with a lg amt of beadboard, clue folks in as to the tone and species of it..also..the floors may need work..so see what you've got..those two things, both being wood, might establish a presence in your space, and direct the cab choices,it seems.

In a small space you may not want so much contrast so as you are doing different finishes you may want to consider the same door style (by no means a rule - different door styles or even different cabinet types - inset and frameless say - can look good) between upper and lower to give your kitchen more cohesiveness.

Construction: attached guide covers the bases. If your on a tight budget you may want to privilege functional(full extension drawer hardware) or aesthetic upgrades (door style) over some construction upgrades (plywood - which in many semi-custom lines is not 1\2 inch - for frameless you don't want anything less 5\8). A couple KD's who frequent the site do not advocate the upgrade to ply. Cabico a mid to high custom manufacturer usually discloses the construction in their gallery - can you tell the difference? Do the kitchens using particleboard look cheaper than the ones using ply? For me the answer is no. Like most manufacturers their guarantee is the same for both materials. Your comfort level is what is most important.

Here is a link that might be useful: good cabinetry guide

In this thread the style of cabinetry (frameless I would say) and the door style are the same between uppers and lowers but the finishes are different. Nice look. Not the only choice but it is very nice.

Here is a link that might be useful: just posted kitchen

Many people are mixing painted and stained cabinets within a project these days and the results can be stunning.

In fact, it is not uncommon to mix wood species depending on whether or not the space can accept that kind of blending of woods.

Flat panel doors and slab doors seem to more generally fit a contemporary style, but it certainly doesn't mean that EVERY flat panel installation looks contemporary. With the style you are looking to create, I think you can find good examples of both raised panel and flat panel that could be used.

As for the budget, you can very likely fit a semi-custom mid-price point. My advise is don't count-out a brand that you feel is going to be too expensive because there are many price promotions going yet and also it is just more likley you can get a better deal today than a couple of years ago. Dream on the edge and scale back if or as necessary.

If you know of a dealership that has a good reputation let them help you navigate the construction question. I'd opt for all-wood but budget may dictate that direction.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mixing painted and stained cabinets

Here is a link to a guide that has been prepared to help consumers evaluate different brands and choose one that best fits their individual needs and budgets.

It was put together by Showplace so their name is on it, but its intent is to provide "general" information for home owners to consider which may lead them in the direction of Showplace cabinets, or it may lead them in the direction of a different brand.

It would be good to know whether or not it is helpful or if it seems self-serving.

For what it's worth, I think it helps organize some aspects of the decision in a way that can be used to compare brands since there are so many variables to consider.

Here is a link that might be useful: Evaluating Cabinetry Brands: A self-help guide.

Thanks everyone for the responses. My kids have been hogging the computer, but now they're in bed and it's my turn!

herbflavor- We're going to have to paint the beadboard white, it's beyond refinishing I think. We have the original wood floors throughout the house, so I know what's under there, I just don't know what condition it will be in! Keeping my fingers crossed.

caryscott- I think you're right about using the same style in a small space. With the beadboard there would be too much going on.

showplaceinsider- Thanks for the links, they're very helpful. Especially mapping out what's inluded and what's additional.

The Home Depot KD tried to steer me away from doing two different colors in a small kitchen, but I can't just take his word for it- not giving up yet. Thanks again.