Planning a new kitchen? The cabinets, especially the carcass, matter more than you might think. They’re not just storage solutions (though you’ll need plenty of that). They set the tone for your entire space, and you’ll be looking at them every single day for years to come.
Here’s what you need to know to choose kitchen cabinets that work for your home, your budget, and how you actually use your kitchen.
Understanding Your Kitchen Cabinet Options
Walk into any kitchen showroom and you’ll see dozens of styles. It can feel overwhelming when trying to supply the perfect kitchen layout. But once you understand the basics, the choices become much clearer.
Base Cabinets and Wall Cabinets: What’s the Difference?
Base cabinets sit on the floor and support your worktops. They’re where you’ll store your heavy pots, pans, and appliances. Because you can reach them easily, they’re perfect for things you use every day.
Wall cabinets Hang on the walls and make use of vertical space for additional storage solutions. They’re ideal for lighter items like glasses, plates, and food items. The trick is getting the height right so you can actually reach what’s inside without a step ladder.
Getting the balance right between base kitchen cabinets and wall cabinets depends on your ceiling height, how much storage solutions you need, and honestly, how much you want to spend (wall cabinets cost extra).
Should You Consider Flat Pack Cabinets?
If you’re handy with tools or willing to learn, flat pack kitchen cabinets can save you serious money. They arrive unassembled, which means lower shipping costs and no premium for pre-built units.
The quality of kitchen cupboards isn’t what it used to be. Many flat pack options now come with the same finishes and materials as pre-assembled cabinets. You’re just paying for the materials and doing the assembly yourself.
They work well if you’re comfortable following instructions and have a weekend to spare. They’re less ideal if you’re short on time or the thought of assembling furniture makes you want to call a professional for an appointment.
Choosing a Style That Actually Suits Your Home
Your kitchen style should fit with the rest of your house. A ultra-modern kitchen in a period cottage can feel jarring. A traditional shaker kitchen in a new build might feel out of place.
Shaker style kitchen doors are a popular choice for many homeowners. remains popular in Ireland because it’s adaptable. The simple, clean lines work in both traditional and contemporary homes. You can dress it up or down depending on your choice of colour and handles.
Contemporary kitchens feature flat cabinet doors, minimal hardware, and sleek lines. They can make a small space feel larger because there’s less visual clutter. But they also show fingerprints more easily, which matters if you’ve got young children.
Think about how you live in your kitchen. If you’re constantly wiping down surfaces, high-gloss finishes might frustrate you. If you love displaying decorative items, consider some open shelving alongside closed cabinets.
Getting the Colour Right
Cabinet colour is one of those decisions that feels permanent (because it kind of is, unless you fancy repainting later).
Light colours Modern kitchen design can make small kitchens feel more spacious and reflect natural light. White and cream are safe choices, but they do show marks and need regular cleaning.
Grey cabinets have become incredibly popular because grey is neutral enough to work with almost any worktop or floor. It hides dirt better than white but doesn’t feel as heavy as darker colours.
Dark cabinets add drama and sophistication. They work beautifully in larger kitchens with plenty of natural light. In smaller or darker spaces, modern kitchen design can make the room feel closed in.
The finish matters too. Matt finishes hide fingerprints and give a more relaxed, contemporary feel. Gloss finishes reflect light but show every smudge.
Storage: Think About How You Actually Cook
Here’s where most people go wrong: they choose cabinets that look good but don’t work for how they actually use their kitchen.
Before you finalise anything, think about:
What you cook most often. If you bake regularly, you need easy access to flour, sugar, and baking trays. If you’re more of a quick dinner person, consider pull-out drawers for pots and pans.
Your awkward items need to be organized efficiently in your kitchen design with smart storage solutions. Everyone has them. Tall bottles, the food processor you use twice a year, the baking sheets that never quite fit anywhere. Plan storage for these specifically.
The corner problem. Corner cabinets are notoriously difficult. You can’t reach the back of your kitchen cupboards, and things get lost in there. Corner carousels or pull-out systems cost more but they’re worth it if you actually want to use that space.
What you grab every day. Your coffee mugs, everyday plates, and cooking oils should be in the most accessible spots. Don’t waste prime real estate on the fancy china you use twice a year.
Working Within Your Budget
Let’s talk about money, because this matters.
Custom, handcrafted kitchens in Ireland typically start around €15,000. That includes design, manufacturing, and installation. The final cost depends on the size of your kitchen, the materials you choose, and any special requirements like unusual layouts or premium finishes.
If that’s more than your budget allows, you have options:
Mix and match. Use standard units where possible and only go custom where you need it (like that awkward corner or specific height requirements).
Choose your splurges. Maybe you go for premium worktops but standard cabinets. Or invest in quality kitchen units but choose more affordable doors you can upgrade later in your dream kitchen.
Consider phasing. Some people fit the basic kitchen now and add extras like a pantry unit or island later when budget allows.
Whatever your budget, be honest about it from the start. A good designer will work with what you have in your kitchen design rather than pushing you to spend more than you’re comfortable with.
Why You Might Want Professional Help
You can absolutely plan a kitchen yourself. But there are genuine benefits to working with someone who does this every day:
They’ll spot problems in your kitchen design you won’t. Things like whether your plumbing can actually go where you want it, or if that massive fridge will block your cabinet doors.
They know what actually works. They’ve seen what people regret and what stands the test of time in a wide range of kitchen styles. That knowledge is valuable.
They can sometimes get better prices. Not always, but established designers often have relationships with suppliers.
At Aloco Kitchens in Santry, Dublin, we offer free kitchen design consultations to help you create your dream kitchen. Even if you decide to go elsewhere or do it yourself, you’ll leave with a better understanding of what’s possible in your space.
We specialise in made-to-order kitchens that are built around how you actually live. Every kitchen is handcrafted, allowing us to adjust heights, depths, and configurations to suit your specific needs rather than making you fit into standard sizes in our range of kitchen options.
Making Your Kitchen Feel Like Yours
Once you’ve sorted the practical stuff, here’s where you get to have some fun.
Handles and hardware are essential components in modern kitchen design. are like jewellery for your kitchen. They’re a relatively small cost but they make a surprising difference to the overall look. Consider:
- Cup handles for a traditional feel
- Bar handles for contemporary kitchens
- Push-to-open for a completely handleless look in your dream kitchen (though these can be frustrating if you’ve got greasy hands)
Open shelving isn’t for everyone, but if you like the look and you’re realistic about keeping it tidy, it’s a nice way to display things you actually use and love.
Lighting inside cabinets makes a huge difference, especially in wall units. You can actually see what’s in there without crouching down with a torch.
A mix of storage types works better than all drawers or all doors. Drawers are brilliant for pots, pans, and utensils. Doors are fine for things you don’t access as often.
Getting Started
If you’re ready to move forward:
- Measure your space properly to ensure the best fit for your base kitchen cabinets. Include the positions of windows, doors, radiators, and any architectural features in your range of kitchen design. Take photos from every angle.
- Think about your budget realistically. Include not just cabinets but worktops, appliances, flooring, tiling, plumbing, and electrical work.
- Collect images of kitchens you like. This helps you (and any designer you work with) understand your taste.
- Book a consultation if you want expert professional input. Come with your measurements, photos, and a rough idea of budget for your free kitchen design consultation.
- Don’t rush the process of designing your dream kitchen. A kitchen is a significant investment, especially when considering the quality of materials like wood and the range of kitchen features available. Take the time to get it right rather than making quick decisions you’ll regret.
The kitchen is the most-used room in most homes. It deserves careful thought, honest budgeting, and planning that focuses on how you actually live rather than how kitchens look in magazines.
If you’d like to discuss your specific kitchen plans, we’re here to help. Book a free consultation and let’s talk about what would work best for your home.
