Our clients constantly want to know what finishes are in vogue at the moment. It is an easy question to have given how much cabinet work defines a room, dictating whether it has a modern edge or a more traditional feel and even affecting the light in the space.
These days you will find South Carolina homeowners are less interested in fleeting fads and more drawn to natural, warmer finishes that are as timeless as they are inviting.
Here are some of the kitchen cabinet styles and trends we are seeing.
The Case for Warm Neutrals
There has been a distinct move away from the stark, icy whites of years past. While white is still a favorite, many are opting for off-white or creamy tones to bring some softness to the kitchen without dimming it. These warm neutrals make a fine pairing with stone countertops, black or brass accents and natural wood floors.
Painted Cabinets Are Still King
For a remodel in Greenville, painted cabinets are hard to beat. They offer a lot of flexibility as your taste in decor changes and can do wonders for brightening a room that doesn’t get much sun. The colors we see most often are:
- Warm white and soft cream
- Taupe
- Sage green
- Muted blue and light gray
Such shades suit both contemporary and older homes with equal ease. We do a lot of painted cabinets as part of our custom cabinetry work.
A Return to Natural Wood
You could say natural wood is having a moment. Homeowners are tending toward a light stain so the grain shows through, eschewing the heavier stains of the past. White oak is particularly in demand for its durability and understated texture. For those who want something with more heft, walnut is a go-to; it provides character and warmth in a way that is not too formal. In either case, these woods give a kitchen a comfort that all-white schemes sometimes lack.
Two-Tone and Matte Finishes
Designers are often of the mind that one color for the whole room is a missed opportunity. A bit of contrast can open up a space and put a personalized stamp on it. You might see a stained perimeter with a painted island, or perhaps lighter uppers set against darker lower cabinets. This is especially effective in an open floor plan where the kitchen opens into the dining area.
As for sheen, the glossy look has mostly been replaced by matte. It is a more modern aesthetic that hides fingerprints and glare while looking quite sophisticated with clean lines.
Hardware and Door Styles
Don’t overlook the hardware. Brushed brass is one of the fastest growing options, making a nice statement with warm cabinetry, though matte black, bronze and satin nickel also have their place. The right piece of hardware can pull the design together from the faucet to the appliances.
When it comes to the doors themselves, simplicity is preferred over anything overly ornate. Shaker, flat panel and transitional recessed panels are the standard because they are a sound long-term investment and let the flooring and backsplash have their moment.
Why Go Semi-Custom?
There is a lot of appeal in semi-custom cabinetry. It gives you the leeway to adjust dimensions and storage to fit your layout and budget without the price tag of fully custom work.
But none of this matters if the installation is poor. An experienced crew will take care of the measurements and alignment so everything operates smoothly and the craftsmanship is on display. They can also put in a good word with suppliers to get you quality product at a fair price and keep the project on time.
In the end, the trend in Greenville is toward kitchens that are built to last and feel welcoming. Whether it is a new build or an update, selecting quality cabinetry and working with the right team will add value to your home and reflect your family’s style for years to come.
Come by JL Enterprise and let us design your dream kitchen with you!