What to Consider When Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

Some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about the kitchen are related to cabinets. And rightly so. Cabinets not only set the visual tone for your kitchen, but they also have to work hard every day to store, hide, and organize everything from cookware to cereal boxes. Selecting the right cabinets involves striking a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and long-term value.

Materials | Function | Upgrades | High-Quality | Style

Here’s StraightTALK with Hometown Restyling on five of the most common cabinet questions we get, with straightforward answers to help you make the best decision for your kitchen.

What materials should I consider for kitchen cabinets?

When selecting cabinet materials, consider materials that offer long-term durability, easy maintenance, and a style that complements the overall feel of your kitchen. Some questions to consider when choosing cabinets for your kitchen are:

How durable are the cabinets? 

Kitchen cabinets are used every single day. The materials they’re built with need to withstand years of opening, closing, spills, and the weight of everything you store inside. More durable materials, such as plywood and solid wood, last longer and retain their structural integrity over time. Lower-end options may sag, warp, or deteriorate more quickly.

How easy or cost-efficient are the cabinets to maintain over time?

Maintenance matters more than you think. Some finishes are easy to wipe down and stay looking new with minimal effort. Others might stain easily or require special cleaning. For example, thermofoil cabinets are a breeze to maintain but may be more prone to heat damage. Painted MDF is a bit more delicate but offers a smooth, high-end look. If your existing cabinets are still structurally sound, replacing the kitchen cabinet doors can be a cost-effective way to refresh your space without a full remodel.

How do you want your kitchen to feel? What style are you going for?

The material you choose will influence your kitchen’s entire aesthetic. The clean lines and smooth finish of painted MDF cabinets complement transitional and modern kitchens well. Solid wood brings warmth and texture, perfect for rustic, farmhouse, or traditional homes. Laminate or thermofoil is great in sleek, modern kitchens, where it can be paired with bold colors or glossy finishes.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common cabinet materials:

• Solid Wood: Timeless and strong, great for kitchen cabinet doors and frames. It brings a natural warmth and can be refinished over time, but may expand or contract slightly due to fluctuations in humidity.
• MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): Smooth, durable, and ideal for painted finishes. MDF doesn’t crack like solid wood around joints, making it a top choice for doors with clean lines.
• Plywood: Strong and stable, often used in high-quality kitchen cabinet boxes. It holds up well to the demands of a busy kitchen and resists warping.
• Particleboard: A budget-friendly option typically used in lower-end cabinetry. It can do the job, but lacks the durability of plywood or solid wood.
• Thermofoil and Laminate: Great for modern looks, easy to clean, and available in a range of styles. Not quite as durable as wood, but very practical.

What’s Popular in Eastern Iowa?

Here in Iowa, we see a strong preference for painted MDF shaker-style doors paired with plywood cabinet boxes. This combination offers a clean, modern look that stands up well to seasonal humidity shifts. Color-wise, homeowners tend to gravitate toward soft whites and neutral taupes; finishes that brighten the kitchen and remain timeless despite changing trends. If you’re searching for kitchen cabinet color ideas, these tones are a lasting bet. Some new and returning trends in cabinets are displaying 2 different colors for an interesting pop, and wood tones are making a comeback this season as well. 

What are Cabinet Boxes?

The cabinet box is the frame or structure of your cabinet. Essentially, it is the part you don’t see once the doors are closed. High-quality cabinet boxes are typically made from solid wood or plywood and are designed to support the doors, drawers, and all the contents inside.

What are the most functional aspects of kitchen cabinets?

The most functional aspects of cabinets are those that make everyday tasks easier, improve kitchen cabinets for storage, and keep your space organized and accessible.

Here are the features that are more common in updated, functional kitchens:

• Soft-Close Doors and Drawers: These mechanisms prevent slamming and wear over time, while also reducing noise. A small upgrade that quickly becomes a necessity once you get used to it.
• Full-Extension Drawer Slides: This feature enables drawers to open fully, allowing you to access items in the back without having to dig or remove items in front. No more half-open drawers.
• Deep Drawers for Pots, Pans, and Appliances: Instead of stacking heavy cookware in cabinets, deep drawers let you store items where you can easily see and reach them.
• Trash and Recycling Pull-Outs: These help hide waste bins while keeping them accessible. It also helps keep odors down and maintains the kitchen’s visual cleanliness.

Our “Select” Line of Mantra Cabinets

Our Select line of cabinets is partnered with Mantra Cabinets because it’s a simplified, streamlined collection that focuses on high-quality essentials. These cabinets are:

• Built to last with plywood construction and dovetail joints
• Available in timeless shaker styles and a tight color palette
• Equipped with soft-close hinges and full-extension drawers as standard

For homeowners who want a clean design and easy functionality without getting overwhelmed by endless options, Mantra is a fantastic choice. It simplifies the decision-making process without compromising quality. The line offers a blend of style, durability, and everyday performance. We especially love Mantra for eastern Iowa homes because it delivers consistently high-quality craftsmanship that withstands the rigors of Iowa living, including humidity shifts and heavy daily use. Mantra Cabinets focuses on high-quality materials, including plywood construction and soft-close hardware. Yet it’s budget-friendly for the level of quality it delivers. Our Select line is a great investment for families who want lasting quality and functionality in their kitchen.

StraightTALK Remodeling Tip: 

Think beyond door style. The inside of your cabinets makes just as much impact on your day-to-day kitchen experience as the outside. Choosing deep drawers instead of a cupboard for lower cabinets makes handling pots and pans less straining on your back. Interior organizers, such as tray dividers and utensil holders, help keep things tidy and within easy reach. 

What are the best upgrades for kitchen cabinets?

The best upgrades for kitchen cabinets are those that enhance your kitchen’s functionality for your lifestyle while adding extra visual appeal and convenience.

Here are some of the top ideas for kitchen cabinet upgrades we see a lot of:

• Roll-Out Shelves and Trays: These bring the back of the cabinet to you. Perfect for storing small appliances, pots, or cleaning supplies so you don’t have to bend and reach.
• Pull-Out Spice and Utensil Drawers: These narrow pull-outs maximize vertical space, keeping your spices and cooking tools organized and within easy reach.
• Appliance Garages and Lift-Up Shelves: Create hidden homes for countertop items like coffee makers or mixers. Lift-up shelves make it easy to bring heavy appliances up to counter height when needed.
• Custom Drawer Dividers: Whether it’s flatware, knives, or baking tools, dividers help keep drawers organized and clutter-free.
• Glass Cabinet Doors or Open Shelving: Add visual interest and create a space to display your favorite dishware, cookbooks, or decorative items.
• Under-Cabinet or Interior Lighting: Improves visibility while adding ambiance and a high-end feel to the space.

Our “Signature” Line of StarMark Cabinets

We offer StarMark Cabinets as our Signature line because they allow for full customization and distinctive design. With over a million combinations available, StarMark makes it possible to:

• Choose exact wood species, finishes, and door styles
• Design unique internal storage tailored to your daily use
• Integrate display areas and specialty storage zones

This line is ideal for homeowners who envision themselves in a highly customized kitchen — one designed specifically for hosting often, accommodating large families, or maintaining a meticulously organized space.

And yes, we can even mix and match. Some clients use Mantra for most of the kitchen and upgrade just a section with StarMark, creating a cohesive design that works functionally and provides a few of the handy upgrades mentioned.

StraightTALK Remodeling Tip: 

You don’t need to upgrade everything. Focus on high-traffic zones (like prep areas or coffee stations) where a smart upgrade will make the biggest daily impact.

How can I tell if cabinets are high-quality?

You can tell a cabinet is high-quality when it is constructed with durable materials, quality construction methods, and reliable hardware that can withstand years of daily use without deteriorating or losing its visual appeal.

Here are the signs to look for:

• Solid Wood or Plywood Box Construction: These materials form a strong, durable base that supports the cabinet structure and the weight of stored items.
• Dovetail Drawer Joints: Dovetail joints interlock and hold drawers together without relying solely on glue or nails. It’s a telltale sign of quality craftsmanship.
• Soft-Close, Full-Extension Hardware: The hardware should feel sturdy and allow drawers and doors to close gently while fully extending without wobbling.
• Finished Interiors and Thick Shelving: Cabinets should look good inside and out. A finished interior resists stains and moisture better over time.
• Durable Finishes: A high-quality cabinet will have a finish that resists chips, fading, and moisture damage.
• Manufacturer Warranties: Trustworthy brands and contractors stand behind their products with warranties that protect your investment.

Hometown Restyling Only Offers Quality Cabinet Lines

We don’t install cabinets we wouldn’t trust in our own homes. Both our Select and Signature lines are carefully chosen for their quality construction and manufacturer support.

Our Select line (Mantra) offers consistent, reliable quality and essential features that check all the boxes. It’s a line we confidently recommend for everyday function and value. And our Signature line (StarMark) delivers cabinetry that brings a custom-built feel to your home, with premium finishes, flexible configurations, and standout craftsmanship.

Whichever you choose, you’ll get cabinetry that feels solid, functions well, and lasts for years to come.

StraightTALK Remodeling Tip: 

Visit the showroom and open the drawers. Quality can often be felt in the details: smooth slides, solid boxes, and no wobble are a good sign.

What style of kitchen cabinets are most popular right now?

Currently, the most popular style of cabinet is the Shaker style cabinet, and it shows no signs of going away.

Shaker cabinets are characterized by their five-piece door construction, which features a flat, recessed center panel and square edges. They offer a clean, minimalist look that suits many kitchen styles and have been around since the 1800s, which says a lot about their staying power.

Here’s why they’re so in-demand:

• Clean lines make them adaptable to modern, farmhouse, transitional, or traditional styles
• Easy to clean, with fewer grooves than ornate cabinets
• Look great painted in white, navy, gray, black, or wood tones
• Work well with all kinds of hardware, from sleek black pulls to antique brass knobs

Shaker cabinets are available in both our Select and Signature lines, making them a great choice. And because this style has stood the test of time, you won’t regret your decision in five years.

Inset vs. Overlay Cabinet Doors

Another element of kitchen cabinet doors that affects both style and cost is the construction type: inset vs. overlay.

• Inset doors are set into the cabinet frame and sit flush with the face of the cabinet box. This creates a clean, classic look often found in high-end or traditional kitchens. It requires precise craftsmanship and tends to be more expensive, but the result is seamless and sophisticated.
• Overlay doors sit on top of the cabinet frame. Most modern cabinets use this style because it allows for easier installation, more storage space inside the cabinet, and a slightly lower price point. Within overlay, you can choose from partial or full overlay styles depending on how much of the cabinet frame you want to show.

Our Signature line (StarMark) offers both inset and overlay options, providing you with complete flexibility to choose the look that best suits your home.

Mixing Open and Closed Storage

One emerging trend in kitchen cabinets is the combination of open shelving and closed cabinet storage. It’s a practical way to combine accessibility with an open aesthetic.

Closed cabinets keep things organized and hide clutter, which is excellent for storing appliances, pantry items, and less attractive necessities. They provide the structure and hidden storage that most kitchens rely on to stay functional and clean.

Open shelves or glass-front cabinets create an airy, open feel and give you a chance to display favorite dishes, plants, or cookbooks. They add personality and warmth, helping to break up large stretches of solid cabinetry and make the space feel inviting.

We often help homeowners strike the right balance between the two. You might consider keeping open shelving near the range or sink for everyday items and using solid cabinet doors elsewhere for hidden storage.

Straight Talk Wrap-Up

Kitchen cabinets carry a big weight (literally and figuratively) in your remodel. They define your kitchen’s style and determine how you use the space every single day.

At Hometown Restyling, we always work with high-quality kitchen cabinets and can offer you simple, functional options, as well as highly customizable cabinets to meet any need. Most importantly, you’ll get the guidance you deserve and trusted craftsmanship from start to finish.

BONUS: How much does a kitchen remodel cost (including cabinets)?

It’s rare that someone replaces their kitchen cabinets without doing a full kitchen remodel. That’s why we encourage homeowners to think about cabinets in the broader context of a kitchen overhaul, because that’s how most projects unfold. So, let’s talk about total kitchen remodeling costs, with cabinetry as a key component.

On average, a full kitchen remodel in eastern Iowa typically starts around $35,000, depending on your selections and scope of work. If you’re choosing Mantra cabinets, you’re likely looking at a starting point around $35,000. With StarMark cabinetry, which offers more customization and features, expect starting costs to be closer to $45,000.

Of course, those are just starting ranges. The final price will depend on things like the size of your kitchen, whether you’re moving plumbing or electrical, countertop choices, flooring, backsplash, and appliance upgrades. But if you’re using cabinetry as your baseline decision, it helps to know what ballpark you’re in before making the first move.

We’ll always help you strike a balance between cost and function to maximize the return on your investment, and the everyday joy it will bring to your home. Whether you’re working with a tight budget or planning your dream kitchen, we have solutions that fit your needs.

StraightTALK Remodeling Tip: 

During your consultation, please bring your wish list and budget with you. We’ll help you create a cabinet plan that meets both requirements.

Starting a kitchen remodel project? Your cabinets are just one piece of the puzzle. When you’re ready to start planning, we can walk you through every step,  from measuring and selecting finishes to maximizing functionality and staying on budget. Our design consultants are here to make the process stress-free and straightforward.

Stop by our showroom, and let’s talk about your kitchen the right way, with straight answers and solutions that work for you.

Would you like to know what your first visit will be like? Be sure to check out our article: What to Expect During Your Kitchen Consultation for a behind-the-scenes look at how we kick off a remodel the right way.