Choosing Kitchen Cabinets for Your Charlotte Remodel

When it comes to a kitchen remodel, choosing the right cabinets is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Cabinets define the style and look of your kitchen while playing a key role in functionality and storage. With so many kitchen cabinet designs and options, it can feel overwhelming. Here’s everything you need to know to select the perfect cabinets for your kitchen, especially if you’re working with a design-build remodeling firm in Charlotte, NC.

1. Understand Your Kitchen Design Style

The first step in choosing kitchen cabinets is aligning them with your overall kitchen design. Are you drawn to modern cabinets with sleek lines, or do you prefer traditional cabinets with ornate details? Cabinets define the feel of your space, whether you’re going for a contemporary flat-panel look or a cozy country kitchen with wooden cabinets.

In Charlotte, many homeowners lean toward classic white kitchens, but warm wood tones and bold colors, particularly for lower cabinets, are also gaining popularity.

2. Selecting Cabinet Door Styles

Cabinet doors are the most visible part of your cabinetry, and you have plenty of styles to choose from. Shaker-style doors, with their simple, clean lines, are popular in both traditional and modern kitchens. Flat-panel doors offer a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, while raised-panel doors add elegance to more traditional spaces.

If you’re working with a smaller kitchen space, consider a few glass cabinet doors (that are backlit) or open cabinets to create the illusion of a more open and airy environment. These little details can make a wonderful addition to your newly remodeled space.

3. Maximizing Functionality: Smart Storage Solutions

Maximizing storage space is essential, and your cabinet choices play a key role in keeping your kitchen organized. From wall to base cabinets, there are numerous kitchen organizers to help store everyday items. Homeowners in Charlotte increasingly opt for custom storage solutions like pull-out shelves and drawers for kitchen utensils and food. Adding these features can enhance your kitchen’s functionality and enjoyment.

4. Designing for Flow and Functionality

The layout of your cabinets should complement the flow of your kitchen. Base cabinets offer storage for larger items like pots and pans, while upper cabinets are ideal for less frequently used items. Underutilized corner units can be optimized with pull-out shelves or lazy Susans.

For open-concept designs, consider how your cabinetry integrates with adjoining spaces, like a living room. We also incorporated first-floor upgrades into the project’s scope for this kitchen remodel in Matthews, NC. We refaced a two-story fireplace and added complimentary shelving and display cabinets to unify the kitchen with the adjoining space while offering additional storage for books, media, or decorative home decor.

5. Cabinet Hardware: Personalizing Your Cabinets

Cabinet hardware (i.e., knobs, handles and pulls) can dramatically impact your kitchen’s overall look. For a modern kitchen, choose sleek stainless steel or brushed nickel hardware. For a traditional kitchen, bronze or antique-style hardware adds charm. The right hardware enhances both style and function.

6. Painted Cabinetry: Bringing Personality and Color to Your Kitchen

One of today’s most exciting trends is painted cabinetry. While white cabinets have long been popular, many homeowners opt for bold hues like navy, emerald green, or charcoal gray to make a statement. These rich colors add sophistication and depth to your kitchen while highlighting other design features, like contrasting countertops or backsplashes.

Muted shades like sage green and earthy taupes are also trending. These colors offer a more understated but equally stylish approach. They create a calm, inviting atmosphere, blending beautifully with natural materials like wood or stone.

Two-Toned Kitchens

Color is one of the most exciting aspects of kitchen design, and one trend that continues to gain popularity is the two-tone kitchen. Two-tone cabinets allow you to play with color in a way that brings depth and character to your kitchen.

Upper and Lower Cabinets: One of the most common two-tone designs is to have the upper cabinets in one color and the lower cabinets in another. This approach can make your kitchen feel more dynamic and interesting. For example, you could choose a light, bright color for your upper cabinets to open up the space while opting for a darker, more grounded color for your lower cabinets.

Perimeter and Island: Another option is to have the perimeter cabinets in one color and the kitchen island cabinets in another. This creates a focal point where your island feels like a standalone feature. Whether you prefer bold contrasts or subtle variations, we can help you design a two-tone kitchen that reflects your personal style. 

If you don’t know what you want, that’s okay. At GJK, our designers utilize Chief Architect design software to help you explore different door styles, color options and design options to see exactly how each option will look in your space. You can even change the backsplash or other elements to match your vision.

7. Wood Cabinetry: Timeless Beauty and Durability

While painted cabinetry is popular, wood cabinetry remains a classic choice. The warmth and texture of wood bring an organic, inviting feel to any kitchen. Whether you choose walnut, oak, or cherry, wood cabinets offer timeless appeal and durability.

Wood cabinets come in a variety of finishes, from natural, stained looks that highlight the wood grain to polished finishes that match your decor. They can be paired with other materials, such as glass or metal, for a contemporary twist. Wood cabinetry is durable and long-lasting, making it a great investment for your remodel.

If you are unsure about what you want, no worries! GJK offers a variety of wood finishes ranging from light and rustic to dark and dramatic. You can see the wood finishes in person and feel the texture in our showroom, making it easier to decide whether wood cabinets are the right choice for you. Our expert team will help you select a wood finish that complements the other materials in your kitchen, such as countertops and flooring, ensuring a cohesive and balanced look.

8. Adding Personality with Cabinet Inserts: Glass, Metal, and More

Cabinet inserts like glass, metal, or mesh can add texture and visual interest, giving your cabinets a custom touch. Glass inserts break up the solid look of wood or painted cabinetry, making your kitchen feel more open. You can choose from clear, frosted, or textured glass to either display or conceal your items.

Metal and mesh inserts provide an industrial or modern look, bringing a rugged edge to your cabinets. Available in finishes like brushed steel or matte black, these inserts create a bold contrast with traditional materials.

Glass isn’t limited to cabinet doors—it can also be used for shelving. Glass shelves add a sense of airiness, allowing light to flow through the space and making your kitchen feel larger. They’re great for displaying decorative items while maintaining a light and modern look.

Finding the Perfect Kitchen Cabinets

Choosing the right kitchen cabinets is essential to achieving your dream kitchen. Whether you’re drawn to sleek, modern designs or timeless wood cabinetry, working with a design-build remodeling firm in Charlotte can help you navigate the many options available. Ready to start your kitchen remodel? Contact us today to explore cabinet designs and ideas that suit your home … so we can create for you a Life Remodeled.