Since pricing and cabinet manufacturers can be regional, it would be helpful for this discussion to know where you're located. Also, 'decent' and 'inexpensive' is a bit of an oxymoron. A higher upfront investment in quality can often represent long term savings as well as return on investment.

I am in Nj

I suggest you look locally for custom cabinets. There are different kinds of cabinets that come at different costs which a cabinet maker can explain to you. After you determine what kinds might be acceptable, you could then contact 3 different custom cabinet makers in your area for pricing.

It's always amazing to me to see how different the pricing can be on cabinets. If you tour some local model homes that are in the price range of your home, you might see some cabinets you like and inquire about who makes them. Any cabinet maker can make a variety of cabinet styles, in a variety of woods, or in paint grade. Paint grade cabinets are usually less expensive than stained cabinets. You may want to price the cabinets finished by the cabinetmaker or finished on site by a painter. How well they are finished is quite important.

Shannon...we are in NJ... We just finished kitchen renovation today using SolidWood Cabinets.....our kitchen designer and contractor were surprised by the quality of them...and they were almost half of what Lowes price was! Yes, they come from China....but many other high end cabinets do as well. Google them and good luck.

If you are comfortable using a finish nail gun or are going to hire someone to install your cabinets anyhow, check out Conestoga Wood Specialties via The Cabinet Authority.

These are high end RTA cabinets, solis wood/plywood, Blum tandem drawer glides, twin I-beam construction for base cabinets. Typical cabinet box takes 20 minutes to assemble.

Available full overlay, partial overlay or inset. Scores of styles and finishes. This company makes doors and other parts for Schuler cabinets at Lowes. Full range of specialty cabinets and sizes.