Trending Kitchen Cabinet Styles of 2018
In 2018, kitchen cabinet styles were in a state of flux, reflecting a desire for both timeless elegance and modern functionality. While traditional styles held their own, contemporary and transitional designs were gaining momentum, bringing a fresh and updated aesthetic to kitchens across the country.
Shaker Cabinet Styles
Shaker cabinets, known for their simple, clean lines and timeless appeal, remained a popular choice in 2018. Their understated elegance made them suitable for a wide range of kitchen styles, from traditional to contemporary.
- Distinctive Features: Shaker cabinets are characterized by their flat, recessed center panel surrounded by a raised frame. This design creates a simple, uncluttered look that complements various countertop materials and hardware finishes.
- Aesthetics: Shaker cabinets exude a sense of understated elegance and sophistication. They can be dressed up with ornate hardware or kept simple with minimalist pulls, making them versatile for different design preferences.
- Example: A farmhouse kitchen with white shaker cabinets, a butcher block countertop, and rustic hardware exemplifies the timeless charm of this style. The simple lines of the cabinets create a clean and inviting atmosphere, while the natural elements add warmth and character.
Contemporary Cabinet Styles
Contemporary kitchen cabinets embraced a more minimalist aesthetic, emphasizing clean lines, sleek surfaces, and a focus on functionality.
- Distinctive Features: Contemporary cabinets often feature flat panels, minimal ornamentation, and integrated hardware. They are often made from materials like high-gloss lacquer or thermofoil, creating a sleek and modern look.
- Aesthetics: Contemporary cabinets exude a sense of sophistication and modernity. They are ideal for creating a clean, uncluttered space that feels both stylish and functional.
- Example: A modern kitchen with sleek, black contemporary cabinets, a quartz countertop, and stainless steel appliances exemplifies the minimalist aesthetic of this style. The clean lines and lack of ornamentation create a sense of spaciousness and sophistication.
Traditional Cabinet Styles
Traditional kitchen cabinets offered a sense of warmth and familiarity, drawing inspiration from classic design elements.
- Distinctive Features: Traditional cabinets often feature raised panels, ornate moldings, and decorative details. They are typically made from wood like cherry, maple, or oak, adding a touch of natural beauty and warmth.
- Aesthetics: Traditional cabinets create a sense of timeless elegance and sophistication. They are often paired with classic hardware and decorative accents, adding a touch of history and charm to the kitchen.
- Example: A traditional kitchen with cherry wood cabinets, a granite countertop, and brass hardware exemplifies the elegance and warmth of this style. The intricate details of the cabinets, combined with the rich tones of the wood, create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
Materials and Finishes: Kitchen Cabinet Styles 2018
The heart of any kitchen remodel is the cabinetry. These boxes, which hold our culinary treasures and help us keep our kitchens organized, are also a major design element. In 2018, kitchen cabinet styles were trending towards clean lines and modern designs, and the materials and finishes used to create them reflected this aesthetic.
Wood
Wood cabinets remain a popular choice for kitchens, offering a natural beauty and timeless appeal. Wood can be stained or painted to match any décor, and its durability makes it a wise investment. Here are some of the popular wood species used for kitchen cabinets:
- Maple: Known for its hardness and durability, maple is a popular choice for kitchen cabinets. It can be stained to achieve a variety of looks, from light and airy to rich and warm. Maple is also resistant to scratches and dents, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas.
- Cherry: Cherry wood has a beautiful reddish-brown hue that deepens over time. It is known for its rich grain pattern and its ability to accept stains and finishes well. Cherry is a softer wood than maple, but it is still relatively durable.
- Oak: Oak is a strong and durable hardwood that is available in a variety of colors and grain patterns. It is a popular choice for kitchen cabinets because it can withstand heavy use. Oak can be stained to achieve a variety of looks, from traditional to contemporary.
Laminate
Laminate is a more affordable alternative to wood, and it is available in a wide range of colors, textures, and patterns. Laminate is made by bonding layers of paper or plastic to a core material, creating a durable and moisture-resistant surface. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of laminate cabinets:
- Advantages:
- Cost-effective: Laminate is significantly less expensive than wood cabinets, making it a good option for budget-conscious homeowners.
- Durable: Laminate is resistant to scratches, dents, and moisture, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas.
- Easy to clean: Laminate surfaces are non-porous and easy to wipe clean.
- Wide variety of styles: Laminate is available in a wide range of colors, textures, and patterns, so you can find a style that complements your kitchen décor.
- Disadvantages:
- Not as durable as wood: Laminate can be susceptible to damage from impact, especially on edges and corners.
- Can look dated: Laminate can sometimes look dated, especially if it is not well-maintained.
- Limited customization: Laminate cabinets are typically available in pre-determined styles and colors, which can limit your customization options.
Painted Finishes
Painted cabinets offer a clean and modern look, and they can be customized to match any décor. Painted cabinets can be made from wood, laminate, or even MDF (medium-density fiberboard). Here are some of the popular paint finishes for kitchen cabinets:
- Matte: Matte finishes are non-reflective and provide a soft, understated look. They are a good choice for kitchens with a lot of natural light or for homeowners who prefer a minimalist aesthetic.
- Semi-gloss: Semi-gloss finishes have a slight sheen and are more durable than matte finishes. They are a good choice for kitchens with high traffic or for homeowners who want a more polished look.
- Gloss: Gloss finishes have a high sheen and are the most durable of the paint finishes. They are a good choice for kitchens with a lot of natural light or for homeowners who want a dramatic look.
Cabinet Finishes: Colors, Textures, and Patterns
Cabinet finishes can add a touch of personality to your kitchen. In 2018, the trend was towards neutral colors, natural textures, and subtle patterns.
- Colors:
- White: White cabinets are a classic choice for kitchens, offering a clean and timeless look. They can be paired with any countertop color and style.
- Gray: Gray cabinets are a popular choice for modern kitchens, offering a sophisticated and neutral look. They can be paired with a variety of countertop colors, from white to black.
- Beige: Beige cabinets are a warm and inviting choice for kitchens. They can be paired with a variety of countertop colors, from white to brown.
- Textures:
- Smooth: Smooth cabinet finishes are a classic choice, offering a clean and polished look.
- Distressed: Distressed cabinet finishes have a worn or aged look, adding a touch of character to your kitchen.
- Woodgrain: Woodgrain cabinet finishes mimic the natural texture of wood, adding warmth and depth to your kitchen.
- Patterns:
- Shaker: Shaker cabinets feature a simple, rectangular door with a raised center panel. They are a versatile style that can be used in both traditional and contemporary kitchens.
- Slab: Slab cabinets have a flat, solid door with no raised panels. They are a modern and minimalist style that is perfect for contemporary kitchens.
- Beaded: Beaded cabinets have a raised beading around the edge of the door, adding a touch of detail and interest.
Kitchen Cabinet Design Trends
In 2018, the kitchen design scene witnessed a shift towards functionality and aesthetics, with cabinet design trends playing a pivotal role in shaping the overall look and feel of kitchens. These trends not only enhanced the visual appeal of kitchens but also addressed the evolving needs of homeowners.
Open Shelving
Open shelving is a design trend that embraces minimalism and functionality. By replacing traditional upper cabinets with open shelves, homeowners can create a sense of spaciousness and visual lightness in their kitchens. The open shelves also provide easy access to frequently used items, eliminating the need to constantly open and close cabinet doors.
- Increased Visual Space: Open shelving minimizes the visual clutter created by closed cabinets, making the kitchen appear larger and more inviting.
- Easy Accessibility: Open shelves allow for quick and easy access to items, eliminating the need to rummage through cabinets.
- Enhanced Display: Open shelves can be used to display beautiful dishware, cookbooks, or decorative items, adding personality and style to the kitchen.
Integrated Appliances, Kitchen cabinet styles 2018
Integrated appliances are seamlessly incorporated into the kitchen cabinetry, creating a sleek and streamlined aesthetic. This trend eliminates the visual distraction of separate appliances and promotes a sense of cohesion within the kitchen design.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Integrated appliances blend seamlessly with the cabinetry, creating a cohesive and modern look.
- Maximized Space: By integrating appliances into the cabinetry, homeowners can save valuable counter space and create a more organized kitchen.
- Customizable Design: Integrated appliances offer a wide range of customization options, allowing homeowners to personalize their kitchens to match their style and preferences.
Unique Hardware
Unique hardware can add a touch of personality and sophistication to kitchen cabinets. From statement knobs and pulls to intricate designs, hardware can be used to create a focal point in the kitchen and complement the overall design scheme.
- Personalized Style: Unique hardware allows homeowners to express their individual style and create a truly unique kitchen.
- Enhanced Functionality: Hardware can be chosen based on functionality, such as ease of use or durability, ensuring a practical and stylish solution.
- Visual Interest: Statement hardware can add a touch of visual interest and draw attention to the kitchen cabinetry.
Kitchen cabinet styles 2018 – 2018 saw a resurgence of traditional kitchen cabinet styles, with cherry wood being a popular choice for its warm tones and rich grain. To complement these cabinets, a backsplash that enhances the wood’s beauty is essential. Backsplash ideas for cherry kitchen cabinets range from sleek, modern subway tiles to rustic stone, each adding a unique touch to the overall design.
Whatever your style, finding the right backsplash can elevate your cherry cabinets and create a truly timeless kitchen.
While kitchen cabinet styles in 2018 were all about sleek minimalism and modern finishes, a different kind of design was taking the world by storm – the DIY virtual pinball cabinet. Building your own virtual pinball cabinet, like the one featured on this website , lets you create a unique and personalized arcade experience, just like the customized kitchen cabinets of that era.
From the cabinet’s design to the game selection, every detail can reflect your individual style, just as much as a perfectly curated kitchen space.
