The kitchen is one of the most important spaces in the home, and kitchen cabinets are the backbone of the kitchen. With so many choices and options in kitchen cabinetry, the decision making can be intimidating. Consider these five factors to help guide you in figuring out the best cabinets for your home.

What type of cabinets do you want to purchase?

Based on your budget and kitchen specifics, you first need to decide if you prefer custom cabinets, stock cabinets, or semi-custom cabinets. Custom cabinets are the priciest option with the most design flexibility because they are built exactly to your specifications. Stock cabinets are the least expensive, as they are mass-produced and sold in limited sizes and colors. Semi-custom cabinets are partially customizable to provide you with more design flexibility than stock cabinets without the expense of custom cabinets.

How much storage do you need?

The primary purpose of kitchen cabinets is to have room to efficiently place your kitchen wares. You will want to consider the following:

• Do you need to declutter your current cabinets, or do you regularly use what you have stored?
• Do you want to store your small appliances on the counter or hide them inside your cabinets?
• Do you want to house your garbage or recycle bins inside a cabinet or elsewhere?
• Do you prefer cabinets, drawers, or open shelving for storage purposes?
• Should you include accessories such a lazy-susan, pull outs, or dividers to stay organized?

Once you have assessed your storage needs, determine what your minimum requirements are for cabinet space and make those central in your decision-making process.

What door style do you prefer?

Door styles create the core of the kitchen’s visual appeal, but you should select them with the goal of blending with the overall style and flow of the home. Whether you choose modern cabinets, traditional cabinets, or something in between, keep in mind that the doors selected will bring a unique character to the design and establish the overall tone of the kitchen.

What color or finish reflect your style?

Cabinet finishes can include solid wood stains, laminates, glazes, paints, and foils. While these choices are based on personal preference, classic wood finishes and light neutral colors will help improve the marketability of your home should you decide to sell. According to HGTV, while white continues to be the top cabinet color choice for 2018, gray is steadily climbing to take that top spot.

What hardware complements your door choice?

Hardware is not only functional, but it also adds the finishing touch for your overall design goal. Choices include many unique styles and finishes. In selecting the proper hardware, stick with a theme and keep your finishes cohesive throughout the kitchen. Make sure the hardware compliments the color of the cabinets and that they blend well with your appliances and countertops to achieve the perfect balance of function and style.