Kitchen Cabinets

Start by considering your overall style and the natural light in the space: lighter colors make the kitchen feel brighter and more spacious, while darker tones add a sense of elegance and warmth. For finishes, matte options are more forgiving and resist fingerprints, whereas glossy finishes offer a sleek, shiny look but require more careful maintenance. Also, prioritize durability and ease of cleaning to suit the high-use kitchen environment. Finally, make sure the cabinets coordinate well with your countertops, walls, and flooring to create a harmonious and balanced space.

High-end cabinets often use 18-25mm thick plywood or MDF with a high-quality veneer or laminate finish inside. Solid wood drawers are less common due to warping risks. The key is robust construction and smooth drawer slides like Blum.

It depends on the material. High-end finishes like PET, FENIX, or UV lacquer are colorfast and UV-resistant. Cheap vinyl or poorly treated lacquer may yellow in direct sunlight or humid conditions.

Metal trims enhance edge durability and add a luxury detail. Brushed or anodized finishes can subtly highlight design lines, especially in modern or industrial-style kitchens.

Look closely at the seam between the edge band and the panel. A high-quality edge will appear seamless, with no visible glue line or overhang. Run your finger along the edge — it should feel smooth, without sharp ridges or lifting. Also, tap the corner: cheap edges often sound hollow or peel easily. Premium cabinets use laser edge banding or PUR (polyurethane) glue for a more durable and invisible finish.

Glossy finishes reflect more light, making spaces look brighter and more spacious. They feel smooth and sleek but tend to show fingerprints, dust, and scratches more easily.

Matte finishes have a softer, more natural look with minimal reflection. They hide fingerprints and imperfections better, offering a more subtle, modern vibe.

Choose glossy if you want a vibrant, polished look and don’t mind regular cleaning. Choose matte if you prefer understated elegance and easier maintenance. Both finishes can be high-end. It all depends on your style and lifestyle.

Start with how you use your kitchen. If you cook a lot and want something durable and low-maintenance, go for engineered quartz. It’s stain-resistant, doesn’t need sealing, and comes in many finishes. For a more luxurious, natural look, marble is stunning but needs more care (it scratches and stains easily). Sintered stone is ultra-tough, heat-resistant, and modern-looking , perfect if you want something sleek and nearly indestructible.

Toe kicks provide space for your feet, making it more comfortable to stand at the cabinets. They also protect the base of the cabinets from damage and can hide uneven floors or installation gaps.