Kitchen cabinets may seem like a dull detail to sort out during a renovation, especially compared to sparkling light fixtures and beautiful countertops. However, your cabinetry has a dramatic effect on the room’s overall style. In the kitchen above, for example, look at just how much space those cabinets occupy — they line almost two full walls! It attracts attention and serves as the backdrop for the rest of the design.

This is why it’s so important to be thoughtful when considering the style of your kitchen cabinets. Whether you’re attracted to the intricate details of a more traditional design or the clean, crisp look of modern cabinets, your choice will define the aesthetic of your kitchen. 

But what if you aren’t going the custom route?

Builder-Grade vs. Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Although custom cabinetry is an excellent option, it is a considerable investment, and with extended timelines becoming the new normal, you may consider builder basic, prefinished cabinets instead. Fortunately, if you do opt for the latter, there are several ways you can still customize them to have that personalized, high-end look. 

As you read through the following 5 tips for making your builder-grade cabinets feel custom, keep two things in mind:

1. Try to ensure that your cabinet design blends well with the architecture of your home. If you have a traditional home with mid-century modern cabinets, your eyes will feel the discord.

2. Don’t be afraid to reflect your own personality and tastes with your kitchen cabinet design. This is a great way to make your home feel custom and personal — and design you love always lasts.

Now, let’s look at 5 ways to customize your builder-grade cabinetry… 

1. Play with Cabinet Depth & Height

As you design your kitchen cabinet layout, switch up any long basic rows of cabinets with varying heights and depths. When you play with dimensions, you create eye-catching movement, interest, and a tailor-made statement. 

Varied Depths & “Bump-outs”: Bump-outs are cabinets installed in staggered depths in strategic locations to create interest. The benefit of a bump-out is that it adds additional depth, extra storage, and a custom aesthetic.

I personally like to bump out the cabinet of an over-the-range microwave, like the kitchen above. It only takes adding a few inches to the depth, so the cabinet sits flush with the edges of the microwave for a specially made look. Another great bump-out location is below the kitchen sink, where additional storage is always welcome.re

Varied Heights: Mixing cabinet heights looks excellent, and it’s also functional. Raising the cabinet height allows taller countertop appliances to fit comfortably under the top row of cabinets. An example of this is the beverage bar below. The varied heights would allow for an espresso machine for your morning coffee fix or bottles of wine to easily sit on the counter while entertaining.

2. Use Glass Panel Inserts in Upper Cabinetry

Using glass panel inserts in upper cabinetry has a number of stylistic and functional benefits. First, it creates a light, airy feel with a touch of elegance. Second, it serves to visually break up a long stretch of cabinets, adding more interest and appeal. And perhaps the best advantage of glass panel inserts is the ability to turn the cabinet into a functional display.

When it comes to selecting your glass panel inserts, there are so many options to choose from, so you can really embrace the style of your cabinets.

For example, if you have a modern farmhouse-style kitchen, I would lean towards crackle or seeded glass. On the other hand, I would suggest a frosted or reeded glass for a contemporary or modern design. Frosted or textured options are also excellent if you don’t want your cabinet to put items on display; these options can conceal a less than organized cabinet. However, if you have a fabulous, curated collection of dishes or stoneware, you can show it off with a standard glass insert.

3. Add Interest with Varied Cabinet Colour

Don’t be afraid to amp up your kitchen design with some colour, especially contrast! One tactic is to use a two-tone colour combination. For example, you could have the perimeter cabinets contrast with the island, like we did in this Mid-Century Kitchen Renovation. Or, you could have uppers different from lowers, like a wood stain and painted combo.

If you aren’t ready to go all-in with colour but want to add interest to your kitchen, my number one suggestion is to do coloured cabinets for the island or a small section like a beverage bar, since these pose opportunities for colour in small, safe doses.

4. Add Open Shelving

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and open shelving helps create that warm, welcoming, spacious feeling. Not to mention that open shelving has its functional uses too. 

My go-to shelving is a beefy 2” shelf with an unexposed bracket system to secure them to the wall for a more custom look. You can turn your open shelving into a stunning feature in a kitchen by showcasing a curated collection of dishes, decor, or even plants. You could also apply a unique wall treatment behind the shelves, such as wallpaper or painted tongue and groove, to add some colour and interest. 

For a truly custom experience, you could mount under-shelf lighting or include a sliding door feature, like the one shown above, to manage what is seen and when.

5. Add a Footrest to Your Kitchen Island

Footrests were initially used in commercial spaces, like bars and luxury hotels. Now, footrests and rails signal a high-end customization, not to mention adding a layer of comfort when you sit or stand at the kitchen island. 

Not convinced yet? The footrest also has an ergonomic benefit that most barstool footrests won’t achieve. Having one foot raised when you are standing will take the weight off of your back and spine. Your feet can also sit flat on the ledge putting your legs at a comfortable angle.

The clients from our Lakeview Project love their kitchen island footrest, where we combined dark stained wood and a stone topper to prevent excessive wearing. It’s elegant, functional, and a custom touch that takes this kitchen to beautiful heights.

Ready to renovate your kitchen and need clear guidance with your layout, selections, and features? I would be delighted to help. Reach out to me here to book your complimentary discovery call. I can’t wait to meet you and see if we’re right for your project.

Warmly,

Adrienne