Budget kitchens typically offer fewer options in terms of style and variety of cabinet sizes, which can leave space-wasting gaps in your plan. However, more and more manufacturers are devising flexible approaches, allowing you to mix and match door fronts and create special features, such as an angled breakfast bar or stepped island unit. Remember that common kitchen cabinets are less expensive and readily available. If you’re not interested in either style of door, consider purchasing off-the-shelf frames and having the doors done by a carpenter. This way you can get the look you want while keeping costs down. Mid-range kitchens offer a wider variety of units, usually in 10cm increments with varying heights to make the most of space. Bespoke kitchens offer the ultimate in customization, at a price. A custom kitchen isn’t limited by size or precedent, so you’ll get custom-made units to suit you and your kitchen needs, whether it’s a low cabinet with a cutlery drawer or a huge, sturdy pantry. Chef. Wall cabinets can be built to the room’s proportions, while awkward or small spaces can be used with “specialties” such as wine racks, spice drawers, tray slots, or even window seats.

behind closed doors

The quality of the material behind the front door is just as important as what you see on the outside. It’s less a question of style and visibility than one of stability and rigidity. Kitchen channels (the boxes behind the doors) vary in thickness depending on quality and price. A shell made from 18mm thick medium density melamine (IMDF fibreboard) is a good standard and is more suitable than solid wood, which can warp or move. Channels should have solid, rigid backing and fully adjustable legs that can account for uneven floors and protect units from moisture penetration. Look for colored casings to match the color of your doors or pale gray versions that blend ‘invisibly’ with the background (instead of a bright gloss white), which will also follow the trend for steel door fronts and aluminum. Drawer boxes should have solid sides, either wood or metal, with strong bases and smooth action roller guides. The best drawers can be closed with a push of the hip or foot and close silently. The most expensive are made of wood with dovetail joints and waxed wooden guides. Full extension drawers that extend the full length of the drawer allow full access to contents, with everything within easy reach. A skirting board or plinth can be installed to hide the legs of base units or they can be left bare to form part of the kitchen design. This space can also be used in small kitchens for extra storage (shallow drawers can hold baking sheets, pans, or dish towels) or a pedestal warmer. Cabinets are framed or frameless. With a framed face, a rectangular frame outlines the casing, making it stronger and providing a support for the door to fit into. Framed doors are better suited to more traditional and custom designs. A frameless door is cheaper to make. It sits flush against the body, is easy to hang, and creates a simple, streamlined look. Metal hinges are stronger and more durable than plastic hinges and also allow for adjustments; Clip-on versions allow more flexibility as the doors can be removed quickly and easily.