Kitchen cabinet design: Popular trends in modern kitchen cabinets

Cabinets occupy a lot of space in a modern kitchen and their size, location, dimension and colour scheme are essential to consider, while designing this space. Today, most kitchens have modular kitchen cabinets, either above or below the counter and are made from wood laminates, plywood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), poly-vinyl chloride sheets, melamine and stainless steel, etc.

The cost of kitchen cabinet design and installation, depends on the style, fixtures and materials used. Usually, a kitchen cabinet installation may range from Rs 400 to Rs 5,000 per sq ft.

The design of the cabinet will impacts the layout, functionality, convenience and also the storage capacity in a kitchen. Here are the most popular kitchen cabinet styles that home owners can choose from when designing their kitchens.

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Kitchen cabinet design types

Shaker-style kitchen cabinets: Shaker cabinets are classic and one of the most popular choices for kitchens. The style is characterised by its flat-panelled doors and rail frames. The five-piece doors combined with five-piece drawer fronts give a finished look. Shaker cabinets blend well with traditional and even contemporary designs, with variations in wood, stains, paint colours and hardware. The cabinet hinges are concealed. These cabinets can be designed according to various budgets and have uncomplicated styling.

Concealed kitchen cabinets and hidden hardware: Concealed kitchen cabinets are popular as they make the kitchen look clutter free. In this design, the appliances (like the microwave and the oven) are concealed by making their exteriors match with the cabinet’s style. The modern kitchen cabinets conceal the fittings on the wall along with the appliances. These panels blend in seamlessly with the entire kitchen and give an uncluttered uniform look. Small appliances that are used in the countertop can also be concealed – for example a pull-out cabinet can be used, prevent the juicer or toaster from being kept in the open. Cabinets with hidden hardware and hidden handles complement the minimalist and modern look.

See also: Kitchen sink design ideas

Handle-less kitchen cabinets: Ornate and huge cabinet handles are outdated. Technological progress in push-open and close doors, has meant that one can dispense with handles in both, wall and base cabinets. So, new model cabinets now operate with a push-open/close doors, lift up systems, finger rail mechanisms or electric mechanisms, with the press of a button located inside the cabinet.

See also: Kitchen design ideas for small and large homes

Kitchen cabinet drawers: Drawer cabinets make it easy to arrange items. For example, kitchen drawers can be ideal for storing idli stands, kadhais, huge pans, etc. These cabinets can be divided diagonally or vertically to keep small utensils in a systematic manner. Depending on the need, one can go in for three or four drawers stacked in a base cabinet, or a single drawer. Deep and wide drawers can be designed for large vessels, or even hidden trash bins.

Base-kitchen cabinets: Kitchen base cabinet design continue to remain a popular choice. It is built under the countertop of a kitchen as an organised space, with cutlery trays and dividers, separate utensils and cookware. These modern kitchen cabinets offer a large storage area and are apt for large vessels, flour containers or oil cans. Also appliances placed in base kitchen cabinets include microwaves and dishwashers. This kitchen base cabinets design suits the elderly as they find it difficult to stretch or even climb a stool to reach wall cabinets.

Glass-front cabinets: Be it frosted glass or simple transparent glass, this sophisticated material makes the kitchen look uncluttered, spacious and bright. Glass-front cabinets can be used to split up a run of solid-door cabinets, to display a collection of fancy crockery or decorative objects. One can opt for see-through glass, frosted glass, back painted or digital printed glass to add visual interest to the kitchen cabinet. Also, people prefer to use concealing the LED strips in the cabinet frame, to give a glowing ambience.

Open-shelf cabinets: Swapping out some upper cabinets for open shelving and floating shelves is gaining popularity in the cabinet design. Minimum upper cabinets also frees up space to display wall art thus giving a unique personal touch. At least one wall is without overhead storage as it lightens the kitchen and one can add some open shelves for colourful coffee mugs, kettle, fancy framed posters and small potted plants to add a perfect green vibe. Fewer modern kitchen cabinets on the upper level streamline the look of the kitchen giving it open, airy and uncluttered look.

See also: Modular kitchen price, designs catalogue and installation cost for Indian homes

Kitchen cabinet design tips: Things to keep in mind

• For visually pleasing and harmonious décor, keep the kitchen cabinet’s colour in mind, when selecting tiles, wall paint, the counter top, flooring and appliances.
• Select materials that are durable and resistant to water damage.
• Choose quality hardware that goes well with the design and colours.
• There is a chance that the cabinet door hinges below the sink area may get wet. Hence, opt for stainless steel hinges in the lower cabinets.
• Tasks lights under hanging cabinets are also needed, apart from the main lighting.
• Avoid too many cabinets in dark colours, as it can make the space look claustrophobic.
• Ventilation and safety concerns should be kept in mind while planning cabinets. The kitchen must have windows and be airy and have enough light.
• The cabinets’ positioning must help you utilise the space well. Use the upper cabinets for storing smaller and lighter items, such as dinner sets, glassware, spices, etc. The lower cabinets are ideal for storing heavier items.
• Opt for child locks in the lower kitchen cabinets if one has kids at home.

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Modern kitchen cabinets: Trends in 2023

Eye-catching kitchen slabs

Many homeowners are experimenting with the kitchen cabinet design themes by matching them with eye-catching countertop materials. Marble, quartz and granite are popular kitchen countertop materials that are trending in 2022. You will find a variety of patterns and colours to choose from.

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Laminates

Wood finishes for kitchen cabinets are growing in popularity. One can opt for laminates for the cabinet designs in bold or subtle colours and match them with the overall colour scheme. Decorative laminates provide a classic appeal and are available in numerous patterns, textures, and colours. When it comes to the latest trends in kitchen cabinets finishing, there are matt finishes and gloss finishes.

Source: Pinterest

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Hydraulic kitchen cabinets

Another popular trend in modern kitchen cupboards is the use of hydraulic fittings, especially for bigger and heavier cabinets. The hydraulic system enables opening of the drawers or cabinet doors in the hydraulic kitchen cabinets by lifting them up.

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Slide out kitchen cabinets

Pull-outs with a lot of shelves or wall cabinets like larder or pantry to keep dry ration, snacks, sauces, pickles, chips etc., are now popular. Install a kitchen pull-out cabinet in the base or upper cabinets for easier access. Some modern kitchen cabinets can be designed to with a roller. There are rollout shelves that can be used to store small kitchen accessories like spoons and mugs to plates and bottles.

Source: Pinterest

Handleless kitchen cabinets

Sleek kitchen cabinet designs without handle are quite in trend these days. This design style lacks handles on the drawer and cupboard doors but there are numerous designs and colours available. Usually, handleless kitchens are safer to use while they also enhance the visual appeal of the room. It can be practical option as you do not need to select a matching handle for the cabinets. However, these cabinets may be more expensive.

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Seamless cabinetry for modern kitchens

Design a contemporary kitchen by lacquering the cabinets and walls of the dining room in the same theme. Choose a similar paint colour for a cohesive look. The light wooden hues add a sophisticated charm to the area.

Source: Pinterest

Easy to clean and antibacterial laminates

The pandemic has also made one realise the importance of cleanliness and hygiene. So, home owners are opting for cabinets that are easy to clean. Maintenance-free surfaces, such as stone, glass and laminates that are easy to clean are in vogue, as compared to plain wood kitchen cabinet styles. Low-maintenance surfaces that can help make homes healthier are nonporous surfaces and those with less germ-trapping detailing. New laminates which are anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and can be disinfected are bound to be more popular for cabinets.

See also: How to make your kitchen work efficiently for you

Incorporating technology in kitchen cabinet design

As kitchens evolve, technology is more embedded in it. There are also a vast range of smart gadgets that easily integrate in the kitchen décor. Technology is being used in most functions and appliances, from lights to ovens to simple touch-closing cabinets. Smart lighting below the cabinet is also in trend for an eclectic look. Specialised appliances like air fryers and juicers are trending. With families baking, cooking, experimenting and sharing recipes online, there is a need for space for a tablet, laptop or virtual assistant in one’s kitchen. To enable this, kitchen cabinets nowadays have many charging ports or docking stations for such devices.

Popular kitchen cabinets design colours

Earlier, kitchen cabinets were largely simple brown in colour but today’s, modular kitchen cabinets are being done up in dual tones or have a pop of colours. A touch of white always makes a kitchen look larger .White combined with either sunny yellow, fresh green or nautical blue is in fashion. To enliven or brighten up the cabinets, they are being accentuated using bright or dark jewel tones such as black, navy, emerald green and even plum coloured cabinets.

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