Do you think of cabinetry simply as containers that hold your stuff? While the main function of cabinetry is to do just that, there is an opportunity to elevate your cabinetry to be the main essence of your design style. Especially when considering the limitless options of custom cabinetry, there is a lot of room to get creative, and we encourage you to take advantage of those possibilities! Whether you’re a homeowner wanting to get the most out of your custom cabinetry or an interior designer looking for some inspiration, we are here to share some ideas on how to bring your cabinetry to life!
Color
Perhaps the most obvious way to add a unique flair to your cabinetry is through color. While stained cabinetry will always be a feasible choice, painted cabinetry allows for a lot more room to experiment with color. Depending on the space and how much of a wow factor you’re going for, you can get creative with your cabinet color as custom cabinetry is limitless in terms of paint color. We’ve seen green cabinetry on the rise in kitchens and pantries and moody blues being used in bathrooms and home offices.
If you don’t feel like a bold color is right for the space, you can still create a dimensional color palette by paying attention to the undertones of traditionally neutral colors. There are plenty of grays that have subtle hints of blues or greens, for example. Black is also a striking neutral that allows for design versatility for the rest of the space while still giving off a dominant look. Alternatively, if you want to add a unique touch to white cabinetry, consider adding a glaze technique which will give the cabinetry some dimension.
Door Style
Aside from cabinet color, another element to consider is door style. There are several door styles to choose from, like a shaker door or raised panel, but even beyond that, there are some extra options to add to your cabinets that will give it a custom finish. One way to add some visual texture to your cabinetry is opting for reeded drawers and doors. Reeded cabinetry has rounded ridges on the panel and can be used as an accent on designated portions of the cabinetry, like just the drawers, for example. We love this look on lighter cabinet stains specifically!
Another option to spruce up the panels is adding wicker or wire mesh. Wicker comes in different patterns and can be left natural or even painted to match the cabinet color. For a more industrial style, try adding wire mesh instead. Wire mesh can be added on top of a panel for an edgy look, or it can replace the panel altogether. This would be a great option for a dry produce drawer in a farmhouse kitchen.
For a cabinet-heavy room such a kitchen, you can also incorporate glass doors into your cabinet design to open it up a bit and make the cabinetry feel less bulky. This is also a great way to show off some personality with styled shelves. If you like the idea of glass but don’t want the interior exposed, use mirrored glass instead! For a distressed look, try an antiqued mirror. Lastly, if you liked the idea of reeded cabinets, you might also like reeded glass!
Hardware
Hardware is the finishing touch to any cabinetry, whether it be a bathroom vanity or a whole kitchen. While hardware may seem like an afterthought compared to the actual cabinetry itself, it is important to choose the right hardware to achieve your desired look. If you don’t believe that a few knobs and pulls contribute much to the overall look, try changing out the hardware on one of your vanities to something completely different and you’ll see what we mean!
The first thing to consider when choosing hardware is the finish. You’ve got a few options for colors as well as polished versus brushed finishes. Before you ask- yes, you can mix metals in the right circumstances. In fact, mixing metals strategically can actually help you achieve a more custom look than grabbing a matching set from the hardware store. When it comes to style, there is a wide range of hardware to choose from. From traditional to modern, the shape of your hardware can set the tone for your interior style. We recommend browsing several options and using a mix of knobs and pulls to create a dynamic look. For some more unique options, consider hardware that has a backplate or try incorporating latches on a few wall cabinets.
Aside from all the aesthetic customizations, our custom cabinetry line allows for customized storage options to help organize all your kitchen utensils, spices, dry goods, etc. Check out this custom kitchen project for ideas on how to customize your kitchen storage.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, head over to our Pinterest for more photos of custom kitchens, custom bathrooms, mudrooms, and more! We also share our projects on Instagram, so feel free to give us a follow to stay up to date on our latest custom cabinetry projects!
