Table of Contents
Base Cabinets
These form the foundation for your sink, countertops, and some appliances, and create the space where food will be prepared, coffee will be made each morning, and various kitchen items will be placed. The base cabinets generally feature drawers, while doors are used beneath the sink and in the corners.
The doors beneath the sink conceal the sink plumbing and also provide space if repairs need to be made. Bi-fold doors are commonly used on lower corner cabinets to provide better access. Lazy Susans (a rotating cabinet feature) are often installed to give homeowners better access to the awkward space and provide more storage area.
Wall Cabinets
Above a countertop, wall cabinets generally have doors and adjustable shelves. When placed above refrigerators or oven-microwave combinations, they can vary in size and depth. Ceiling-to-floor wall cabinets can feature many configurations.
Upper corner cabinets can be angled to make better use of the space, or configured in a more traditional manner.
Pantries
Many homeowners are using pantries to consolidate food storage or create more user-friendly storage areas. Pantries can range in height from 84 to 96 inches depending on the ceiling height in the kitchen and feature a variety of shelf heights and materials. Large glass doors and specialized lighting can create a design focal point.
Something To Think About
The areas where your cabinets meet the ceiling and floor can be easily improved with crown moulding at the ceiling and a baseboard or shoe at the bottom. Ask your designer to show you some examples.
Framed
The most common type of cabinet design features a frame or structure that overlays the front of the cabinet box. Most frames extend 2 inches outside the cabinet opening, which makes the overall construction more sturdy.
Frameless
Seamless, sleek lines describe this style of cabinets, which don’t have a face frame. Also known as full-access or European-style cabinets, the door hinges and drawer glides are attached directly to the inside of the cabinet box.
Full Overlay
Most of the face frame of the cabinet is covered, providing a custom look with the additional cost. Cabinet hardware will be mounted inside the cabinet box to maintain the sleek appearance.
Partial Overlay
The most common and least expensive option, a partial overlay leaves 1- to 1¼-inch of exposed face frame.
Inset
In this design, doors and drawer faces are set into the cabinet frame and are flush with the face of the cabinet when closed. Cabinets with this design lose storage space and all doors and drawers require hardware.
Design Styles
Shaker – A flat inset panel is framed by horizontal stiles and vertical rails.
Slab – This modern look has no recessed or raised features.
Raised Panel – A raised center portion creates a stunning look.
Beadboard – Planks separated by a groove or ride provide a beach cabin appeal.
Louvered – Get the look of indoor window shutters with horizontal, angled slats.
ACCESSORIES
Reinvent Your Kitchen With The Galley
The greatest amount of time spent in the kitchen is at the sink, and that experience should no longer be an afterthought in the kitchen design process. The kitchen is the hub of the home, and now, The Galley is the hub of the kitchen.
Not just a kitchen sink, it is fast becoming the most important appliance in the kitchen and is literally changing the way people plan for and use their kitchens. The Galley is a complete culinary system where one can prepare, cook, serve, entertain, and wash all in one central and convenient place. Each Galley is thoughtfully designed, engineered, and hand-crafted in the USA.
Countertops are an Integral Piece
If you’re this far along in your project, you’ve probably already decided on a countertop. But If you haven’t, now is the time. The countertops will complete the kitchen and provide space for eating, food preparation, and making other kitchen activities.
Studio Northeast has access to a wide variety of countertop materials that would look great in any kitchen. Speak to one of our design specialists for more information about our selection of granite, marble, and quartz countertops.
The Sink as a Design Statement
That’s right, sinks are becoming a more impactful part of kitchen design and Studio Northeast carries sinks in many styles and options from Nantucket Sinks. It doesn’t matter if your kitchen design is modern, traditional, or ultra chic, we can find a sink to match your style choice.
Nantucket Sinks also has a big selection of specialty sinks as well. If you’re looking for a sink for a bar or island, the laundry room, a kitchen prep area, or any other area of the home, we have an option for you.
In addition, our team works directly with Boston Basins, which gives us access to many other manufacturers of kitchen and bathroom products. Just talk to the design specialist who is working with you to get access to more information.
Don’t Forget the Decorative Hardware!
Why would you spend the kind of money you’re investing in your kitchen and not accent your new cabinetry with custom hardware that will bring your cabinetry to life?
Studio Northeast has decorative kitchen hardware that will appeal to the most sophisticated homeowner. Select from manufacturers such as EMTEK, Top Knobs, Omina, Schaub, and Rik International, or consider designs from Connecticut-based companies Ador, Accurate or Colonial Brass.
