whilst tidy stacks of bowls and glassware remain within easy reach. Cupboards below and less close to hand can then be reserved for mismatched and larger items.

4. Hardworking kitchen island hub

This kitchen island works all manner of efficiencies – serving up a central sink and generous preparation area, with a breakfast bar at one end and the added bonus of wine storage tucked in at the other. The alternate timber laminated finish is a smart way to demarcate its duties.

5. Above- and under-bench storage

A study in the versatility of an all-white kitchen, this clever butler’s pantry design sees a bank of generous drawers between open shelving beneath a spacious benchtop. Overhead shelving displays serving platters and cake stands, whilst pull-out baskets add a little natural colour and texture, softening the look from the dappled polished concrete aggregate flooring.

The post 5 ideas for sneaky kitchen storage appeared first on Home Beautiful.