When we focus on the design details and ponder over them, we pay attention because that’s what we believe makes the best content to share here. Merely stating “we selected these shaker full overlay cabinets” doesn’t capture all the decisions and considerations we had to make along the way (not to mention the endless hardware options we had to choose from). So today, let’s take a deep dive into my sister’s kitchen cabinet design for those who may want to borrow some of these ideas (and please feel free to do so! Nothing brings me more joy than knowing our ideas are helping make your design choices less stressful and your homes more beautiful).
Lowe’s kitchen cabinetry offered a variety of lines with different profiles and color options, each varying in quality and customization levels. As design enthusiasts, our main priority was to ensure that the door style and color matched our preferences, which we decided on first.
Before delving deeper, check out this informative video we created about the process (just wait for the ads to play first :))
Key Points
- We aimed for dark green appliances, so the chosen color had to complement this specific shade well; we opted against a white kitchen this time.
- I personally prefer painted cabinets over wood-toned flat overlay cabinets, although the latter can work in certain settings.
- We steered clear of excessively dark colors as the kitchen is small with only one window, and I generally prefer lighter kitchens.
- We wanted a shaker style for the cabinet doors but debated over the panel, rail, and stile sizes.
- In case of a potential future sale, we avoided taking bold color risks and opted for warmer neutrals, blues, and greens.
To meet our specific requirements for greens and blues, we combined two different lines (Diamond Express and Diamond Intermediate) that featured the same shaker profile. We selected the colors Emma (bottom) and Tropic (light blue, on top). Each color and line offered a variety of door styles to choose from. Among the shaker styles available, we settled on ‘Gresham’ for its clean, simple lines, and appreciated its inclusion of shaker drawer fronts, which suited our design focused more on drawers.
Cabinet Tips
Opt for deeper drawers instead of lower cabinets. While a mix of cabinets is acceptable, drawers can accommodate almost everything that would typically go in a cabinet, except for taller appliances. We retained one large cabinet to house the microwave and a mixer. Although cabinets may be necessary for larger pots, drawers are more efficient for storing Tupperware, mixing bowls, and kitchen tools.
Embrace symmetry in your kitchen layout. While not all kitchens are as neatly arranged as this one, seeking symmetry wherever possible can enhance the overall look. It may sometimes require sacrificing a bit of space for aesthetic balance, but it’s preferable to avoid having unevenly sized drawers or cabinets on one side. Ensuring a streamlined appearance for your cabinets can elevate the overall design.
Avoid partial overlay cabinet fronts. Most designers prefer “inset” cabinetry, where the cabinet faces are flat and the cabinets and drawers are set inside the frame. This creates a clean, streamlined look. Full overlay cabinets, like the ones used here, are simpler and more cost-effective to install as they allow for slight imperfections while still looking flawless. On the other hand, partial overlay cabinets, popular in the ’90s, create larger gaps and additional lines, resulting in a less streamlined appearance. If you have partial overlay cabinets, consider painting them in a modern color to reduce their dated look.
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