When you’re getting new cabinets, there are a lot of decisions to be made. Materials, finishes, styles, colors — the possibilities are endless! One of the most powerful ways new cabinets can transform your space is through the color you choose. With the right cabinet color, you can influence your home’s ambiance, create your desired mood, and contribute to your home’s overall decor style.

In this blog post, we’ll cover 10 tips to help you choose the right cabinet color for your kitchen, office, bathroom, or laundry room. 

#1. Understand Your Style

The first step to choosing the color for your new cabinets is understanding your own personal style. Take some time to reflect on the design theme you want your room to have. Are you drawn to sleek, modern designs? Or are warm, traditional spaces more your style? What about eclectic farmhouse decor? Your cabinet color should harmonize with the other design elements of your space to create a balanced, cohesive look.

#2. Assess the Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in the way colors are perceived. Natural light helps bring out true colors, while artificial lighting may cast different tones. Consider the type of light, along with its tone and intensity, when choosing colors for your cabinets. 

#3. Size Matters

The size of the room is also another important factor to consider when choosing cabinet colors. Smaller rooms, especially those with limited natural light, can look larger and brighter with lighter-colored cabinets. If your goal is to create a space that feels cozier and more intimate, darker colors can do the trick; however, they might overwhelm smaller rooms.

#4. Complementary or Contrasting Cabinet Color?

You also have to decide whether you want your cabinets to blend seamlessly into the other elements of the room, creating a harmonious atmosphere, or if you’d prefer to create a contrasting pop of color, adding an element of excitement and visual interest. 

#5. Consider the Mood

Colors have tremendous power to evoke emotions and set the mood of a space. For example, cool blues and greens contribute to a serene environment, which is perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms. On the other hand, warm tones like reds and yellows add vibrancy and energy to a room, making them a good option for kitchens and living rooms. Ultimately, it comes down to the mood you want to create and how you want your space to feel.

#6. Think Long-Term

Cabinets are an investment, and high-quality cabinets can last a lifetime, so it’s important to think long-term when choosing colors. You may be tempted to follow the trends you see on TV and in magazines, but these fads can come and go quickly. Before committing to a color, ask yourself, Will I still like this in a few years? If you’re not 100 percent sure about a color, opt for something timeless and neutral instead to ensure your cabinets remain stylish and can adapt to changing interior design trends.

#7. Material Matters

The materials used in your cabinets can influence the way cabinet colors appear. Wood grains, textures, and finishes interact differently with paint or stain, so it’s a good idea to test out your chosen color on your cabinets’ material before committing to it.

#8. Balance with Countertops and Backsplashes

If you already have countertops and backsplashes, make sure your new cabinets will look good with the room’s existing decor. These elements should complement each other and create a cohesive look without overwhelming the space. 

#9. Don’t Forget the Hardware

Cabinet hardware, including handles and knobs, play a role in enhancing a room’s overall aesthetic. There are many finish options available, including nickel, brass, gold, or another option like crystal or ceramic. Consider how your cabinets’ hardware will interact with the cabinet color you choose.

#10. Test, Visualize, and Decide

Once you’ve chosen a color, test it in your actual space. Paint a small section or use a digital visualization tool to see how the color will look with your room’s lighting, plus see how it interacts with your existing furniture and decor. This last step ensures you make the right decision and choose a cabinet color that will perfectly suit your space.

Custom Cabinets From Out of the Woods

At Out of the Woods, we can help you create the perfect cabinets for your space. With our many options for style, color, finish, hardware, and accessories, we have the solutions to fit any room. To get started, contact us today!

Your cabinets are an incredibly important part of your kitchen. They’re where you store your food, small appliances, utensils, and more. They are one of the biggest ways to maximize storage space in your kitchen, and the proper cabinets can even make your kitchen feel bigger.

Your cabinets get a lot of use, so chances are, they will sustain damage over time. Luckily, if your cabinets have scratches or dents, you don’t need to replace them; there are ways you can restore your cabinets to their original state and refresh their appearance.

#1. Assess the Damage

Before you can begin repairing your damaged cabinets, you first need to assess the damage. How deep are the scratches? How many are there? Are there dents or chipped areas? Do some areas need more attention than others?

Thoroughly examining your cabinets, both inside and out, ensures you understand the extent of the damage and are prepared to address it.

#2. Gather Supplies

Once you’ve thoroughly assessed the condition of your cabinets, you’ll need to gather supplies. The required tools and materials may vary based on the specific repairs you’ll be performing, but in most cases, you will need:

• Sandpaper of various grits
• Wood filler or putty
• Putty knife or spatula
• Paint or finish that matches your cabinets
• A clear coat or sealant
• Soft-bristled paintbrush
• Clean cloth

As you collect your supplies, make sure you research which ones will best suit your needs and provide you with the highest-quality end result. Your cabinets are an investment, and you want to ensure you take good care of them so they can last a lifetime.

#3. Prepare the Cabinet Surface

Once you have all the supplies you’ll need, it’s time to prepare the cabinet surfaces for repairs. Clean your cabinets using a gentle cleaning solution or a mixture of mild soap and water. Thoroughly remove any dirt, grease, or grime to ensure the best result. 

After cleaning your cabinets, dry them with a clean cloth before moving on to the next step.

#4. Repair Scratches and Dents

After all that preparation, it’s finally time to repair the damage. The process is different based on what kind of damage you’re addressing.

Shallow Scratches

For shallow scratches that haven’t penetrated the cabinet’s finish, you can use a wax-based filler that matches your cabinet’s color. These fillers come in a crayon-like stick, and to use them, you simply rub the wax over the scratch, then buff it with a soft cloth.

Deep Scratches and Dents

For deeper scratches and dents, you’ll need to use wood filler or putty. Apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using a putty knife or spatula to spread it over the damaged area, then scrape off the excess so it’s level. Once the filler dries, sand it down so it’s nice and smooth.

#5. Touch Up the Finish

After repairing the deeper scratches and dents, you’ll need to touch up the finish in the repaired area so that it blends with the rest of the cabinet’s surface.

Painted Cabinets

If your cabinets are painted, touch up the paint using a matching color. Apply it in thin layers, letting each coat dry before moving on to the next one.

Stained Cabinets

For stained cabinets, use a matching wood stain product. Use a soft cloth to apply the stain in the direction of the wood grain. If needed, apply a second coat after the first one has dried.

#6. Seal the Repair

The final step in the damage restoration process is sealing the repair with a clear coat or sealant. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the best result.

#7. Finishing Touches

In addition to repairing damage, there are many finishing touches you can utilize to refresh your cabinets’ appearance.

• New handles or knobs: You can get new knobs or handles for your cabinets or drawers at the hardware store. This is an inexpensive way to update the appearance of your kitchen.
• New hinges: Believe it or not, new hinges can make a big difference for your old cabinets. If your current hinges are loose or squeaky, get some new ones! There are many different options available for not a lot of money, including soft-close hinges, and they’re quick and easy to install.
• Accessories: If you’re looking to maximize your kitchen’s organization, consider some cabinet accessories. With the right drawer inserts, shelves, spice racks, and places to hang your pots and pans, you can ensure everything has a place and your kitchen stays clean and organized.

Custom Cabinets from Out of the Woods

For all your custom cabinet and countertop needs, trust the professionals at Out of the Woods. Our team is dedicated to providing all of our customers with the highest quality products and services, so you know your home is in good hands.

It is so easy for pots and pans storage to become cluttered. They are bulky and awkwardly shaped and don’t always fit together like Legos. Quite contradictorily, easy access to your pots and pans is essential for a smooth kitchen, and you ideally want to have them close to the cooking zone. If you want to store your pots and pans in a way that makes your kitchen an efficient place, you have to have a plan.

Conduct an Audit

The first step to organizing your pots and pans is to do an audit. Take stock of the pots and pans you have, how many you have and their size. Determine which ones are in good condition and have corresponding lids. Do you need as many as you have? Which ones do you use most frequently? All of these will affect how you store your pots and pans. 

Creative Ways to Store Your Pots and Pans

Everyone stores their pots and pans a little differently. The methods of organization are dependent on the size and layout of the kitchen, the number of pots and pans they have, and how frequently they cook. Consider which of the following ways to store your pots and pans is right for your space. You may even choose to combine a few of them. 

A Clean Sweep with Cabinets

While not very creative, our first suggestion for storing your pots and pans is tried and true. If you store your pots and pans in a cabinet, you can opt for a more uncluttered looking kitchen. You can use your built-in cabinets or a free-standing unit dedicated to the purpose. You might even consider storing them in the kitchen island to keep them close to cooking stations for easy cleanup.

Shelf It

Concealing all your pots and pans behind cabinet doors can help your kitchen have a clean and uncluttered appearance. Alternatively, you put your cooking equipment on display, creating an eclectic array on shelves around the kitchen. Here too you have a lot of choice in your shelves, including floating or freestanding shelves.

Displaying pots and pans in this way looks best when all the cookery is pretty uniform. You might try arranging them according to size or making sure all the handles face the same way to make things look neat. If you showcase your pots and pans in this way, you can add lighting to really emphasize them.

Make It Deep

Deep drawers are another effective way to store your pots and pans. If you have deep drawers with smooth runners, utilizing them can make your kitchen storage more ergonomic. You can also include pan organizers, providing you with a birds’ eye view of all your cooking ware without rifling through the drawers.

Hang It All

The ceiling is an oft-untapped storage unit. If you like the look of your pots and pans, you can hang them from a pot rack on the ceiling or on a pot rail above the stove. Pot racks can be in the center of the room or above your countertop while pot rails can even be installed on your range hood. Hanging storage is good for pots and pans that are on the smaller end, especially if you use them on a regular basis.

Try a Peg Board

Peg board is a clever way to make use of the vertical space in your kitchen that would not otherwise be used, especially if the space doesn’t have enough room for a cabinet or a shelf. Peg boards allow you to display pots, pans, and other utensils in a completely customizable arrangement. Simply place the pegs as you will, and you can hang the handles on them or rest the pots and pans on them. 

Get Creative with Corner Units

Corner cabinets are common, though they can be tricky to navigate. Expandable storage makes awkwardly crouching and reaching a thing of the past. You might also use a lazy Susan or add a shelf on your cabinet door.

Expand Your Territory

Have you ever considered storing your pots and pans outside of the kitchen? While this may initially seem counterintuitive, it may be a great way to clear up space. The likelihood that you use every pot and pan and baking dish in your kitchen every day is very low, even if you are a chef. Even if you choose to store your pots and pans close to the range, you can stash things like the waffle iron or crock pot in the pantry or sideboard. 

Don’t Neglect the Lids

As you decide on clever ways to store your pots and pans, don’t forget about their lids. Lids can also be difficult to work with. Like their more cook-worthy counterparts, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. On top of that, many of them are also domed and almost certainly have some kind of knob or handle on top. This makes them almost impossible to stack and very likely to slip around. 

You can employ many of the same methods to store lids as you do for storing pots and pans. For example, peg boards are great for storing lids. If you are looking for something new, try putting a pan protector between each lid to keep them from scraping against each other. If you want to store your lids upright, a lid rack will fit the bill. You can put these on shelves, in cabinets, or in deep drawers.