Which Cabinet Style is Right for My Home?
Cabinetry forms the backbone of any well-designed kitchen, bathroom, or home storage system. For homeowners in Wisconsin, especially in Lake Country, Bay View, Oconomowoc, and New Berlin, selecting the proper cabinet style requires careful thought. Granite Plus, a go-to place for home design and renovations, helps guide homeowners through this complex decision-making process. This comprehensive cabinet style guide focuses on helping you navigate the essential aspects of cabinet selection—from design preferences to practical functionality—while emphasizing how Granite Plus makes the journey affordable, stress-free, and customized to fit your needs.
Understanding Your Cabinet Needs in Wisconsin
Choosing a cabinet style begins with understanding your specific needs. Cabinetry enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home and serves as a functional storage solution. Whether you live in a historic remodeled home like the Beulah Brinton House in Bay View near South Shore Park or a sprawling house in Lake Country, your cabinetry must balance style and practicality.
When choosing cabinets, consider the following questions:
- What is the primary function of your space?
- How much storage do you need?
- What type of materials would complement your existing decor?
- What is your budget for the project?
Granite Plus excels at guiding Wisconsin homeowners through this initial decision-making phase by considering their unique lifestyles and preferences. We work closely with homeowners to ensure every cabinet reflects your style while meeting practical requirements.
Cabinetry Styles and Trends in Wisconsin
Traditional vs. Contemporary Styles
In Wisconsin’s diverse housing market, cabinet styles vary widely from the charming craftsman homes of Oconomowoc to the sleek, modern apartments in Bay View. Granite Plus offers a range of designs that cater to every style preference.
Traditional cabinetry features ornate details, classic hardware, and warm wood tones. This style works perfectly in Lake Country homes, where historic charm meets modern living. On the other hand, contemporary cabinets with clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and modern hardware often complement the urban, industrial vibe seen in Bay View homes.
Choosing between traditional and contemporary styles often depends on the architecture of your home. Granite Plus helps homeowners understand which styles best complement their spaces, ensuring that the cabinetry becomes an integral part of the overall home aesthetic.
Popular Cabinet Trends in Lake Country, Bay View, Oconomowoc, and New Berlin
Specific trends dominate the Wisconsin cabinetry market. Shaker-style cabinets are one of the hottest trends, known for their clean lines and versatile appearance. These are popular in suburban areas like Oconomowoc and urban neighborhoods like Bay View.
Two-tone cabinets are another rising trend. Pairing lighter upper cabinets with darker lower ones adds depth and contrast to your kitchen, making the space more dynamic and visually engaging.
Additionally, eco-friendly and sustainable cabinet materials are gaining traction among environmentally conscious homeowners. For those living in New Berlin and Lake Country, using locally sourced wood or recycled materials for cabinetry aligns with a broader trend toward sustainability.
Cabinet Material Choices: Durability and Aesthetics
Wood Cabinets: Timeless and Durable
Wood remains the go-to material for most homeowners when selecting cabinetry, and Granite Plus offers an array of wood options to fit every aesthetic. Oak, cherry, maple, and hickory are some of the most popular choices, each with its unique grain pattern and durability. Whether you’re looking to create a rustic kitchen in your Oconomowoc home or a sleek, modern look in Bay View, the type of wood you choose can significantly impact you.
Alternative Materials: Laminate and Metal
While wood is classic, alternative materials like laminate and metal are becoming popular for their durability and sleek finishes. Laminate cabinets are affordable, easy to clean, and come in various colors and finishes. On the other hand, metal cabinets offer a modern, industrial look and are incredibly durable, making them ideal for contemporary homes in urban settings like Bay View.
Granite Plus guides homeowners in Lake Country, Bay View, and beyond in selecting materials that enhance the beauty of their homes and provide long-lasting performance.
Cabinet Functionality: Practical Considerations for Wisconsin Homeowners
Optimizing Storage Space
Maximizing storage space is crucial in Wisconsin, where homes can range from quaint bungalows to more significant suburban properties. Custom cabinetry can offer personalized storage solutions that fit your needs perfectly. Consider deep drawers for pots and pans, pull-out pantry shelves, or lazy Susans in corner cabinets to ensure that every inch of your kitchen is utilized efficiently.
Granite Plus specializes in custom cabinetry solutions that are both practical and beautiful. They work with homeowners to create spaces that function well while maintaining a cohesive design throughout the home.
Soft-Close Drawers and Doors
Soft-close drawers and doors are a luxury and a practical addition to any kitchen. This feature prevents cabinets from slamming shut, preserving the integrity of your cabinetry over time and reducing noise in your household. Soft-close mechanisms can also be a great safety feature if you have young children.
Granite Plus can retrofit your existing cabinets with soft-close features or integrate them into new designs, ensuring that your cabinets function as quietly and smoothly as possible.
Design Solutions: Tailoring Cabinets to Fit Your Space
Custom vs. Stock Cabinets
One of Wisconsin homeowners’ most significant decisions when selecting cabinetry is buying custom or stock cabinets. Custom cabinets are built to your specifications, ensuring a perfect fit for your space. While more affordable, stock cabinets come in standard sizes and may require modifications to fit your layout.
Granite Plus offers both options, allowing homeowners to choose based on their budget and space requirements. Custom cabinets can accommodate unusual layouts or specific design preferences, while stock cabinets provide a cost-effective solution that still looks great and functions well.
Color Selection: Matching Your Cabinets to Your Home
Choosing the right cabinet color can transform the look of your space. White and gray are popular choices for their versatility and ability to brighten a room. However, bold colors like navy blue, deep green, and black make waves in Wisconsin homes, adding drama and elegance.
Granite Plus offers color consultation services, helping homeowners in Lake Country, Bay View, Oconomowoc, and New Berlin select the perfect hue that complements their home design.
Cabinet Accessories: Enhancing Functionality and Convenience
When selecting cabinets, homeowners often focus on the exterior appearance, but cabinet accessories are just as crucial for optimizing the functionality of your space. These accessories can help you stay organized, improve accessibility, and enhance the overall convenience of your kitchen, bathroom, or any other area in your home. Granite Plus offers a variety of cabinet accessories that cater to different needs and lifestyles.
Pull-Out Shelves and Drawers
Pull-out shelves are a game-changer for anyone who has struggled to reach items at the back of a deep cabinet. These shelves slide out smoothly, allowing easy access to everything stored inside without awkward bending or stretching. Pull-out drawers, particularly in lower cabinets, make storing and retrieving pots, pans, and small appliances easier.
Pull-out spice racks and pantry shelves are other popular options. These accessories help maximize storage space while keeping everything easily accessible, perfect for busy families who need to keep their kitchens organized and functional.
Lazy Susans and Corner Solutions
Corner cabinets can be tricky to navigate, often resulting in wasted space or items that are hard to reach. Installing a lazy Susan inside a corner cabinet allows you to rotate the shelf, giving easy access to items that would otherwise be hidden in the back. Corner pull-out systems are another innovative solution for optimizing these tricky areas, allowing you to pull the entire contents of a corner cabinet out into the open.
Granite Plus specializes in designing custom solutions for difficult spaces, ensuring that even the most challenging areas of your kitchen are fully utilized and accessible.
Drawer Organizers and Dividers
Drawer organizers and dividers are essential for keeping utensils, cutlery, and small kitchen tools in order. Customizable drawer dividers allow you to create compartments that fit your specific needs, whether for silverware, cooking utensils, or dish towels.
For families, especially those with children, having organized drawers can streamline daily routines and make it easier for everyone to pitch in with cooking and cleaning. Granite Plus offers numerous organizer options to suit every homeowner’s needs.
Built-In Waste and Recycling Bins
Keeping waste and recycling bins out of sight is more aesthetically pleasing and hygienic. Built-in bins can be incorporated into your cabinetry, typically installed in a pull-out drawer under the sink or in a pantry cabinet. These pull-out systems keep your trash and recycling easily accessible while maintaining a clean, clutter-free kitchen.
For families with young children, hiding waste bins inside cabinets can also help prevent accidents and ensure kids don’t get into things they shouldn’t.
Lighting Solutions for Cabinets
Under-cabinet lighting is a popular accessory that enhances the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen and improves functionality by illuminating your countertops. Interior cabinet lighting is another option, adding visibility to cabinet contents, especially in larger or deeper cabinets.
Cabinet Considerations for Aging-In-Place and Families
As more people plan to age in place or create a safe and functional home for their families, it’s essential to incorporate features that promote accessibility, safety, and ease of use. Cabinets play a crucial role in making your home more accommodating, whether you’re considering the needs of aging parents, young children, or anyone with limited mobility.
Aging-in-Place Cabinet Solutions
Accessibility and Comfort
When designing a kitchen for aging in place, accessibility is vital. Granite Plus can customize cabinets to be more accessible by raising lower cabinets or installing pull-down shelves in upper cabinets. This allows older adults to reach all their items without excessive bending or stretching, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Lever-style handles and pulls, which are easier to grasp than traditional knobs, can also be incorporated into the design. These user-friendly options are great for older adults or individuals with arthritis, allowing them to open cabinets and drawers with minimal effort.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Cabinets and counters need to be designed with accessibility in mind for wheelchair users. Granite Plus can create cabinetry with lower countertops, pull-out work surfaces, and open space beneath sinks and countertops for easy wheelchair access. These adaptations ensure that all kitchen parts remain functional and within reach.
Soft-Close Mechanisms for Safety
As mentioned earlier, soft-close drawers and doors are a great safety feature for aging-in-place homes. These mechanisms prevent slamming, reducing the risk of injury and prolonging the life of your cabinets. For older adults, soft-close drawers’ smooth, quiet operation can make a big difference in their kitchen’s overall comfort and functionality.
Family-Friendly Cabinet Considerations
Safety Features for Young Children
Safety is a top priority for families with small children. Lower cabinets can have locks and latches to keep cleaning supplies, sharp objects, and other hazardous items out of reach. Granite Plus can seamlessly incorporate childproofing features into your cabinetry design, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for safety.
Easy-to-Reach Storage for Kids
If you want your children to help in the kitchen or develop independence, consider installing lower cabinets with easy-to-reach shelves for dishes, snacks, or kid-friendly cooking tools. Giving your kids access to their items promotes responsibility and makes it easier for them to participate in daily chores.
Durable and Easy-to-Clean Finishes
Families with children know that messes are inevitable, so choosing durable, easy-to-clean finishes for your cabinets is essential. Granite Plus offers a variety of finishes that can withstand the wear and tear of family life, from fingerprint-resistant matte surfaces to high-gloss finishes that wipe clean with minimal effort.
Soft-Close Mechanisms for Families
Soft-close drawers and doors aren’t just for aging-in-place homes and families with young children. Soft-close mechanisms prevent kids from slamming drawers and doors, reducing noise and the risk of pinched fingers.
Storage Solutions for Growing Families
As families grow, so does the need for storage. Custom cabinets with built-in storage solutions, like pull-out pantry shelves, oversized drawers for large kitchen items, and dedicated spaces for small appliances, can help keep your kitchen organized and efficient, even in the busiest households.
Granite Plus excels at creating cabinet designs that evolve with your family’s needs. Whether you’re planning for more kids, accommodating aging parents, or want a kitchen that can handle the hustle and bustle of daily life, they offer solutions that maximize your space and ensure your cabinets are functional and stylish.
Crafting Cabinet Solutions for Every Stage of Life
Granite Plus is not just about cabinets—it is about creating solutions that work for you, your family, and your home. Whether you’re thinking ahead to ensure your home is ready for aging in place or designing a family-friendly, safe, and convenient kitchen for young children, Granite Plus has the expertise.
We offer a range of cabinet options, from budget-friendly stock cabinets to fully customized solutions, ensuring every home in Lake Country, Bay View, Oconomowoc, and New Berlin has beautiful, functional cabinetry that enhances everyday life. By focusing on accessibility, safety, and innovative storage solutions, Granite Plus helps you make the most of your space, no matter your stage of life.
With a commitment to affordable pricing, high-quality materials, and exceptional customer service, Granite Plus is your go-to partner for creating a home that meets your needs—today and in the future.
Your Partner in Cabinet Selection
Granite Plus has built a reputation across Wisconsin for its expert design services, high-quality materials, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Whether renovating your kitchen, upgrading your bathroom, or building a new home, our team will guide you through every step.
Granite Plus believes in helping homeowners achieve their design dreams without breaking the bank. We offer affordable solutions that don’t compromise on quality, ensuring that your cabinetry looks beautiful and functions flawlessly for years.
With a showroom in New Berlin, Granite Plus is accessible to homeowners across Wisconsin. Their hands-on approach to design ensures that every project is tailored to meet each client’s unique needs and style preferences.
Affordability and Value: Maximizing Your Investment
Cabinet selection can be a significant investment, but Granite Plus is committed to helping homeowners find solutions that offer excellent value. By providing a range of options—from budget-friendly stock cabinets to fully custom designs—Granite Plus ensures you get the most for your money.
Granite Plus offers transparent pricing, so you know exactly what to expect from the beginning. Our design team works with you to stay within your budget while achieving the desired look and functionality.
Installation and Beyond Making the Process Seamless
Once you’ve selected your cabinets, the next step is installation. Granite Plus takes pride in its professional installation services, ensuring every cabinet is perfectly installed. We understand that renovating a kitchen or bathroom can be stressful, so we strive to make the experience as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Post-installation, Granite Plus provides ongoing support to ensure you are delighted with your new cabinets. They offer maintenance tips and are available for any adjustments or repairs that may be needed.
Common Cabinet Style Questions
How do I choose the right cabinet style for my home?
Consider your home’s overall design and choose a cabinet style that complements it. Granite Plus can help you through the options, from traditional to contemporary, ensuring a cohesive look.
What’s the difference between custom and stock cabinets?
Custom cabinets are built to your specifications, offering a perfect fit for your space, while stock cabinets are pre-made in standard sizes. Granite Plus provides both, allowing you to choose based on your budget and needs.
What materials are best for cabinets in Wisconsin?
Wood is the most popular choice for its durability and aesthetic appeal, but materials like laminate and metal are also great options for specific styles and budgets.
