The Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Cabinets, Cupboards, and Drawers

The main visual and functional element of any kitchen is the cabinetry and it’s important that it be chosen with great care and consideration. Kitchen cabinets, drawers, and cupboards can either make or break the project. To help you make an informed choice for your kitchen renovation, we’ve developed the ultimate guide to kitchen cabinets, cupboards, and drawers – so, let’s jump in.

1. Kitchen cabinets
2. Kitchen cabinetry finishes and materials
3. Kitchen cabinet door styles
4. Kitchen cabinet handles
5. Kitchen cabinet handles
6. Kitchen storage cabinets
7. How to choose your kitchen cabinets
8. Engage with the experts

Let's Get Started

Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets have come a long way over the past decade. With a wide range of options, the average consumer can be left scratching their head over what cabinets will best suit their design. When considering kitchen cabinets, it’s important to not only think about the overall look and theme, but also the functionality of the materials chosen. Busy family-orientated homes will normally preference durable materials for kitchen cabinets to retain the look for years to come, while singles or older couples may consider higher maintenance products and materials.

Behind the Scenes – White Boxes

We can’t talk about kitchen cabinets without mentioning the framework. Almost all cabinets start with a basic box without a front; a carcass made from a 16mm thick particleboard (chipboard) with a white melamine coating. Quality fabricators use HMR (Highly Moisture Resistant) board as a standard. For display cabinets, open shelving and feature cabinets, the box is made from a HMR MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) material to match or complement the face finishes. The boxes are pre-drilled for legs, shelves, hinges, drawer runners and other mechanisms. The boxes are either sitting on adjustable plastic legs or a ladder frame for levelling.

Kitchen Design Theme

The desired feel and overall look of a kitchen is often the starting point for all the following design decisions. Should it be crisp and clean with an ultramodern feel, retro, industrial chic, country, traditional or other? What will fit the house and suit the owners? The style of cabinets should reflect and even set the tone of the space, while also enhancing the design components of the kitchen. Clever design and use of kitchen cabinets can allow spaces to seem larger and ceilings to appear taller while having that all-important aspect of storage and space that is imperative in busy kitchens.

From the ultra-modern and contemporary flat-faced designs with their sharp sleek lines and handle-less options, to the more traditional and timeless kitchens with Shaker-style cupboards and statement handles, there is a kitchen cabinet option to suit any individual taste and kitchen design.

Let's Get Started

Kitchen Cabinetry Finishes and Materials

One of the most important aspects of choosing kitchen cabinetry is the cabinetry finishes. The cabinetry finish chosen will ultimately affect the entire look and feel of the kitchen regardless of the materials utilised throughout. Some of the most popular finishes include;

Laminate/Melamine Kitchen Cabinets

These not only come in a massive range of colours and finishes but are also highly durable and will stand the test of time in any kitchen setting. Melamine and laminate are made from resin-coated paper that is commonly attached to MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard). They can mimic wooden textures and even natural stone, with a massive range of colours available. The surface is super easy to keep clean while also being scratch, scuff, stain, water and heat resistant. These features make them a very popular choice for kitchen renovations. Laminate/melamine is also cost-effective and is often chosen for areas that are hidden from view such as butler’s pantries, sculleries and laundries. Laminate and melamine kitchen cabinets also come in matte and gloss finishes to suit a range of tastes.

2-pack

Also written as 2PAC or 2PAK, this is a popular kitchen cabinetry choice that can be applied to kitchen cabinets. 2-pack is a hardened spray paint finish, containing polyurethane, polymers and tints with a hardener added at time of application (hence the 2-pack name). This should be automotive paint quality for a commercial grade finish.  It is incredibly versatile in terms of the colour palette, as homeowners can choose from and perfectly match paint or any feature colours in the home. It also comes in a variety of shines including satin, semi-gloss, full gloss and even metallics. 2-pack is also highly durable and easy to keep clean.

Timber or Timber Veneer Kitchen Cabinets

A timeless option for many homes around Australia, timber and timber veneer can add an element of class and warmth to kitchen designs while adding a lovely natural appeal and providing contrasting textures. With many homeowners wanting to bring the outdoors inside, choosing to utilise a timber look on kitchen cabinets has become very popular. Solid timbers and veneers are usually finished with a clear 2-pack coating for protection and easy maintenance. With classic timber; choosing an oil finish can give a beautiful natural and rustic look that will enhance the wood and warmth in the space. However, it is important to note that sealing the timber with an oil finish will not be as durable as the 2-pack option. Oil finishes will also need maintenance and care to prevent the wood from staining. There is a large selection of timber species to choose from that can allow the kitchen cabinets to blend perfectly, or become a statement piece in the design.

Thermoformed Vinyl Kitchen Cabinets

Vinyl has long been a popular choice for kitchen cabinets. This type of technology has been gracing the presence of kitchen designs for more than 40 years and is created by softening a vinyl layer with heat before moulding it under vacuum pressure onto plain or routered MDF panels. The technology has advanced to offer homeowners a very durable and seamless option for kitchen cabinets. It comes in a broad range of colours, textures, and patterns that are available in satin or gloss. It is extremely hard wearing, impact and water resistant and easy to clean. Thermoformed finishes need to be protected from extreme heat and require heatshields or other design considerations around ovens and cook tops. Thermoformed cabinet fronts are normally used in conjunction with matching melamine panels.

Most materials for kitchen cabinets will come in an array of different finishes – from ultra-high gloss that can also appear mirror-like, to the traditional palettes and matte options. Also, consider the colour range – light colours can make a smaller space seem larger while dark tones can add an element of drama and statement to the space. Consider different tones to highlight textures around the kitchen which add focal points and warmth

Let's Get Started

Kitchen cabinet door styles

There are also different door styles for cupboards that suit a range of kitchen designs. The style will depend on the overall theme of the home, and the chosen kitchen design. Some of the more popular options include:

Flat face door

For a seamless and streamlined effect that creates a beautiful flow to enhance edges and lines, flat style cabinets are a very fashionable choice as they work perfectly in contemporary, minimalistic, and modern style kitchens.

Profiled door

The front face of the door has a routed feature. There are lots of options, but the most popular profile is a Shaker door which is very common for Hamptons style and traditional kitchens.

Framed and Glass Doors

A glass insert instead of a centre panel is often used as a variant of panelled doors, with the style matching the remainder of the cabinets. Metal framed doors have a back frame of aluminium or steel, with glass or decorative panel inserts

Let's Get Started

Kitchen cabinet handles

When it comes to choosing the perfect handle to complement the chosen finish and material of your kitchen cabinetry, it’s important to consider if the handle will fit with the finished look. A modern style will have sleek or funky handles to suit, while traditional Shaker cabinets can be enhanced with a range of handle options – think statement pieces like cup pulls and knobs. Feel and function is also important, particularly if the kitchen storage cabinet has a bigger load than other cabinets or if the cabinet will cater to older hands.

Kitchen handles come in a range of different materials that can blend or contrast with your kitchen cabinetry. Opulent copper, polished chrome, nickel, brass, and the popular gunmetal approach can really add that wow factor to the zone, while many kitchens will also benefit from the stand-out matte black options. There is a design and finish choice to complement any kitchen cabinetry and colour scheme. With so many pulls and knobs to choose from many homeowners can become overwhelmed with choices.

Lastly, there is a range of handle-free options for a streamlined finish. Most popular are recessed handles, either as reverse bevel edge or routered rebated profile. Metal edge profiles and rebated profile can also provide a finger grip option. Lastly, we have and push-to-open options which at top-of-the range are electrically-operated for ease of use.

The biggest and most impactful change of the past twenty years is the use of drawers wherever possible. This has revolutionised the accessibility and usage of base cabinets, increasing effective storage space by more than half.

Modern kitchen drawer systems allow for drawers to hold incredible capacities while also providing extra extension and size. They are durable and innovative, catering to any space while containing features that are optimal for storage, from holding and lifting plates to soft-open and close options, while larger sizes to cater for appliances and heavy kitchen equipment.

Let's Get Started

Kitchen Drawers

Drawer runners have also seen a huge leap in innovation. These are now mostly full-extension runners that allow access to the entire drawer, while the ease of opening and closing makes them the perfect option for all age groups.

Soft-close function is now a standard inclusion for a quality kitchen. Smoothly opening drawer runners are also incredibly quiet. No more pinched fingers or noisy drawer slamming! They can handle weights of up to 70kg, catering for large crockery drawers and easy storage for all your kitchen needs.

To top it off, modern high-end drawer runners come with push-to-open options and fully electric versions, providing for completely hands-free operation.

No longer does the kitchen bin sit awkwardly within the traffic zone of the kitchen. Kitchen bin drawers now cleverly incorporate this essential item with style. Bin drawer solutions come in a range of sizes and options, allowing for neat and easy management of rubbish recycling and green waste.

Kitchen Storage Cabinets

Accessible, practical and maximised storage is always near the top of the wish list for a new kitchen. Kitchens need to be highly functional, and storage plays a major role in the practicality of any kitchen space. If storage needs are not carefully considered, the stunning design could easily become a cluttered and frustrating space. Storage has been transformed in recent years, thanks to innovative design concepts. Today, those hard-to-reach places are now a thing of the past.

Specialty hardware manufacturers offer a good range of corner solutions, turning once unused and abandoned spaces – think the back of cupboards and corners – into highly functional areas. Out-of-reach shelving can now be brought forward or swivel for ease of use – allowing easy access to appliances and ingredients. Storage can now be completely customised to meet individual and unique kitchen requirements. Specialised mechanics allow for cabinets to open in all different directions to maximise storage capacity and allow for an individual approach to kitchen renovations.

Today, most kitchen storage is completely integrated into the design – meaning cleverly hidden pantries and appliance cupboards. Internal storage can be customised to suit the user. Internal dividers and hardware in range of materials can be utilised to increase the functionality of the storage cabinet. Think stainless steel or matte cages and high-end plate holders, utensil organisers, or drawer dividers in a range of finishes.

Integrated pantry cabinets come in a range of options, from the simple open shelf cabinets to integrated inner drawers to work benches and shelves hidden behind folding doors. Modern solutions include full panel pull-out versions, tandem units that move with opening doors and a range of corner solutions. Walk-in pantries are also popular with some kitchen designs and provide ample storage shelves and specialised food zones.

When it comes to storage it depends on how well you use the available space. If the space is tight, consider utilising popular storage solutions like pull-out pantries and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry for ample storage space above the kitchen working space. For kitchens that have room to move, adding special purpose storage and working solutions such as a butler’s pantry or scullery can provide ample storage to keep the new front kitchen clutter-free.

Let's Get Started

How to choose your kitchen cabinets

Think big picture and long term. You’re only going to get one crack at this, so make sure it’s going to serve your needs now and for the foreseeable future. Think about what’s most important to you and prioritise that. This could be form (appearance), function (ergonomics, practicality, functionality and durability) or fancy things (automation, gadgets and special features). If cost is a big consideration, you should be able to include the “must have” items, even if you choose to compromise somewhere else.

Busy kitchens tend to need long-lasting highly durable materials to stand the test of time. Investing in good-quality materials will allow the kitchen to shine for many years to come.

The cost differences between materials can be quite large but the great news is that many of the new highly durable finishes and materials can be mixed and matched to produce outstanding and lasting results.

Keep in mind that fashions come and go. An ultra-trendy new concept is likely to go out of favour just as quickly. Trends tend to last while the latest fads become outdated. That said, if the latest and greatest is important to you and you can afford, go for it!

In today’s environmentally conscious world, considering how cabinetry affects the planet is also at the forefront for many homeowners. Sustainability and utilising environmentally friendly products are important. The industry has certainly taken note of this consideration with many manufacturers now offering low-formaldehyde and eco-friendly boards for kitchen cabinets. Most boards used in cabinetry are also responsibly sourced from sustainable wood suppliers. Many of the top kitchen cabinet manufacturers also have strict environmental policies that ensure manufacturing, and processing is done to the highest of standards when it comes to caring for and protecting the impact on the environment. Asking the important questions can help homeowners make an educated choice when it comes to environmentally friendly products in kitchen cabinets.

Let's Get Started

engage with the experts

With all kitchen cabinets, expert advice is paramount to ensure the renovation is a stress-free success. At Brilliant SA we only utilise the very best materials to ensure the kitchen cabinets not only look beautiful and create the desired look but will also stand the test of time. When there seems to be too much choice, you might want expert help to guide you through the jungle. Specialist designers on staff will help you work through the options and make an informed choice about your kitchen renovation.

At Brilliant SA we’ve been renovating kitchens for happy Adelaide homeowners for more than 20 years and we’ve built a reputation for excellence in customer service, specialist design and quality workmanship. In addition to our class-leading Warranty, we provide all our customers with a Brilliant SA Guarantee which means we take full responsibility for every detail of your renovation project.

If you’d like to learn about the benefits of renovating with a full-service kitchen renovation company, then talk to us today.

Let's Get Started