While home design projects are notorious for being stressful, they can also be loads of fun. You get to choose from so many different options to create the look you want. Having power over your own space is one of the most meaningful ideas behind interior decorating. The excitement is in the challenge of developing a space you love to show off and live in. So, then what are your options? How should you proceed with developing ideas?
Location and Purpose
The first thing to consider when installing new or replacing old cabinets is what room they’re going to go in, and were in that room. For example, bathroom cabinets must be able to withstand the changing humidity in a bathroom without cracking, expanding, or any of the metal hinges rusting. Another common example in kitchens is a split design with upper and lower matching cabinets lining most if not all of the kitchen space. These tend to be the two main places in a home where one can find lots of cabinets, but you can certainly design them for a bedroom, closet, or living room. Will they be holding shoes, electronics, or brandy glasses? First, decide on where you need cabinets. That will also help you answer a major question later on – how much area are you planning on covering in cabinets?
Look Up Portfolios
For this, you are allowed to look at designs way out of your price range. Go ahead and fantasize. You’ll have a truer, deeper understanding of what look you really want. The designers and contractors that you choose should be able to take your inspired looks and turn them into a design that works for your space and your budget. Create a “vision board” of ideas. Start going through old magazines or online portfolios. If you find a picture of a texture, or at least something that resembles what you’re looking for, then include that, too. But if you’re too vague then a designer won’t be able to do much for you. Remember that their field requires them to be very detailed. Therefore, if you give them too wide of a scope of interests in looks, you risk poor communication and an end result you aren’t crazy about. The more specific you are and the more details you can include, even if they sound weird or aren’t related to the art world, the better you will be able to narrow down what you want.
Materials
You want to choose materials that will work in the space you are designing for, and will outlast other products. Generally, for kitchens the two main types of materials are wood and stainless steel.
Wood
Wood has a warm feel. As a natural product, it feels soothing to people. Wood has represented many things to humans throughout the centuries, and it exudes timeless elegance. Wood comes in many types of finishes, from cherry to deep, dark, rich colors. It also goes well with almost any design choice, unlike stainless steel, which is better suited for more modern homes.
One of the considerations when designing new cabinets in any part of your home is the material you will be using. Wood expands and contracts with moisture over time, making it an impractical material for cabinetry. Because of this, modified or engineered wood is used, such as medium density fiberboard (MDF). It is made from resin mixed with recycled wood. It is a durable material that resists cracking and peeling very well. Plywood is another durable material of glue and wood that is often used in cabinetry and tends to be more durable than MDF.
Stainless Steel
In some modern looks, stainless steel isn’t just for the oven and refrigerator. If you love the smooth, cool look of metal, especially in contract with any stone renovated in your kitchen, then stainless steel is for you. The added benefit is that it is such an easy material to wipe down and keep clean, so you can focus on living in your dream space.