8 Cabinetry Details to Create Custom Kitchen Style
Take a basic kitchen up a notch with decorative add-ons that give cabinets a high-end look
Shane Inman
March 25, 2013
Houzz contributor and senior principal interior designer of The Inman Company. Under Shane's leadership, The Inman Company is committed to raising the standard of business to incorporate the highest-quality customer service with unwavering excellence in design.
Houzz contributor and senior principal interior designer of The Inman Company. Under... More
The right type of cabinet component can help refresh and add character to your kitchen's style — whether you want brand-new cabinets or just need to revamp your old ones. But some design elements with the most impact may be small ones you haven't even considered. Here are some details to integrate into your cabinets for a truly stylish design.
Decorative supports. Decorative supports put an artful emphasis on upper cabinets. Every upper cabinet in this kitchen has a support that was originally designed to help support cabinets on walls but now serves only as decor.
Decorative supports come in many design styles and sizes; make sure that the ones you choose accentuate the cabinets rather than overpower them. A good rule of thumb is to avoid anything that's taller than 12 inches.
Decorative supports come in many design styles and sizes; make sure that the ones you choose accentuate the cabinets rather than overpower them. A good rule of thumb is to avoid anything that's taller than 12 inches.
Corbels. Take a kitchen from simple to stately by adding corbels to your focal points — like on this kitchen’s island corners. Since corbels are so ornate, they tend to stand out on kitchen cabinets, drawing attention to certain features.
The finest corbels are hand crafted from wood, so they can be expensive. There are more affordable precast foam models, but they can’t be stained to match cabinets — only painted.
The finest corbels are hand crafted from wood, so they can be expensive. There are more affordable precast foam models, but they can’t be stained to match cabinets — only painted.
Aprons. The apron is the piece of wood that travels under and around the countertop overhang. The standard apron height is approximately 3 inches, which can leave enough room for legs under the island countertop if the seat height is average.
Legs. Dress up a center island with decorative legs at the corners. The decorative leg in this kitchen is also a partner to the countertop detail. Notice how the countertop was carried out and around the top of the leg, creating another detail.
Although a decorative leg may be just be the detail you’re looking for, keep in mind that you will need additional funds. Not only will the detailed leg cost something, but your countertop square footage will have to increase, adding to your overall cost.
Dress up the kitchen island with your favorite features
Although a decorative leg may be just be the detail you’re looking for, keep in mind that you will need additional funds. Not only will the detailed leg cost something, but your countertop square footage will have to increase, adding to your overall cost.
Dress up the kitchen island with your favorite features
Furniture toe kicks. Many modern kitchens have an industry-standard toe kick. The recommended amount of space is 4 1/2 inches to where the cabinet meets the floor. This makes it more comfortable for your feet when you're working close to the counter.
For areas that are not so task oriented, you can apply a furniture toe kick, which is more detailed and allows the cabinetry to look like a piece of freestanding furniture. A furniture toe kick can be seen on the edge of this beautiful island.
For areas that are not so task oriented, you can apply a furniture toe kick, which is more detailed and allows the cabinetry to look like a piece of freestanding furniture. A furniture toe kick can be seen on the edge of this beautiful island.
End panels. When a run of cabinetry ends without butting into a wall, a decorative end panel can make sure it stays aesthetically pleasing. Try adding a panel in the same style as your cabinet doors for a cohesive look. Should you need to scale your kitchen's design back because of budget restraints, this is one decorative detail that could be simplified.
Valances. This particular kitchen has two very decorative architectural valances — one over the desk and one over the range. Valances can help cover necessary but unattractive electrical items that might be visible when your viewing height changes — like at the island or adjacent table in this photo. The valance on the range covers the exhaust fan, and the valance over the desk area covers the undercabinet lighting.
Valances come in all shapes, sizes and styles to fit any design. The majority are ordered in predetermined lengths and then cut down onsite to fit.
Valances come in all shapes, sizes and styles to fit any design. The majority are ordered in predetermined lengths and then cut down onsite to fit.
Feet. Add some flair to the bottom of your cabinets with decorative feet. Feet are fitted and adhered under the toe kick. Add them to one cabinet for a slight touch of detail or to every cabinet for a cohesive look.
If you’re working on a budget, try adding feet to just the sink base or cooktop cabinet to make the piece look like freestanding furniture.
Customize your cabinetry with a trusted cabinetmaker
If you’re working on a budget, try adding feet to just the sink base or cooktop cabinet to make the piece look like freestanding furniture.
Customize your cabinetry with a trusted cabinetmaker
We care about your home construction project needs as much as you do. We believe in conducting business with... Read More
Related Products
Related Stories
Kitchen Design
Painted vs. Stained Kitchen Cabinets
By Sam Ferris
Wondering whether to go for natural wood or a painted finish for your cabinets? These pros and cons can help
Full Story
Kitchen Storage
How to Get Your Pullout Waste and Recycling Cabinets Right
By tidgboutique
Personalize your kitchen waste storage with the best bin configuration and pullout system
Full Story
Kitchen Design
25 Ideas for Kitchen Appliance Garages
Pros are modernizing appliance garages and putting them to work to keep countertops clear and gadgets organized
Full Story
Kitchen Design
Popular Cabinet Door Styles for Kitchens of All Kinds
By Shane Inman
Let our mini guide help you choose the right kitchen door style
Full Story
Kitchen Countertops
5 Countertops That Look Beautiful in a Dark Blue Kitchen
By Lucy Searle
Inky blue kitchen cabinetry is popular, but which countertops go with it? Here are 5 top options
Full Story
Kitchen Storage
Walk-In Pantries vs. Cabinet Pantries
By Sam Ferris
We explore the pros and cons of these popular kitchen storage options
Full Story
Kitchen Layouts
How to Plan the Perfect U-Shaped Kitchen
By lwkkitchens
Get the most out of this flexible layout, which works for many room shapes and sizes
Full Story
Kitchen Storage
Get the Most Out of Your Kitchen’s Undersink Area
Clever solutions can turn this awkward space into a storage workhorse for cleaning supplies and more
Full Story
New This Week
4 Stylish New Kitchens With All-Wood Cabinets
Pros share how cabinets with a natural wood finish add warmth and flair to a variety of kitchen styles
Full Story
New This Week
7 Stylish New Kitchens in White, Wood and Black
See how designers mix classic materials to create warm and inviting spaces with a touch of drama
Full Story
Please could you tell me what colour and paint this is?
I looked up this article to get information and thoughts on the feet of furniture-style cabinets...First, it seems that there are different definitions of what a toe-kick is. To me this is the recess at the bottom of a cabinet that allows one to stand up against it; but some are saying that this is what "prevents" one from doing so. Are they referring to the toe-kick itself or the false feet? As for the feet themselves, I would think they'd be in the way only if one tries to stand right where they are, which is something to consider of course but I would think they could also be straddled. Lastly, it appears that the options for feet would be for the space under the cabinet to go all the way to the wall - which would invite lots of dust, lost objects etc. - or for them to be a kind of "molding" or extension of the toe-kick which could be made deeper so that the back panel doesn't show. As there would be nothing for dust, hair etc. to hide behind it would just be a matter of a quick sweep or vacuum to clean out these recesses, much like with "regular" cabinets. But I don't see that anyone is advocating for feet that "float" out in front of the toe-kick so that there is a dust trap in between. I enjoy my footed furniture in other rooms, even with the extra vacuuming needed (for what the cats don't fish out) so I don't think I'd mind shallow "feet' in the kitchen if it makes the room I spend the most time in more of a pleasure to look at.
No to the feet and the dark recess underneath for the pet hair, crumbs, shreds, dust. I am too old to lower myself to the floor with the microfiber duster and blindly hope to get all of that stuff out ! Now if the piece was elevated enough that the Roomba could cruise around under it that would be fine. Roomba enabled island with feet would get some takers . I have a beautiful Victorian armoire in my bedroom but it was impossible to vacuum under it even with the wand and lots of contorting of my entire body. When I saw the Roomba scoot under there and go straight to work I was so happy. I think that you need a toe kick to spare your back so I am confused by the discussion.I agree about the corbels in the kitchen with most of the other posters-a hip bruising, toddler head bashing opportunity. And to me it looks silly. We don't live in palaces or castles and why do we need elaborate decorations in the kitchen which is after all supposed to be a functional work room? Yes they are pretty. Do you want to clean grease and dust out of them for no good reason ? Good article-laid out the options very well.