How to Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinets for Your Kitchen Renovation
Renovating your kitchen is a big decision, and choosing the right kitchen cabinets is one of the most critical aspects of this process. Not only do kitchen cabinets provide essential storage and organisation, but they also define the overall look and feel of the space. With a significant investment involved, the importance of selecting cabinetry that will enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen cannot be overstated.
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we’re renowned for our quality kitchen cabinets. As one of our top-selling products, our cabinetry options are trusted by Perth homeowners who seek both style and practicality. We understand that cabinetry isn’t just about storage; it’s about making a lasting impression in your home. With over 50 years of expertise, we’ve helped countless homeowners create kitchens that are both timeless and on-trend.
When it comes to choosing the right kitchen cabinets, you’ll want to consider essential factors such as budget, style, cabinet configuration, and the layout of your space. From affordable flat packs to high-quality pre-assembled and custom options, the choices can be overwhelming. To help guide you through this decision, we’ve compiled expert tips and insights on selecting kitchen cabinets that will serve your home beautifully for years to come.
Let’s delve into everything you need to know about kitchen cabinets to make a confident, informed decision about your cabinetry—ensuring you achieve the kitchen of your dreams.
Consider Your Kitchen Budget
The first step in choosing the right kitchen cabinets is setting a budget for your kitchen renovation. Kitchen cabinets can be one of the most significant expenses in any kitchen remodel, so it’s crucial to determine how much you can afford to spend before exploring options. For a detailed guide on budgeting, check out our posts, How Much Do Kitchen Renovations Cost and How to Calculate Kitchen Renovation Costs, which provide invaluable insights to help you set realistic financial expectations.
Cabinet materials and styles vary widely in cost, and each type has its benefits. For instance, 2-pack cabinets are more expensive than laminate but can add long-term value to your home due to their durability and sleek finish. If you want to renovate on a budget, consider pre-assembled kitchen cabinets like those offered at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. Pre-assembled cabinets offer the same high quality and professional look as custom cabinetry but at a fraction of the price—ideal for budget-conscious renovators who don’t want to compromise on style.
Whatever type of cabinet you choose, be sure to compare prices across different retailers to ensure you’re getting the best value. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we pride ourselves on offering top-quality pre-assembled kitchen wall cabinets and base cabinets that start at just $180 per unit, making it easy to find cupboards that fit your style and budget.
Choose Between Flat-Pack, Pre-Assembled, or Custom Kitchen Cabinets
With your budget set, it’s time to explore the three main options for kitchen cabinets: flat-pack, pre-assembled, and custom. Each type has distinct advantages and limitations, so understanding what each option offers will help you make a choice that aligns with your renovation goals and budget.
Flat-Pack Cabinets
Flat-pack cabinets are the most affordable option, making them ideal for DIY enthusiasts or anyone working within a tight budget. These cabinets come disassembled, allowing you to save on costs by assembling them yourself. However, flat-pack cabinets can sometimes be lower in quality, and assembly requires time, effort, and a level of expertise to ensure they’re sturdy. They’re a good option if you’re confident in your DIY skills and want to keep costs low.
Unsure about flat-pack kitchens? Check out our article, Flatpack Kitchens: Are They Any Good?
Pre-Assembled Cabinets
Pre-assembled cabinets offer a balance between affordability and quality, providing a ready-to-install solution without the need for complex assembly. Ross’s Discount Home Centre specialises in high-quality pre-assembled kitchen cabinets that are crafted to offer the same durability and design appeal as custom cabinets. With no assembly required, installation is quick and easy, making this option perfect for homeowners looking to streamline their renovation process while maintaining quality. Our pre-assembled cabinets are also designed with longevity in mind, so they’re built to stand the test of time, saving you money on future replacements or repairs.
Wondering if pre-assembled cabinets are tight for you? Read about the Pros and Cons of Pre-Assembled Kitchen Cabinets.
Custom Cabinets
Custom cabinets are the premium choice for those looking to design a kitchen tailored to their exact specifications. These cabinets can be made to fit any unique space or specific style, giving you full control over materials, finishes, and configurations. However, custom cabinets come with a higher price tag, often taking a significant portion of your renovation budget. They are best suited for those who are willing to invest in a high-end, personalised kitchen space or for unique kitchen layouts where standard cabinets won’t suffice.
If you’re tossing up between the cheapest and most expensive options, our Flatpack Kitchens VS. Custom Kitchens Comparison will be a helpful read.
When I renovated my investment property, I initially considered custom cabinets but quickly realised they would stretch my budget and risk overcapitalising on the property. After comparing options, I opted for high-quality pre-assembled cabinets. This choice allowed me to achieve a professional look without the hefty price tag, keeping my renovation costs in check while ensuring the kitchen appealed to potential tenants.
Whether you’re looking to renovate your kitchen with budget-friendly flat-pack cabinets, opt for the convenience and quality of pre-assembled options, or invest in bespoke custom cabinetry, knowing your options will help you choose the best fit for your space and budget.
Choose the Right Cabinet Finish
The finish you choose for your kitchen cabinets can make a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your kitchen. Not only does the finish affect the aesthetics, but it also influences durability and ease of maintenance. With a variety of options available, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of each to make an informed choice that aligns with your kitchen style and lifestyle.
Popular Cabinet Finishes
There are four common finishes for kitchen cabinets: laminate, 2-pack, veneer, and solid timber. Each offers a unique look, level of durability, and price range, making it essential to match the finish to your kitchen’s style and your budget.
- Laminate: Laminate is a popular, budget-friendly option that provides a wide range of colours and textures, from solid colours to woodgrain effects. It’s highly resistant to moisture and easy to clean, making it ideal for busy kitchens. While it lacks the seamless look of high-end finishes, laminate is a durable choice that can withstand the rigours of daily use.
- Veneer: Veneer finishes consist of a thin layer of real wood applied over engineered wood, offering a more affordable alternative to solid timber while achieving a similar natural look. Veneers provide warmth and texture to kitchen designs but require more care than laminate to avoid scratching and water damage.
- Solid Timber: Known for its timeless appeal and durability, solid timber offers a natural, warm aesthetic ideal for traditional and rustic kitchens. However, it requires regular maintenance to prevent warping and is generally the most expensive option. Solid timber cabinets can be refinished over time, making them a lasting investment.
- 2-Pack Finish: A 2-pack finish is a modern, high-end choice that provides a seamless, luxurious look. This finish involves coating the cabinets with a baked enamel surface, resulting in a matte or gloss finish. 2-pack finishes are smooth, durable, and highly resistant to chipping and scratching. They can also be resprayed or repainted over time, making them a versatile choice for homeowners who want a sleek, contemporary kitchen that will age well.
If you’re aiming for a contemporary or minimalist kitchen, a 2-pack finish is an excellent choice. It provides a polished, seamless look that’s both sophisticated and durable. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer high-quality pre-assembled kitchen cabinets in Perth, featuring a sleek white gloss 2-pack finish that brings a modern edge to any kitchen space. Plus, with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, you can be confident in the quality and longevity of your cabinets. Read Ross’s Discount Home Centre: The best for affordable white kitchens in Perth to see why our kitchens are the best!
Choosing the right finish will help ensure your cabinets look fantastic for years to come, adding both style and value to your home.
Know Your Style: Trendy or Timeless?
When choosing the right kitchen cabinets for your renovation, it’s essential to balance personal style with practicality. Do you envision a modern, trend-forward kitchen, or would you prefer a timeless, classic look that won’t feel outdated in a few years? Understanding your style will guide you towards the cabinets that best complement your kitchen design.
Consider the Trends
If you enjoy keeping up with kitchen design trends, current styles include bold colours, matte finishes, and mixed materials, giving homeowners more creative freedom to express their personal taste. Shaker cabinets, coloured cabinets in hues like navy or forest green, and minimalist flat-panel cabinets are all trending. Unique hardware finishes—such as matte black, brushed gold, and brushed nickel—add further character, creating an opportunity to make a strong style statement. However, while trends can bring freshness and modernity to your kitchen, keep in mind they may not be as enduring as classic choices.
Timeless Choices
For a safe, long-lasting style, classic white cabinets remain a popular choice. Gloss white, in particular, pairs well with virtually all kitchen design styles, from modern and transitional to traditional. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer high-quality white kitchen cabinets in a high-gloss two-pack finish that not only aligns with traditional kitchen aesthetics but also offers a sleek, versatile look for modern spaces. White gloss cabinets are a timeless kitchen classic. They provide a clean backdrop, allowing you to easily update your kitchen’s look with seasonal accents or fresh hardware, ensuring it stays relevant and stylish over time.
If you are worried about a white kitchen becoming boring over time, check out our article, 5 Clever Tips to Make a White Kitchen More Interesting.
A Personal Touch
Ultimately, the best choice comes down to your long-term goals and personal style. Are you looking to create a trendy focal point that stands out or a calm, neutral backdrop that integrates seamlessly into your home? Whether you lean towards a classic or contemporary kitchen, investing in cabinets that suit your lifestyle is key to achieving a functional, beautiful space that will bring you satisfaction every day.
Choosing kitchen cabinets that align with your kitchen design style—whether it’s trendy, traditional, or transitional—ensures your renovation remains visually appealing and functional over time.
Don’t Forget to Measure: Precision Matters
One of the most crucial steps in choosing the right kitchen cabinets is accurately measuring your space. Proper measurements ensure you select cabinets that fit seamlessly within your kitchen layout, maximising functionality and minimising issues during installation. Overlooking this step can lead to costly setbacks and reduce your kitchen’s usability, so take the time to measure with care.
When planning your measurements, account for the following key factors:
- Ceiling Height: Standard cabinets may not reach the ceiling in rooms with higher ceilings, leaving unused space or requiring additional fillers. Knowing your ceiling height will help you choose cabinets that make the most of your vertical space.
- Appliance Sizes: Each appliance, from your fridge to your stove, takes up valuable floor and wall space. Measure these dimensions carefully to ensure your cabinets don’t obstruct appliance areas and that there’s enough clearance for ventilation and usage.
- Outlets and Plumbing Locations: Take note of where your electrical outlets and plumbing fixtures are located. This is especially important for sink and dishwasher cabinets, where plumbing and electrical components will need clear access.
- Room for Doors and Drawers: Consider the space required to open cabinet doors and drawers without any obstruction. You don’t want your cabinetry interfering with pathways or other elements in your kitchen. Leave enough clearance around islands, walkways, and countertops.
For detailed assistance with measurements, see our How to Measure Your Kitchen for Renovation: Step-by-Step Guide. Accurate measurements provide the foundation for a successful renovation, ensuring that your new cabinets look beautiful and function as they should. Whether you’re planning a DIY install or hiring a professional, these measurements will be essential for achieving your vision.
By taking these careful measurements, you’ll ensure that your kitchen cabinets are an ideal fit, transforming your space into a well-organised, functional, and stylish environment.
Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinets for Your Space and Configuration Needs
With precise measurements in hand, the next step is to choose the right kitchen cabinets in terms of size and configuration to best suit your kitchen layout and space. Selecting the right configuration is crucial, as it can greatly impact both the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen. Your choice should cater to your unique requirements, whether you have a compact space or a sprawling kitchen area.
In smaller kitchens, consider configurations that maximise storage without overwhelming the space. Choose slim base cabinets, integrated storage solutions, and vertical cabinetry to optimise your limited space. On the other hand, a larger kitchen allows you to experiment with more expansive layouts, like U-shapes or L-shapes with islands, providing ample space to incorporate cabinets that not only create a design statement but also provide ample storage options.
Here’s a helpful approach to guide you:
- Prioritise Essential Cabinets: Start by planning essential elements like a utensil drawer, an oven base cabinet, and a wall oven or microwave cabinet. A pantry cabinet is also essential for organised storage, regardless of kitchen size.
- Consider Additional Storage: With essentials in place, see if there’s room for extra storage. Deep drawers, corner cabinets, and pull-out storage are excellent for larger kitchens and add significant utility.
- Account for Splashback Design: At this stage, it’s also helpful to consider how your cabinet layout will interact with your splashback design. A complementary splashback can accentuate your cabinets, creating a cohesive look that ties your entire kitchen together.
For further assistance in selecting a layout that aligns with your space, refer to our article, How to choose the right kitchen layout shape. This guidance can help you craft a kitchen configuration that not only fits your area but also supports a smooth workflow and attractive design.
Seek Professional Input on Your Layout Before Ordering
After months of researching and planning, it’s tempting to jump straight into ordering your cabinets. However, before you make any purchases, it’s wise to consult a professional to ensure you’re on the right track. Even with a clear vision of your dream kitchen, a design expert can help you fine-tune your layout, spot potential issues, and ensure you choose the right kitchen cabinets for both style and functionality.
A professional eye can prevent common issues, such as cabinets that are too large or too small for specific areas, or layouts that don’t allow for smooth traffic flow or convenient use. From optimising storage to refining configurations, they can ensure that every cabinet is functional, accessible, and enhances your kitchen’s design.
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer a free professional kitchen design service. Fiona, our in-store kitchen consultant, can guide you through the layout process, answer any questions, and confirm that each element aligns with your vision. This service is invaluable, as it ensures your kitchen cabinets will fit seamlessly into your space, contributing to an overall design that is as practical as it is beautiful.
Whether you’re planning a complete remodel or just updating your cabinetry, making an appointment with Fiona can help you finalise the perfect layout.
Choose Kitchen Cabinets That Offer Ample Storage for Your Needs
When deciding on the best cabinets for your kitchen, storage is a critical factor to consider. The right kitchen cabinets should provide enough space to accommodate your unique needs—whether that’s ample room for cookware and appliances, dedicated storage for food, or easy access to everyday items. By choosing kitchen cabinets that match your storage requirements, you’ll create a functional, organised kitchen that’s a joy to work in.
Assess Your Storage Needs: Consider your cooking habits, kitchen items, and lifestyle. For avid cooks, cabinets with deep drawers for pots and pans, pantry space for ingredients, and convenient access to cooking utensils are essential. If you often entertain, prioritise cabinets that provide ample counter space, wine racks, and open shelving to keep serving essentials within reach. And if you have children, safety features such as soft-close doors and drawers are invaluable to ensure a kid-friendly kitchen.
Plan for Functionality: Besides storage, think about the functionality and layout of your cabinets. You’ll want a setup that streamlines your routine—like placing pots and pans near the stove or keeping everyday dishes at eye level. Explore innovative features, like pull-out shelves, corner carousels, and drawer dividers, to make the most of every inch of your cabinet space.
For more tips on optimising kitchen storage, check out our articles on Organising Your Kitchen Cabinets – Tips for Improved Functionality and Choosing the Right Kitchen Drawers. These guides will help you make well-informed decisions, ensuring your kitchen cabinets are both practical and tailored to your everyday needs.
Get an Accurate Estimate of the Final Cost Before Making Your Purchase Decision
When it comes to choosing kitchen cabinets, having a clear sense of the final cost before making a purchase decision is crucial. A full kitchen renovation is an investment, and understanding the total expense upfront allows you to make informed decisions that align with both your budget and design vision. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, if you shop through our online store, you’ll be able to view the full cost of your cabinets before moving to checkout—making it easy to stay within your budget and avoid surprises.
Factors That Affect the Total Cost of Your Kitchen Cabinets:
- Kitchen Size: Larger kitchens naturally require more cabinets, which will increase the overall cost. Be sure to map out the layout of your space and identify essential cabinets first to manage costs effectively.
- Material Choice: Cabinets come in various materials, from Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard with melamine to higher-end plywood. Each material varies in cost, durability, and aesthetic, so think carefully about which option best suits your needs and style.
- Cabinet Finish: The finish on your cabinets not only affects the look but also the price. Laminate finishes, for instance, are more affordable but may lack the durability and seamless look of a two-pack finish, which, while pricier, offers a smoother, longer-lasting surface.
- Hardware and Fixtures: The choice of hardware—such as handles, knobs, and hinges—can add both style and cost to your cabinets. Functional hardware may be more budget-friendly, while designer knobs and pulls can increase the total expense.
By carefully considering these factors, you’ll have a clearer idea of what your new kitchen will cost, allowing you to choose kitchen cabinets that suit both your style and financial plan. For a straightforward and accurate total, our online store provides the final cost before you proceed to checkout, helping you make the best choice for your renovation with confidence.
Use Accessories to Add Personality and Functionality to Your Kitchen
When selecting kitchen cabinets for a kitchen renovation, don’t overlook the impact that kitchen cabinet accessories can have on the overall look and function of your space. Thoughtfully chosen cabinet accessories not only add personality but can also enhance organisation and utility—turning your kitchen into a space that reflects your style and supports your lifestyle.
One of the easiest ways to inject personality into your cabinets is by selecting unique hardware, like handles and knobs. These small details can dramatically change the feel of your cabinets, transforming them from traditional to modern, classic to trendy, or understated to bold. To get ideas, consider checking out design magazines or online inspiration boards. For those aiming to create a timeless look that can be refreshed with evolving trends, simple hardware updates can help your kitchen stay stylish over time. For further inspiration, explore our article on 5 Kitchen Accessories You Need to Have.
Beyond hardware, accessories inside your cabinets can also make a world of difference. Drawer inserts, shelf liners, and other organisational tools can bring structure to your kitchen cabinets, ensuring every item has its place. Such additions are especially helpful for those aiming for a clutter-free kitchen. If you’re aiming for a sleek, well-organised space, our article Kitchen Cabinet Solutions for a Clutter-Free Kitchen offers more helpful tips.
By investing in both decorative and functional accessories, you can personalise your kitchen cabinets to create a space that’s both beautiful and highly efficient. A well-accessorised kitchen not only adds to the visual appeal but makes day-to-day tasks more manageable—a win-win for any renovation project.
Conclusion
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, so it’s no surprise that many homeowners choose to renovate this space when they’re ready for a change. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation this year, then kitchen cabinets will be one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make.
No matter what cabinets you choose for your kitchen renovation, make sure they fit your style and needs. Important considerations include the size of your kitchen, the material of the cabinets, the finish, and the hardware.
With so many options on the market, the perfect kitchen cabinet range will surely be waiting for you. And if you have decided that the perfect kitchen cabinets for your kitchen renovation are classic white, high-gloss cabinets with a two-pack finish, look no further than Ross’s Discount Home Centre.
Ross’s Discount Home Centre offers pre-assembled kitchen cabinets that are both stylish and functional. Plus, our modular kitchen cabinets come in various configurations to fit any space. If you’d like more advice choosing your cabinets, don’t miss our article on important kitchen cabinetry considerations.
When you’re ready to start renovating your kitchen, visit Ross’s Discount Home Centre for pre-assembled kitchen cabinets in Perth. We have a wide selection of kitchen cabinets, so you’re sure to find the perfect selection for your kitchen renovation. Plus, we have a kitchen specialist in-store and on hand to help you plan and design your kitchen.
Happy renovating!
