Glazing a cabinet accentuates the details...so a very plain cabinet, say Shaker style, becomes more detailed. The more profile and raised panel on the cabinetry, the more detail shows up with the glaze. How much pop do you want? Beaded full inset with raised panels and ogee stile and rail? When does it go over the top? Look at your cabinetmaker's samples and decide...knowing that we don't do nearly as much over glaze as previously...white cabinets seem to be holding value longer, holding style longer. Perhaps because they are more versatile? More of a blank palette for the rest of the details?

I agree that white holds value longer. They are timeless and never go out of fashion and are extremely versatile. A glazed cabinet works very well with warmer color schemes and are beautiful with a hammered copper sink. Do you plan to use granite in the kitchen? Sometimes I tell clients to choose the granite first and then decide on white vs. glazed.

Hard decision. Either will be good, and in fact you can have either a contemporary look or more rustic look with either one. I put the glaze in a kitchen with a fabulous copper sink and it was beautiful. Also used some gray/blue/green color in the room and it really worked.

I believe it depends on the style you are going with in your home. If it is a European flair white is not going to be the best choice. If it is eclectic you have options. If it is contemporary with very clean lines, cabinets with frosted glass in any color will work. You need to know where you are going with the design of you home to make that decision. Keep in mind what you are picking for moldings, doors, light fixtures and hardware. This will help you narrow down your personal preference. There are so many choices out there just getting these questions answered will help quite a bit. ;D

Thank you all so very, very much! We are doing a Craftsman Style home with granite counter tops and full tile back splash. I am looking at a dark green granite--called Ocean Etole and darker wood/stained, wide planked hardwood floor. We will have crown molding on the mainfloor with craftsman style trim. All lights, door hardward and cabinet hardware will be oil rubbed bronze. Your input is invaluable to me!!!

I agree, go with white of slightly off-white cabinets. Definitely no glazed finish.

Thank you!!! The verdict is in. Off white, no glaze. :)

This is my favorite Craftsman style white kitchen on Houzz:

Feeny, thank you so much for the photo. I LOVE THAT KITCHEN!! It shall become mine :)

I'm so glad you like it too! I think it is spectacular. Note that the island is quarter sawn oak in the same shade of stain used on many pieces of traditional Arts and Crafts movement (Mission style) furniture. It actually looks like a piece of traditional Stickley or other Craftsman furniture. That, to me, is what adds a very classic touch to the kitchen, in addition to the simple Shaker cabinetry.

I am in the Seattle area too! I checked out all the dialogs on the kitchen and will even check out the cabinet makers in Everett!!! It's meant to be. :)

White cabinets are popular for a reason, right? The only thing in my experience is that over time, especially with kids, you lose that perfect look. Nicks and scratches show more. The grease from the stove hits the closest cabinets leaving their mark; dropping the Merlot surely won't help either. If your heart belongs to the white cabinets, look towards the glazing for longevity. Imperfections or detail highlighted by the glazing hides the bumps and bruises of time. Good luck with your project!

A kitchen designer can help you figure out how to make best use of your space.

Thank you! Maybe I am back glazing again!!!!

Really? Arts and crafts is a much simpler palette!

This photo is what comes to my mind when I hear arts and crafts style kitchen.

An all wood kitchen with wood floors may be dark. White cabinets are gorgeous, but hard to keep nice. I painted mine a barely off-white white (the bright white was too stark). We have now chosen cabinets that are almost bright white, but have a light grayish glaze. These don't look odd with white trim, but we will tint the room's white trim paint slightly to blend with the cabinets. The island would be nice stained or painted a different color.

Everything depended from you house interior and personal preferences .
If you want to paint the paint should be oil an enamel or white lacquer only.
Latex an enamel will not be durable.
The cost of stained cabinets and quality paint grade will be about the same.

Thank you!