Homes are selling despite the slow economy. And in response, upgrades and complete renovations have become obligatory because many homes have been neglected or even stripped to the bare bones by their previous owners during the Recession, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
The truth is, if homeowners want to successfully sell, renovating is key. Cabinet doors and drawers are the most visible part of a room, making them fundamental in the process.
There are many door and drawer designs to choose from, such as square, arched, slab, raised and recessed-panel options, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Cabinetry is a huge part of the project budget, and knowing options is crucial. Many factors affect the overall price, including the manufacturer, the quality of the construction, the door material and the door style and finish. Listed are the options owners have to choose from when deciding how to decorate their home, and what they are.
Flat panels are usually just as they seem, totally flat. But some have small designs carved into the panel of the door. What categorizes them as flat is that their center panel is not raised or contoured. According to the news source they work well with traditional, transitional and contemporary design. In reference to the shape of the top panel, they include crown, square and oval designs.
Raised panels are the opposite, with their center panel raised with a profile or contour. They also come in crown, square and oval raised panels. Light-colored raised panels have a much different affect on a room than dark front slab doors.
Slab doors are solid flat doors with no frame or panel. They are used most in custom pieces.
Mullion doors are decorative accent doors, and are not usually used throughout an entire room. This category also includes everything else: glass, leaded glass, louver, aluminum, stainless steel and even wood doors.
Considering the door’s style, the overlay is important because it affects how much of the cabinet frame shows. It can mean a difference in appearance from traditional to contemporary. An overlay is known also as the “reveal,” and pertains to the amount of frame that can be seen.
Full overlay cabinets show just a little of the frame or none at all, and are used on European cabinets.
Modified or partial overlay cabinets are designed with a ½-inch overlay door or drawer front. Only two inches of the cabinet frame is exposed between the doors, which creates a traditional look.
The construction of doors is important, for you can have either a false or a solid center panel. A solid center is best since false ones can be known to loosen over time.
Choosing between wood veneer and solid wood can mean a huge difference in cost. If choosing veneer, make sure it’s the same type of wood used in the rest of the cabinets.
Lastly, the news source reports that design elements such as pulls and hinges can make a big difference in the overall look of the room. For a modern look, remove old overlay hinges and replace them with hidden hinges. To improve the function and form, invest in self-closing hinges.
The cabinetry chosen for a remodeling project will be integral to the overall look and flow of the home from the kitchen cabinets to free-standing furniture. If a homeowner wants to sell (or not) framing and panel details can mean the difference between average and exceptional.