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The Most Popular Kitchen Cabinet Styles

Historically, for most people, cabinets were cabinets. From their inception, kitchen cabinet styles were boxes with or without doors on them that hung on kitchen walls. Eventually base cabinets were added as housewives acquired additional kitchenware and needed a place to put it. The cabinets didn't have to be beautiful, because they were meant to be functional. Exceptions to this rule were in the mansions of the wealthy who had intricately-carved wood and custom-designed styles.

During the Victorian age, cabinetry, like the taste in furniture, wallpaper, and carpets, was particularly ornate, designed using fine hardwoods. You may have had the opportunity to visit some of these old homes and see the elaborate cabinetry they enjoyed. Kitchen cabinet styles were pretty much limited to what people could afford.

Modern cabinets have evolved into many different styles in a variety of different price ranges to meet the needs of every homeowner. Instead of just being basic boxes with shelves any longer, there are numerous specialty cabinets you can purchase, such as a pantry, a cabinet with a pull-up shelf for a stand mixer, or open plate racks. Cabinets are available in solid woods like oak, cherry, maple, and birch in addition to those with melamine or wood veneers. Tastes can vary from streamlined contemporary styles to ornate, hand-carved models. It all depends on what you want.

The first thing to consider when choosing a kitchen cabinet style is the architectural style of your home. Most people prefer to have kitchen cabinets that go with the flow of the home décor which makes their kitchen look like it belongs with the rest of the house. The most popular styles that you'll find for kitchen cabinets include:

• Traditional – formal kitchen cabinet style with hardwoods, dark stains, and polished brass hardware. Follows the styles of the 18th and 19th century.
• Contemporary – sleek, streamlined cabinetry with simple, basic lines and flush doors. Can be made of many different materials, such as wood, glass, laminates, chrome, or stainless steel.
• Shaker – very simple, plan wood cabinets finished with dyes and oils.
• Country – simple lines for a very casual look. Finished with paints or stains and either with or without doors
• Rustic – knotty pine, strap hinges, and basic kitchen cabinet style.
• French Country – old world styling with ornate, carved moldings and even feet, more like furniture than kitchen cabinets.
• Arts and Crafts – Square, bold lines done in Mission style. Often of oak.
• Cottage – casual and cozy with mismatched looks, finishes, and hardware.

With all of these different kitchen cabinet styles to choose from, there's sure to be one that will look perfect in your home and meld your kitchen into your overall décor. You can also add personal touches to the styles of various cabinets. For instance, you might want to consider adding stained glass panels to the doors or finish them with colored glazes and exotic hardware. As you can see, kitchen cabinets aren't just boxes any more. They're a statement of your good taste.