If you're remodeling your kitchen in places like Chagrin Falls, Gates Mills, or Cleveland Heights, your home likely has its own history and character. Your cabinets should honor that! In this guide, we’ll walk through what to consider when choosing kitchen cabinets for your remodel, from budget and materials to layout and style. With thoughtful planning and trusted local guidance, your new kitchen will serve your family well for years to come.
1. Set Your Budget
Before you fall in love with a cabinet style or color, it’s important to understand what your budget allows. The cost of kitchen cabinets can vary quite a bit depending on your layout and the type of cabinets you choose. On average, cabinets make up about 30 to 40 percent of a full kitchen remodel budget.
What Do Kitchen Cabinets Cost in Northeast Ohio?
For most homes in the Cleveland area, the price range looks like this:
- Stock cabinets: $5,000 – $10,000
- Semi-custom cabinets: $10,000 – $20,000
- Custom kitchen cabinets: $20,000 and up
These numbers are just estimates, but they give you a sense of where your project might land.
What Factors Affect the Price?
The total cost depends on a few key decisions:
- Cabinet type: Choosing between custom vs stock cabinets
- Size of the kitchen: More cabinetry means more material and labor
- Features and accessories: Upgrades like soft-close drawers, pull-outs, and deep storage add to the total
- Materials and finishes: Wood species, stains, and painted finishes all influence cost
2. Choose Your Cabinet Style
When you're choosing kitchen cabinets, one of the first decisions to make is the overall style. This will shape the look and feel of your entire kitchen. Whether you're updating a historic colonial in Shaker Heights or designing a new-build in Solon, your cabinet style should reflect the character of your home and the way your family lives.
Popular Kitchen Cabinet Styles in Northeast Ohio
In communities across the Chagrin Valley, we see a few cabinet styles that consistently work well in both classic and modern homes:
- Traditional kitchen cabinets: These often feature raised panels, decorative molding, and rich wood finishes. They're a great match for homes with architectural detail and history.
- Modern kitchen cabinets: Clean lines, flat-panel doors, and minimal ornamentation create a sleek, contemporary look. Ideal for open layouts and homes with a more updated aesthetic.
- Transitional cabinets: A popular middle ground. This style blends traditional warmth with modern simplicity, making it one of the most flexible and family-friendly options.
Choosing a cabinet style that works with the rest of your home creates a natural flow, especially in homes with open-concept living spaces.
3. Pick a Door Style
Once you’ve settled on a cabinet style, the next step is selecting a door profile. Cabinet doors are one of the most noticeable elements in any kitchen, and the style you choose can completely change the room’s personality.
Common Kitchen Cabinet Door Styles
Here are a few of the most popular types of kitchen cabinets based on door design:
- Shaker: A timeless favorite in many Cleveland kitchen remodels, Shaker doors have a simple, clean frame with a recessed center panel. They work well in both traditional and transitional kitchens.
- Slab: Flat-panel doors with no frame or ornamentation. These are a key element in modern kitchen cabinets and pair beautifully with sleek hardware.
- Raised Panel: A classic style with a more decorative center panel that stands out from the frame. Often seen in traditional kitchen cabinets, especially in older homes.
- Glass-Front: These add a touch of elegance and are great for displaying dishes or adding visual depth. Often used as an accent, not throughout the entire kitchen.
4. Select Wood Type or Material
The material you choose for your cabinets will affect not only the look and feel of your kitchen but also how your cabinets wear over time. When you're evaluating kitchen cabinet materials, think about durability, maintenance, and how the material fits with your overall design.
Common Cabinet Materials
Here are some of the most common and reliable choices found in Northeast Ohio kitchen cabinets:
- Maple: A smooth, durable hardwood that takes stain and paint well. Great for families who want a clean, classic look with a strong finish.
- Oak: Known for its visible grain and strength. Oak is especially popular in traditional kitchen cabinets and wears beautifully in high-traffic kitchens.
- Cherry: A rich, elegant wood that darkens naturally with age. Often used in more formal kitchens.
- Hickory: Offers a rustic, natural look with strong grain patterns. A good fit for farmhouse or lodge-style homes.
- Plywood: Often used for cabinet boxes. Strong, durable, and moisture-resistant.
- Laminate: A low-maintenance surface often used in stock cabinets. Laminate can mimic wood grain or come in bold, modern finishes.
5. Decide on Cabinet Color or Finish
Choosing the right kitchen cabinet colors and finishes is one of the most exciting parts of a remodel. It’s where your personality really starts to show. The color and finish of your cabinets help define the mood of your kitchen and tie everything together, from your countertops to your flooring.
Popular Kitchen Cabinet Colors in Northeast Ohio
Homeowners in areas like Pepper Pike, Solon, and Highland Heights are choosing a mix of classic and bold cabinet colors. Here are a few favorites:
- Soft white or cream: Clean, timeless, and bright. Great for small kitchens or spaces with limited natural light.
- Warm grays and taupes: Neutral, calming tones that pair well with both wood and stone finishes.
- Deep navy or forest green: Adds character and works beautifully as an accent island or lower cabinet choice.
- Natural wood tones: Oak, maple, and walnut are making a strong return.
- Two-tone combinations: Upper and lower cabinets in different finishes create contrast and depth.
Choosing the Right Finish
Your kitchen cabinet finishes affect not only appearance but also durability and maintenance. Common finish options include:
- Painted: Offers a smooth, clean look, ideal for Shaker and slab-style cabinets. Requires occasional touch-ups.
- Stained: Highlights the natural wood grain. Great for traditional or rustic kitchens.
- Matte: A soft, low-sheen finish that hides fingerprints and smudges.
- Glossy: Reflective and modern, often used in modern kitchen cabinets for a high-end look.
Think About Longevity
Trendy colors can be fun, but it’s also important to choose something you’ll still love five or ten years from now. If you want a pop of color without committing fully, consider adding it to an island or pantry cabinet.
6. Consider Hardware Style and Finish
The right hardware might seem like a small detail, but it can completely change the look of your cabinets. When you're exploring kitchen cabinet hardware options, think of it like choosing the jewelry for your kitchen; it adds polish, personality, and function.
Popular Hardware Styles
Hardware should feel comfortable in your hand and look like it belongs with the rest of your kitchen. Some popular styles across Northeast Ohio homes include:
- Bar pulls: Sleek and modern. Often used with slab or Shaker-style doors.
- Cup pulls: Classic and charming. A perfect fit for traditional kitchen cabinets.
- Knobs: Simple and versatile. Work well for upper cabinets and drawers.
- Finger pulls or edge pulls: Minimal and contemporary. Often seen in modern kitchen cabinets.
Hardware Finishes to Consider
Choosing a finish that complements your cabinet color and other fixtures helps create a cohesive look:
- Brushed nickel: A safe, timeless choice that works with almost any design.
- Matte black: Bold and clean. Great for white or wood-tone cabinets.
- Antique brass or bronze: Warm and rich, especially in classic or transitional kitchens.
- Polished chrome: Bright and reflective, often used in modern or coastal-style spaces.
7. Plan for Storage Features
Don’t just think about looks, think about how your kitchen functions. Today’s kitchen cabinet features go far beyond simple shelves.
Consider integrating space-saving kitchen cabinets and accessories like:
- Pull-out spice racks
- Lazy Susans
- Deep drawers for pots and pans
- Vertical dividers for trays and baking sheets
- Hidden trash and recycling bins
8. Work with a Local Designer Familiar with Northeast Ohio Homes
Working with a local designer who understands the architectural styles of homes in Chesterland, Gates Mills, or Solon is invaluable. They can help you navigate the many types of kitchen cabinets and ensure your design choices fit your space and your neighborhood.
Experts in Kitchen Renovation for Families Across Northeast Ohio
At Chagrin River Company, we specialize in thoughtful, high-quality kitchen remodels that feel like they’ve always belonged in your home. We understand the architecture, lifestyle, and craftsmanship expectations unique to homes in Cleveland and the surrounding Northeast Ohio communities. Whether you’re dreaming of custom kitchen cabinets or looking for help navigating your options, we’re here to guide you through every step.
Contact Chagrin River Company today to schedule your design consultation and begin building the kitchen your family will love for generations.