If you’re thinking about new kitchen cabinets, chances are you’re either deep in research mode or staring at those old, tired cabinet doors, wondering where to start. The choices can feel endless, but having the right game plan—and some professional insights—makes all the difference. Below are our design tips to empower you before making decisions about your new kitchen cabinets. Whether you choose a basic refresh or opt for custom cabinetry, planning thoughtfully now helps ensure a rewarding outcome you’ll love to live with.
Think About How You Use Your Kitchen
Before you fall in love with colors or door styles, focus on function. How do you spend time in the kitchen? Do you cook elaborate family meals, bake with grandkids, or use the space as a social hub during get-togethers?
Key Questions to Ask
- What daily frustrations do your current cabinets create?
- Where does clutter collect, and when do you wish you had more storage?
- Are there appliances or features you wish you could keep out of sight, like a stand mixer or recycling bins?
Understanding your habits shines a light on must-have storage solutions and layouts. With this knowledge, you can better evaluate options for new kitchen cabinets, especially if you’re considering personalized features, like deep drawers, spice pull-outs, or hidden appliance garages. Taking stock of your needs now saves regrets later.
Prioritize a Style That Suits You
Your cabinets are the visual anchor of the kitchen. Design choices here will set the tone for the whole space. Cabinets take up more visual real estate than any other feature, so consider your style preferences with care.
Explore Popular Styles
- Modern Minimalist – Clean lines, handleless doors, smooth surfaces, and monochrome or neutral finishes.
- Traditional – Raised panel doors, ornate hardware, and rich woods like cherry, walnut, or maple.
- Rustic and Farmhouse – Distressed woods, visible grain, and simple designs with plenty of warmth.
- Transitional – A blend of modern and classic for a timeless look.
Think about how each style blends with your home’s existing architecture. If you’re unsure, a professional cabinet designer can help you navigate how each element fits into the bigger picture. Don’t just choose a style because it’s trending; picture yourself living with it day in, day out.
Pay Attention to Layout and Flow
A kitchen that looks beautiful but doesn’t work for your lifestyle quickly becomes frustrating. That’s why, when considering new kitchen cabinets, you should focus on layout and ergonomics.
Tips for Great Cabinet Flow
- Maximize Corners – Use L-shaped pull-out organizers or lazy Susans.
- Accessible Storage – Place deep drawers for pots and pans near the stove, and keep utensils handy with cutlery inserts.
- Pantry Space – If you lack a walk-in pantry, tall cabinets with pull-out shelves can be a beautiful substitute.
- Zones – Divide your kitchen into zones (prep, cleaning, cooking, storage) and assign each one the needed cabinet types.
Professional cabinet designers excel at identifying the “pain points” of standard layouts and proposing creative solutions that are only possible with custom design. Consider collaborating with experts who will ask the right questions and make suggestions tailored to your daily flow.
Don’t Skimp on Materials or Hardware
Durability matters. Kitchen cabinets see daily use and face challenges from moisture, heat, and repeated handling. Cutting costs by settling for lesser materials or subpar construction may lower the up-front bill, but it tends to backfire over time.
What to Look For
- Solid Hardwood or High-Quality Plywood – Less likely to warp, flex, or show wear.
- Durable Finishes – Consider professional-grade lacquers or paints for easy cleaning and longevity.
- Soft-Close Hinges and Slides – Not only do these feel luxurious, but they also extend the lifespan of your cabinets.
At Crestwood Cabinetry, our custom kitchen cabinets are always built with premium materials and precision installation, ensuring your investment endures for years.
Plan Storage Around Your Life
A truly great kitchen is about more than looks. It works efficiently for you. Think about the kind of storage solutions that will make your daily tasks smoother.
Smart Storage Ideas
- Deep drawers for pots, pans, and bulky kitchenware
- Thin roll-outs for baking sheets or spices
- Pull-out trash and recycling bins discreetly hidden away
- Custom shelving for small appliances (like a stand mixer lift)
- Corner drawers or magic-corner shelves to access tricky spaces
Design is not just about the outside. Ask about custom features that allow everything to have a home, keeping your kitchen organized and calm.
Light Makes a Difference
Lighting is often overlooked, but it transforms the look and function of your cabinets. Under-cabinet lighting illuminates your counters, making food prep easier and setting a warm ambiance. Interior cabinet lighting can highlight glassware or collectibles and make dark corners usable.
Ask your cabinet maker about integrating lighting solutions at the design stage. Planning ahead means wires and fixtures can be hidden, resulting in a cleaner, more cohesive final look.
Set a Realistic Budget—And Know Where to Splurge
Establish a budget early and prioritize where you spend. Quality, longevity, and customization add value, so invest in the elements that matter most to your daily life and long-term goals. Spending a bit more on features you use every day, or a finish that truly makes your kitchen shine, pays off with satisfaction and durability.
Custom kitchen cabinets give you the freedom to decide precisely where your budget goes. You’re not limited to a one-size-fits-all solution—your cabinets and costs are tailored just for you.
Pitfalls to Avoid When Buying New Kitchen Cabinets
With all the choices available, it’s easy to hit snags along the way. Over the years of helping homeowners, we’ve observed some common errors:
- Following Trends Blindly: What looks good now might feel dated fast. Choose base elements (doors, layout) for longevity and let accessories or paint add bursts of personality.
- Ignoring Lifestyle Needs: Cabinets should complement how you use your space, not just how it looks to guests.
- Choosing Fashion Over Function: Handleless doors may look ultra-modern, but aren’t always practical for busy cooks or families.
- Rushing Decisions: Take time to plan, look at samples in your own space, and talk through options with a professional.
Avoiding these mistakes leads to a kitchen you’ll love for years, and not just the first months after the remodel.
Why Professional Guidance Matters
You don’t need to navigate this journey alone. Working with an experienced cabinetry team ensures your new kitchen cabinets go beyond expectations. At Crestwood Cabinetry, we listen to your ideas, translate needs into smart designs, and bring creative problem-solving to challenging spaces. Our in-depth knowledge of materials, finishes, and hardware choices gives clients peace of mind, from the first sketch to the final installation.
Ready for New Kitchen Cabinets in Southeastern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin?
If you’re preparing for new kitchen cabinets, take the next step with Crestwood Cabinetry. Our team combines thoughtful listening, expert craftsmanship, and creative solutions to design cabinets that are as functional and beautiful as the people who use them. Every project is tailored for true fit—both to your kitchen’s dimensions and your lifestyle.
Let’s transform your kitchen together. Contact Crestwood Cabinetry at 715-792-5351, send a message through our website form, or email us at info@crestwoodcabinetry.net to set up a complimentary design consultation.
Your best kitchen starts with the right cabinets—designed, built, and installed to match what matters most. Choose Crestwood Cabinetry for new kitchen cabinets in Southeastern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, and experience the pro difference.
