Are there "modern" kitchens cabinets that won't break the bank?
Any recommendations on cabinets where I can get frameless cabinets in a white slab doors and warm but modern looking wood without getting crazy expensive?
Originally where planning on going with Ikea and doors from Semihandmade. We like the ikea/semihandmade look but don't know if love the quality of the cabinets. Mainly the drawers (they just feel like they are going to break, at least in the Ikea showrooms).
So now we have started looking other places and it's a bit overwhelming. Went to Lowes and got a quote from Kraftmade but they don't have anything that would work for the wood we like. Also got a quote from Viola P. but it was out of budget (there ballpark was 45K and 50k, beautiful stuff but just a budget buster).
Is there anything that's a step or two up from Ikea but will help us get the look we want? I don't even know where to start looking! Attaching a picture of one of the walls (we are losing the white uppers so feel free to ignore those).
Comments (13)
Aaron Jones
7 years agoRelated Discussions
Full kitchen remodel-new appliances that don't break the bank
Comments (7)I've gone way cheap and have liked it lot. I'm going back to 1910 or so for inspiration when a kitchen was a place to work rather than something to show off. It also means small is better. Lots of open cabinets which is cheaper. No dishwasher...seems way easier to me to hand wash dishes...but we also keep very few dishes so it's not really possible for dirty dishes to pile up. If you have 1 plate for each household member it's really hard for them to pile up. All dishes are stored right above the sink so washing, air drying and putting away takes zero steps. Can put away all the dishes in under 30 seconds. For stove top we've been using portable induction units, about $80-100 and boy do they work great. For the oven we use a toaster over...it works. I also use an electric fry pan for some dishes and a crock pot too. For turkey and such I use an electric roaster...which lots of people use at Thanksgiving so the oven can be used for other dishes. Been 5 years and haven't missed an oven. I really like being able to put whatever crooking device I'm going to use right on the butcher block counter, preparing the food and cooking right there in one spot. Zero is the smallest kitchen work triangle. For the fridge I like using an chest freezer, just need to turn down the temp, and another for actual freezer. Covering the tops for more counter space is easy, covering with a cabinet front is also easy. Super cheap and use about 1/10th the electric. So cheap you can afford to have 2 fridges at different temps. One a bit warmer for vegetables, white wine, condiments. Of course the huge downside that almost no one can deal with is having to bend over or "everything gets covered so you can't get at anything". Oh how I've heard that. Of course people have to bend over to get into their bottom freezer units and good luck digging thru to the back of those..."oh look, frozen peas endorsed by President Truman". Well, you don't actually have to cram them full of stuff you're never going to eat. In the history of the world ice cream has never gotten lost in the back of a freezer. Brussel sprouts? You're never going to see those babies again. I've also gone without a garbage disposal. No problem. I never have to stick my hand down in that sewer to pull out a chuck of bone, bottle cap, or whatever that thing was. Lots more flexibility. I look at my kitchen like a guy looks at a work shop. Lots of tools for specific tasks. Definitely not an option for people wanting to keep up with the Jones however....See MoreKitchen cabinets without breaking the bank
Comments (6)Do some basic research to learn about differences and about cabinet construction. Use the search function on this forum to find the numerous threads explaining the difference in MDF versus plywood as well as opinions on drawer construction and the width of MDF/plywood used in different parts of the cabinet. Use the search function to learn about the performance of painting cabinets using wood versus MDF. There are numerous threads Once you have decided basically what you want, get a KD to provide you with a layout and price. When I was going through the process, I used a big box store just to get a sense of what it might cost me in terms of the layout. The layout may or may not be the most perfect one or the one you would ultimately use but it will give you a bullpark figure of what the cabinets will cost and enable you to get a sense of what different lines would cost you as long as you realize this is just an estimate and you try to keep it apples to apples. I did visit different places including independent kitchen design shops to research as I wanted to get a sense of what was available and what the price range was. At least in my area the kitchen design places were low end/moderate and very high end but even within the moderate, they might have their lowest price and an upper price in terms of there being a range. I didn't visit 20 shops but visited enough as I wanted to check out the lines that I was considering - Dynasty, Kraftmaid, Omega - can't remember some of the others. But I wasn't actively trying to see if Kraftmaid or Dynasty was cheaper at one store or another but just seeing what the estimated price differential was for the lines I was considering and how they might work within my total kitchen remodel budget. Keep in mind that the upgrades that most people want are going to drive up the price so any blurb that states that it is $x per linear foot of cabinetry has no relevance. Unless you plan to assemble the cabinets yourself, there is no cost savings in general. This forum is really most helpful when you have specific questions after you have done your own research on basics....See MoreHELP — Best Kitchen Cabinets for High Humidity — won't get Termites???
Comments (22)"most people would opt for AC." I've been to the Big Island in the summertime and I absolutely loved the way our open air house felt. I commend you for sticking with that! unfortunately so many people default to AC because it has become so affordable, and tend to use it more than necessary. so many builders are not designing homes to maximize what their area has to offer. less emphasis on thick walls, insulation and shade. favoring the more popular dark roof colors and giant south facing windows, and finishes that can't handle it. then people have to crank their HVAC to make up for it. terrible for the environment, sadly. (sorry I don't have a cabinet to recommend, but I'm just so glad you like your open air house. they're nice!)...See MoreStone look freestanding tub that won't break the bank
Comments (1)Take a look at MTIbaths.com...See Moretracie_erin
7 years ago
PROAnglophilia
7 years ago
dcward89
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agosushipup1
7 years agoWe sold our house with a 13-yr old Ikea kitchen last winter, and it was still perfect. Almost all drawers. The new system's drawers are even better.
sochi
7 years agofreeoscar
7 years ago
Fori
7 years agoAaron Jones
7 years agoThis has all been really helpful. I know I can likely get the look I want from ikea/semihandmade but just want to compare. And it's been good to hear the reliability of ikea.
Would love to also explore custom. Just again having a hard time but I'll try to track some people down in my area (Washington DC) to get an idea on price.
These cabinets are done custom and were in some developments near me. Wish I could track down who made them since the wood look is exactly what I want (with a little white mixed in). Thinking more Henry Built style than euro modern...
In any event thank you all so much. So glad I found this forum!
done_again_2
7 years ago
Kathy Norris Boye
6 years agolast modified: 6 years ago
H202