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What's cooking in the world of kitchen design? Quite a bit, as it is revealed! If you're looking to freshen your kitchen area then you should give some serious thought to your kitchen cabinet design. Why is that? Let's take a look at more details about the reasons kitchen cabinets are crucial both for aesthetic and practical motives in the overall kitchen design.

The key to the issue is in the way the kitchen cabinet design will interact with your overall kitchen design. Cabinets aren't separate entities; they're part of your kitchen's aesthetic. They should be a part of the overall style of your kitchen, whether it's contemporary classic, traditional, rustic or even transitional.

Studies in the field of interior design indicates that the layout of cabinets greatly influences the impression of space. A study published in the Journal of Interior Design suggests that a coordinated design between cabinets and other components of the kitchen can make the space appear larger and more inviting.

When it is about color, it's a whole different ball game. The colour of your cabinets can transform the look and feel inside your kitchen. Cabinets that are lighter in color give an open airy look, ideal for smaller kitchens where there isn't much sunlight. On the other hand, darker cabinets can bring the feeling of warmth and comfort to kitchens with larger spaces.

A survey from 2020 by Houzz the online home design and decorating platform, showed that white remains the number one choice when it comes to kitchen cabinets, at 41% of those who participated. However, two-toned designs, that use contrasting colors to the Upper and Lower cabinets, or the island have been trending upwards.

Now let's look at functionality, because it is important that a kitchen cannot be only beautiful. It must be functional as well! This is where the technical analysis is required. For instance in the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) has set guidelines for ideal dimensions and arrangement of cabinets to ensure maximum efficiency and accessibility.

Following these guidelines, you need to consider what you're keeping in your home and alter the kitchen cabinet design as per your needs. In particular, pots with a large size may require large drawers, while glassware with delicate designs might be best displayed in glass-fronted cabinets.

Space utilization is another key element of the design. Innovative kitchen cabinet designs can increase the storage capacity of your kitchen. For instance, research in Ergonomics highlights the advantages of floor-to-ceiling cabinets to reduce physical strain and improving accessibility.

Also, there's the matter of materials. Durability and the appearance of your cabinets are largely dependent on the wood used. Wood, plywood, particleboard and MDF all have advantages and disadvantages. For example, solid wood is able to provide the look of premium wood and durability but comes with a higher price tag. MDF however, on the contrary it's more affordable and can replicate the look like real wood. However, it may be prone to moisture damage.

Last but not least, it's about the small details. The hardware you choose to use--handles knobs and pulls - can pull the entire design together. Here's the place where design science becomes interesting: studies have demonstrated that seemingly minor details such as the shape or finishing of cabinet hardware, have the potential to significantly influence the experience of a person in the room.

As you can see, kitchen cabinet design isn't just an art. It's a scientific process too. It's a fascinating mix of aesthetic principles that consider ergonomics, design, and material technology. As you embark on your kitchen design adventure, remember to make the experience fun and enjoyable since, at the final analysis, your kitchen is a reflection about you. It's part of your life, your rules.