2016 Kitchen Cabinet Trends You Won't Want To Miss
Unless you've replaced or refurbished them within the last couple of years, your kitchen cabinets are probably looking a little worn. As one of the most functional places in your kitchen, having the best cabinets you can possibly achieve is an important part of making your kitchen work like a well-oiled machine – and generally, the best way to improve your cabinets is to look at the major trends of the year. So if you're wondering what kitchen cabinet trends you shouldn't miss, then here's what you need to know.
Light It Up
Lighting is important in your kitchen, and this year, cabinets are making that statement brighter and clearer than ever. Cabinet-based lighting – both as running lights installed under cabinets and smaller lights actually located within the cabinets themselves – is a good way to knock out those dark recesses that cabinets sometimes create and to ensure that nothing gets lost in the back or top of your cabinets ever again. These lights are generally LED lights, offering the most amount of light possible for the smallest bulb you can manage, and should be installed by a contractor to make the process go as smoothly as possible and avoid any wiring mistakes.
Style and Color
Your cabinet's style and color make up about 80% of its overall look, so you'll want to choose carefully from this season's red-hot looks. Neutral colors are 2016's reigning champions when it comes to cabinetry, with darker grays and pure blacks being the most popular. These colors build towards a more timeless look, so it's best to pair them with on-trend but slightly traditional cabinet styles such as the ever-popular Shaker cabinet, which is accented by its geometric, modern straight lines and endless possibilities for customization, from color right down to its fixtures.
Fabulous Fixtures
The chicest color and design possible won't be complete without taking a moment to ensure that the cabinet fixtures don't ruin their appeal, however. Last year's trend towards bronze and copper fixtures is still dominating the market, and your cabinet's hinges and handles are no exception. These warmer-toned metals are striking in their own right, but are especially noticeable when paired with the darker neutral colors that are so current in cabinets right now. Installing bronze or copper handles and hinges can add a pop of color without taking away from the high-style appeal of the rest of your cabinet.