When designing your dream kitchen, it’s essential to understand the different components and options available for cabinetry. Whether you’re planning for a modern, sleek look or a more traditional design, the right choices can elevate both the aesthetic and functionality of your space. Here’s a guide to the most popular kitchen cabinet options.
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1. Open Shelves
- Depth: 300mm – 400mm
- Description: Open shelves offer a minimalist, contemporary feel. They provide easy access to frequently used items while keeping your kitchen feeling airy and spacious. Ideal for decorative items or daily use items like plates, cups, and bowls.
Pros:
Easy access to items
• Creates a modern, open look
• Can be used to display decorative objects
Cons:
• Dust and grease can accumulate more easily
• Less storage space for kitchen essentials that need to be hidden
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2. Top Cabinet
• Depth: 350mm – 450mm
• Description: Top cabinets are essential for maximizing vertical space. Available with or without round edges and various opening mechanisms (e.g., hinged, lift-up, or sliding doors), they are perfect for storing items like glassware, dishes, and pantry goods.
Pros:
• Helps with storage of everyday kitchen items
• Available in many designs to suit various styles
• Easy to install with a range of opening styles
Cons:
• May require a ladder or step stool for upper shelves
• Not suitable for heavier items due to depth restrictions
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3. Pelmet
• Height: Minimum 120mm x Thickness 40mm
• Description: The pelmet is a design feature that can be used to house LED lighting, switches, or sockets. It can be exposed or hidden depending on the design aesthetic you want to achieve. It serves both a functional and decorative purpose, making your kitchen look sleek while keeping lighting sources and switches organized.
Pros:
• Provides a clean and modern look
• Hides electrical elements like wiring and switches
• Great for adding task lighting (e.g., LED strips)
Cons:
• Needs careful installation to avoid visible wiring
• Requires additional materials and labor during renovation
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4. Bottom Cabinet
• Depth: 600mm
• Height: 860mm – 920mm
• Description: The bottom cabinet is the core storage unit of your kitchen. Available with or without round edges, these cabinets offer plenty of space for pots, pans, utensils, and small appliances. You can also choose to have open shelves or closed cabinetry.
Pros:
• Standard height and depth make it easy to organize
• Can be used for base units like drawers, pull-out trays, or dishwashers
• Good for storage of larger kitchen appliances and cookware
Cons:
• Requires regular maintenance for sliding mechanisms or hinges
• Overstuffing may lead to difficulty in opening doors
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5. Full-Height Cabinet
• Dimensions (W & D): 600mm x 600mm
• Description: A full-height cabinet is perfect for housing kitchen appliances like an oven or microwave. With or without round edges and openings, these units provide extra space for larger appliances while maintaining a streamlined look.
Pros:
• Maximizes vertical space and provides room for built-in ovens, microwaves, or even pantries
• Conceals appliances, giving a clean and uniform look
Cons:
• Requires careful planning for appliance integration
• Installation can be more complex compared to standard cabinets
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6. Kitchen Island
• Description: Kitchen islands are both functional and stylish. They can be custom-designed with or without round edges and openings, and can include features like leg space for seating. Islands are an excellent addition for extra countertop space, storage, and even as a casual dining area.
Pros:
• Increases workspace and storage capacity
• Adds a social element to the kitchen with leg space for seating
• Can include integrated appliances (e.g., a hob or sink)
Cons:
• Requires significant space in the kitchen
• More expensive than standard cabinetry
• Might disrupt the kitchen’s workflow if not strategically placed
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7. Hob
• Types:
• Induction Hob
• Gas Hob (LPG or Natural Gas)
• Description: The hob is where cooking happens, and the choice between induction or gas is based on preference and cooking style. Induction hobs offer quick heat and easy cleaning, while gas hobs provide more control over cooking temperature.
Induction Hob Pros:
• Fast, energy-efficient cooking
• Sleek and easy to clean
Gas Hob Pros:
• Greater cooking control, ideal for high-heat cooking
• Can be used during power outages if using LPG
Cons:
• Induction requires compatible cookware
• Gas hobs may need ventilation and a gas supply setup
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8. Hood
• Types:
• Wall-Mounted Hood
• Slim Hood
• Chimney Hood
• Downdraft Hood
• Ceiling Hood
Description: A good range hood is essential for controlling cooking odors and ventilation in the kitchen. The choice of hood depends on kitchen size, aesthetic, and functionality needs.
Pros:
• Reduces cooking smells, smoke, and steam
• Variety of designs to suit different kitchen layouts
• Can be integrated with smart features in high-end models
Cons:
• Requires proper installation for optimal airflow
• Higher-end models can be expensive
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9. Sink & Tap
• Types:
• Stainless Steel Sink
• Granite Sink
• Integrated Sintered Stone Sink
• Single Bowl or Double Bowl Sink
• Top Mount, Under Mount, & Flush Mount Options
Description: The kitchen sink is an essential element of any kitchen, and selecting the right one will depend on your cooking style and space. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, while granite sinks provide a sophisticated aesthetic. Integrated sintered stone sinks seamlessly blend with your countertop for a sleek look.
Pros:
• Stainless Steel: Durable, hygienic, and easy to clean
• Granite: Stylish and resistant to scratches and stains
• Integrated Sintered Stone: Sleek, seamless look with the countertop
Cons:
• Stainless steel can show water stains
• Granite sinks can be more expensive and require maintenance
• Integrated sinks may limit future countertop changes
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Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Kitchen Cabinets
Selecting the right kitchen cabinetry components is vital for a functional, efficient, and stylish kitchen. Whether you’re opting for a modern island, sleek open shelves, or durable hobs, each choice can significantly affect your kitchen’s workflow and aesthetic.
If you need help choosing or designing your kitchen cabinets, Empire Works is here to assist with custom designs, quality installation, and expert advice.
