Customizing Cabinets: What to Choose, What to Skip
- Amy Farnum
- Aug 23
- 6 min read
In our last post, we explored the foundational decision of choosing between stock, semi-custom, and fully custom cabinetry. That choice sets the stage, but the real magic happens in the details.
Once you’ve selected the right type of cabinet for your budget and vision, it's time to infuse your personality and enhance functionality through customization.
This is where your dream kitchen truly takes shape. From the style of the doors to the clever storage solutions hidden within, every choice contributes to a space that is not only beautiful but perfectly tailored to your lifestyle.
We'll guide you through the most impactful customization options available, highlighting what's worth the investment and what you might be better off skipping. Let's craft a kitchen that is uniquely yours, down to the last hinge.
Construction Styles
When it comes to construction styles, the framework of your kitchen cabinets plays a pivotal role in determining both functionality and aesthetics. There are two primary styles to choose from: framed and frameless.
Framed Cabinets
Often seen in traditional or transitional designs, framed cabinets feature a visible face frame around the front of the cabinet box, providing additional sturdiness and a classic look.
Frameless Cabinets
Also known as European-style cabinets, frameless cabinets offer a sleek, modern appearance with unobstructed access to the interior. These are ideal for achieving a minimalist aesthetic and maximizing storage space.
Door Styles
The cabinet doors are the face of your kitchen, setting the tone for the entire design. The style you choose can define your kitchen's character, whether it's modern and sleek or traditional and ornate.
Popular Door Styles to Consider
Shaker: Known for its simple, clean lines and timeless appeal, the Shaker style features a flat recessed center panel and a four-piece frame. Its versatility makes it a perfect fit for nearly any design aesthetic, from modern farmhouse to transitional.
Slim-Shaker: A modern twist on the classic Shaker style, the Slim-Shaker door features a thinner frame, offering a more minimalist and contemporary appearance. This style is ideal for those who want the clean lines of Shaker but with a modern edge.
Slab (or Flat-Panel): For a minimalist and contemporary look, slab doors are an excellent choice. Their unadorned, flat surface creates a sleek, seamless appearance that is easy to clean and maintains a modern edge.
Inset: Inset doors are set inside the cabinet frame, fitting flush with the face. This construction requires precise craftsmanship and offers a classic, high-end look reminiscent of fine furniture. It’s a beautiful choice for traditional and transitional kitchens.
Raised Panel: If you're looking for a more traditional look, the raised panel style is a go-to choice. This door features a raised center panel, adding depth and dimension to your cabinets.
Glass Inserts and Open Shelving
Glass-front cabinets and open shelving are a fantastic way to break up a long stretch of upper cabinets. They create visual interest and display your favorite dinnerware or decorative items. They make a space feel lighter and more open.
What to Choose: Opt for clear, frosted, or seeded glass inserts. Clear glass offers a classic, open look, while frosted or seeded glass provides a degree of obscurity, hiding minor clutter while still reflecting light. Placing glass inserts on upper cabinets, especially those flanking a window or range hood, creates a beautiful focal point. Adding opening shelving for quick-grab plates and glassware can be a functionality game-changer.
What to Skip: Avoid placing clear glass-front cabinets in high-clutter areas, like next to the pantry where you store mismatched food containers. Unless you are committed to keeping the contents perfectly organized, these cabinets can quickly look messy. Similarly, while open shelving can be a stylish feature, be sure to balance it with plenty of enclosed storage to maintain functionality and reduce visual clutter.
Soft-Close Hinges and Drawers
In the world of kitchen functionality, soft-close hardware is a game-changer. This feature uses a hydraulic mechanism to gently and silently close cabinet doors and drawers, preventing slamming.
What to Choose: This is one upgrade we recommend for every kitchen remodel. The benefits are undeniable: it reduces wear and tear on your cabinet frames, prevents pinched fingers, and contributes to a quieter, more serene kitchen environment. The smooth, controlled motion adds a touch of luxury you'll appreciate every single day. Most semi-custom and all custom cabinet lines offer this as a standard feature, and it’s well worth it.
What to Skip: There's really no reason to skip this feature if it fits within your budget. The functional and longevity benefits far outweigh the modest additional cost. If you're on a very tight budget with stock cabinets, you could potentially add after-market soft-close dampers, but integrated hardware is always the superior choice.
Pantry and Storage Solutions
A well-designed kitchen is one that conceals clutter and makes organization effortless. Customizing your pantry and deep storage cabinets is key to achieving a streamlined, highly functional space.
Butler's Pantry and Scullery
As we've discussed before in this blog, the hidden butler's pantry has become a must-have in modern luxury homes. Disguised behind what looks like regular cabinetry, this walk-in space can house everything from small appliances and dry goods to a coffee bar or second sink.
What to Choose: If you have the space, a butler's pantry is a phenomenal investment. It keeps your main kitchen countertops clear and provides ample, accessible storage. Design it with a mix of open shelving for frequently used items, countertops for prep work, and closed cabinets for less-attractive necessities.
What to Skip: Don't force a butler's pantry into a layout that can't accommodate it. A poorly designed, cramped walk-in space is less functional than well-organized standard pantry cabinets.
High-Function Pantry Cabinets
If a walk-in pantry isn't feasible, you can achieve incredible organization with customized pantry cabinets.
What to Choose: Opt for a tall pantry cabinet with full-extension pull-out shelves. This allows you to see everything at a glance without having to dig into the back of deep shelves. Adjustable shelving is also crucial to accommodate items of varying heights. Consider adding specialized features like spice racks on the inside of the doors or built-in wine racks.
What to Skip: Avoid fixed, deep shelving in a pantry cabinet. Items inevitably get lost in the back, leading to frustration and wasted food. While they may be cheaper initially, the lack of functionality makes them a poor long-term choice.
Innovative Organizational Options
Beyond the pantry, think about how you use every part of your kitchen and what organizational features would make your daily routines smoother.
What to Choose:
Drawer Dividers: Custom dividers for cutlery, utensils, and even dishes keep everything in its place.
Pull-Out Trash and Recycling Bins: Integrating these into a base cabinet keeps them hidden from view and frees up floor space.
Corner Solutions: Make the most of tricky corner cabinets with a Lazy Susan or a swing-out "blind corner" optimizer. These mechanisms bring the contents of the cabinet to you, making every inch of space usable.
Appliance Garage: A dedicated cabinet with a lift-up or retractable door keeps your toaster, blender, and stand mixer off the counter but easily accessible.
What to Skip: Be selective about hyper-specialized inserts. A built-in knife block might seem like a great idea, but it limits your flexibility if you change your knife set. Similarly, a dedicated K-cup drawer is only useful as long as you use that specific coffee maker. Stick to versatile solutions that can adapt as your needs change.
Cabinet Pulls and Knobs
Choosing the right cabinet door knobs and pulls is more than just a finishing touch—it's an opportunity to blend functionality with style.
What to Choose: Choose longer pulls that are proportional to the size of the doors or drawers they complement. In most kitchen designs, we typically use 3-4 different pull sizes alongside a single knob style for specific applications. Prioritize high-quality hardware, which is often indicated by its weight and durability.
What to Skip: Overly elaborate hardware can draw unnecessary attention and overshadow the overall design. Additionally, these ultra-unique designer pieces often come with a steep price tag. Instead, choose hardware that adds a touch of personality without straining your budget.
Craft Your Perfect Kitchen
Choosing the right customizations is about striking a balance between beauty, function, and budget. By focusing on high-impact features like versatile door styles, essential soft-close hardware, and intelligent storage solutions, you can create a kitchen that not only looks stunning but also enhances your everyday life.
An experienced kitchen designer can help you prioritize and maximize value. If you're ready to design a kitchen that is thoughtfully tailored to you, let's connect.
Book a free Design Discovery call with us today to explore how you can get the kitchen of your dreams. We serve all of Kansas City Metro including our home town of Lee's Summit, MO. We look forward to working with you.
Stay well and be inspired,
