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What Cabinets are in Style for 2026
Hi everyone, Nikki Grassmann here from Crowned Cabinets in Dunedin, Florida! As we
look ahead to 2026, the world of kitchen cabinetry continues to evolve, but it’s settling
into a beautiful balance between high-end customization and timeless comfort.
Homeowners are moving past fleeting fads and investing in designs that reflect a
sophisticated, lived-in luxury. The good news is that the most popular styles are all
about blending warmth, efficiency, and enduring quality.

One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is a strong return to natural wood tones. While
white cabinets will always be a classic, designers are increasingly incorporating mid-
tone and lighter wood stains, particularly white oak and walnut. These woods add
texture, depth, and a grounded warmth that stark painted kitchens often lack. This trend
is driven by a desire for organic modernism—a style that values clean lines paired
with tactile, natural materials. For a high-end look, we are seeing many clients use wood
on the lower cabinets or the island base, while keeping the upper cabinets bright with a
complementary neutral paint.
Complementing the wood tones, the most popular colors are moving away from cool,
stark grays toward warmer neutrals. Think soft putty grays, creamy whites, and
mushroom beige. These colors pair beautifully with the natural wood trend and create
a serene, sophisticated palette. For bold accents, deep hunter green and rich navy

blue remain strong choices for islands and feature areas, providing a deep, luxurious
contrast that still feels timeless.
We’re also seeing an evolution of style and form. While the Shaker cabinet remains a
perennial favorite due to its versatility, we are seeing two major style evolutions. The
first is a refinement of the Shaker, with thinner frames creating a slightly more
transitional and modern profile. This “slim Shaker” offers the same classic appeal but
with a cleaner, sharper edge that pairs perfectly with contemporary hardware.
The second major style in vogue is the flat-panel or slab cabinet, especially popular
for large kitchens. These cabinets are being elevated with textured finishes, such as a
subtle wood grain or a matte finish that has a unique feel to the touch. The appeal of the
slab is its ultimate simplicity, which highlights other materials in the kitchen, like a
stunning countertop or a uniquely textured backsplash. For a fully customized, luxurious
look, some clients are integrating a hidden finger pull channel instead of exterior
hardware, allowing the seamless lines to run completely uninterrupted.
Another welcomed shift in 2026 is that functionality is no longer an afterthought—it’s a
luxury feature. Homeowners are investing heavily in seamless integration and smart
storage. This means fully integrated appliance panels that hide refrigerators and
dishwashers behind cabinetry. This creates a clean, architectural look that elevates the
entire space.
Inside the cabinets, the trends focus on making every single action effortless. Think of
deep, pull-out drawers instead of standard base cabinets, and customized drawer
inserts for everything from spice jars to cutting boards. Even the simple pull-out trash
can is being upgraded with self-opening mechanisms. The overall theme is that the
kitchen should not just look beautiful, but it should function so intuitively that it simplifies
your life. These are the elements that solidify a kitchen as truly high-end and are well
worth the investment.
Until next time, this is Nikki Grassmann reminding you that your kitchen is the heart of
your home and the heart of your kitchen is great cabinets.

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What to Look for When Buying Kitchen Cabinets
Hi everyone, Nikki Grassmann here from Crowned Cabinets in Dunedin, Florida! Buying
kitchen cabinets is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home, and you
want to ensure the product you choose will look beautiful and perform reliably for
decades. Since the quality isn’t always obvious from the outside, you need to know
exactly what details separate truly high-quality cabinetry from options that won’t stand
the test of time. Here at Crowned Cabinets, we guide our clients through a few key
areas that are essential to evaluating the value and durability of any cabinet line.
The first place we look is the cabinet box construction and materials. The box is the
structural skeleton of your kitchen, so it needs to be robust. The best cabinet boxes are
made from all-plywood construction, typically 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch thick. Plywood is
the superior choice over particleboard (furniture board) because it holds screws and
fasteners much better, resists moisture more effectively, and is less prone to sagging
under the weight of heavy stone countertops or fully loaded shelves—all crucial factors
here in the humid Florida climate. Look for a full-height back panel made from thick
plywood as well, as this provides rigidity and allows the cabinet to be securely attached
to the wall studs at any point, guaranteeing structural integrity during and after
installation.
Next, you must inspect the drawer boxes and joinery . High-quality drawers are built
with solid hardwood (like maple or birch) sides that are at least 5/8-inch thick. The
hallmark of superior craftsmanship is the dovetail joint, where the sides are milled with
interlocking “teeth” and glued together. This type of joinery provides unmatched strength
and ensures the drawer box will never separate, even with years of heavy use. Pair that
with full-extension, undermount, soft-close glides made from durable steel. “Full-
extension” means the drawer comes all the way out so you can access items at the very
back, and “soft-close” prevents slamming, reducing wear and tear and keeping your
kitchen a quiet, enjoyable space.

Finally, pay close attention to the finish and the hardware. A durable finish is what
protects your investment from the daily assault of steam, grease, and cleaning products.
Look for multi-step catalyzed conversion varnish or lacquer finishes. These are
baked on and offer superior resistance to scratches, chips, and fading compared to
simpler finishes. When inspecting the cabinet doors, ensure the paint or stain is applied
evenly with no streaks or visible rough spots. For the doors themselves, look for six-
way adjustable, soft-close hinges. These allow you to fine-tune the alignment of your
doors over time as your house settles or as wood naturally expands and contracts with
seasonal humidity changes. High-grade hardware not only enhances the function but
also guarantees your cabinets maintain their beautiful alignment years after installation.
Choosing cabinets is a process of checking all these boxes—from the hidden
construction of the box to the visible quality of the finish and hardware. By prioritizing
these structural and functional details, you ensure you are investing in a kitchen that will
be a durable, beautiful centerpiece of your home.
Until next time, this is Nikki Grassmann reminding you that your kitchen is the heart of
your home and the heart of your kitchen is great cabinets.

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How Much Do New Cabinets Cost?
Hi everyone, Nikki Grassmann here from Crowned Cabinets in Dunedin, Florida! When
embarking on a kitchen remodel, the very first question everyone asks is, “How much
will this cost?” And when it comes to the budget, your cabinets will typically represent
the largest single expense—often accounting for 30 to 40 percent of your total project
cost. Because cabinets are such a huge investment and a major design element,
understanding the factors that influence the price is crucial to setting a realistic budget
for your dream kitchen. The short answer is that cabinet costs vary widely, but the range
is typically driven by three main tiers of quality and customization.
The lowest price point is typically held by Stock Cabinets. These are the most
economical option because they are mass-produced in standard sizes, styles, and
finishes, usually in 3-inch increments. You’ll find these at large retail stores, and they
require the least amount of planning and lead time. Stock cabinets are a great choice
for extremely tight budgets or quick flips, but they offer very little customization. You
often end up having to use filler pieces to bridge gaps, which wastes space and can
give the finished kitchen a less custom look. For a typical kitchen, stock cabinets might
cost anywhere from $100 to $300 per linear foot.
Moving up significantly in quality, customization, and price, we come to Semi-Custom
Cabinets, which is where we focus here at Crowned Cabinets. Semi-custom represents
the best value for most homeowners in Dunedin because it offers a fantastic balance.
These cabinets start with standard sizing, but they allow for a significant degree of
modification. We can adjust the depth, height, or width in smaller increments, which
means we can fit the cabinets perfectly to your kitchen’s unique dimensions, maximizing
storage and eliminating unnecessary filler pieces. Semi-custom also offers a much
wider range of styles, finishes, and interior organizational features—like specialized pull-
outs and drawer inserts—that add to functionality and luxury. Semi-custom cabinets
typically range from $300 to $800 per linear foot, making them a solid investment that
provides a high-end, tailored look without the fully custom price tag.
The highest tier is Custom Cabinets. These are built entirely from scratch to your exact
specifications, offering unlimited choices in materials, shapes, sizes, and finishes.
Custom cabinets are ideal for unusually shaped kitchens or highly specific architectural
requirements. They are typically the most labor-intensive and expensive option, often
starting at $800 per linear foot and going well over $1,200 per linear foot depending
on the wood species and complexity of the design.
Beyond these three tiers, several factors will impact your final cost regardless of the
cabinet type you choose. These include the wood species (a standard maple is less
expensive than an exotic cherry), the door style (a simple Shaker is less costly than a
highly detailed raised panel), the finish (a basic stain is typically cheaper than a multi-
step painted finish), and, crucially, the interior accessories (every pull-out, lazy Susan,

and drawer organizer adds to the final price, but they are worth every penny for the
added functionality!).
Remember, the cost of the cabinets usually does not include installation. While the
upfront cost of quality semi-custom cabinets is higher than stock, they provide superior
longevity, greater design appeal, and better functionality, which often translates to a
better return on your investment when it’s time to sell your home.
Until next time, this is Nikki Grassmann reminding you that your kitchen is the heart of
your home and the heart of your kitchen is great cabinets.

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Hi everyone, Nikki Grassmann here from Crowned Cabinets in Dunedin, Florida! When we start a kitchen remodel, the choices of style, finish, and hardware often get all the attention. But the most important decision that dictates how you’ll actually use your kitchen is the layout. The arrangement of your cabinets, appliances, and countertops defines the workflow and efficiency of the space. The beauty of semi-custom cabinets is that they can be perfectly adapted to maximize the functionality of any popular layout. Let’s explore the most common kitchen layouts and how smart cabinetry makes all the difference in each.

The L-shape is one of the most classic and functional layouts, utilizing two adjacent walls, and is ideal for mid-sized spaces as it creates an efficient “work triangle”. That’s the path between the sink, range, and refrigerator. In an L-shape, the biggest challenge is often the corner, and this is where specialized corner cabinets become indispensable. Utilizing a Super Susan, a blind corner pull-out, or even a simple corner cabinet with shelving ensures you don’t waste valuable real estate. Semi-custom cabinets allow us to size the adjacent cabinets perfectly to accommodate these corner solutions, maximizing every inch of storage and keeping the main sightlines clean.

The U-shape layout utilizes three adjacent walls and is excellent for maximizing both storage and counter space, creating a very enclosed and highly efficient workspace. With three walls of cabinets, storage is abundant, but the design must prevent the space from feeling cramped. We often recommend using extra-tall upper cabinets that extend to the ceiling to make the walls appear higher. For the two corners, we employ the same clever corner solutions as the L-shape, doubling the functional storage potential. The large run of lower cabinets provides the perfect opportunity for deep drawers dedicated to pots, pans, and everyday items, keeping the counters clear.

The Galley layout consists of two parallel walls, creating a central corridor, and is highly efficient and perfect for narrow spaces. In a galley, the flow is everything. To prevent the corridor from feeling claustrophobic, we often use lighter-colored or white cabinets in a sleek Shaker or slab style to reflect light and keep the sightlines open. Since space is at a premium, every cabinet must function flawlessly. This is where fully integrated storage such as pull-out spice racks, vertical tray dividers, and floor-to-ceiling pantries is essential. We also recommend incorporating drawers into the base cabinets instead of traditional swing doors, as drawers pull out easily without needing to fully step back from the cabinet.

Finally, Island and Peninsula layouts are typically added to L-shape or U-shape configurations to enhance functionality and social appeal, especially in open-concept homes. The Island is a prime spot for specialized cabinets, and we design it with base cabinet storage that often includes a beverage refrigerator, trash pull-outs, or extra-deep drawers for entertaining essentials. On the seating side, shallow cabinets or open shelving can provide accessible storage for cookbooks or decorative items without interfering with legroom. For Peninsulas, the outermost section is perfect for incorporating glass-front cabinets that face the living area, smoothly transitioning the kitchen into the gathering space. Ultimately, no matter which layout your home dictates, your cabinets are the building blocks that determine its success. The versatility of semi-custom cabinets allows us to adapt the inside of the cabinets to fit your life, ensuring your kitchen isn’t just beautiful, but perfectly organized and highly functional.

Until next time, this is Nikki Grassmann reminding you that your kitchen is the heart of your home and the heart of your kitchen is great cabinets.

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Hi everyone, Nikki Grassmann here from Crowned Cabinets in Dunedin, Florida! When choosing the perfect finish for your new kitchen cabinets, you’ll inevitably face a major decision: matte or gloss? This choice goes beyond simple aesthetics. It affects how light interacts with your space, how easy your cabinets are to clean, and the overall feel of your kitchen. Both finishes offer distinct looks and benefits, and here at Crowned Cabinets, we help homeowners determine which option is truly best for their style and lifestyle.

Let’s start with Matte Cabinets. These cabinets have a low sheen, meaning they absorb light rather than reflecting it. This creates a very soft, velvety, and sophisticated appearance.

The Pros of Matte are substantial. Firstly, they are masters at hiding imperfections. Fingerprints, smudges, and minor scratches tend to blend in and are far less noticeable on a matte surface, making them a fantastic choice for busy households or kitchens with lots of natural light that would otherwise highlight every mark. Secondly, matte finishes evoke a feeling of modern elegance and warmth. They provide a non-reflective, uniform color that feels current, calming, and upscale. They are perfect for achieving that deep, rich color saturation in paints like navy, forest green, or classic gray.

However, matte finishes do have some Cons. Because they absorb light, very dark matte cabinets can sometimes make a small kitchen feel a bit smaller or darker if not balanced with bright lighting and light countertops. Also, while they hide smudges, when you do need to clean them, the slightly porous texture can sometimes require a bit more effort to wipe completely clean compared to a slick gloss surface.

Now let’s look at Gloss Cabinets (sometimes referred to as high-gloss or lacquer). These cabinets have a high-sheen finish that reflects light, almost like a mirror.

The major Pros of Gloss are centered around space and light. Here in Florida, where sunshine is abundant, gloss cabinets work beautifully. By reflecting both natural and artificial light, they are brilliant at making a small kitchen feel significantly larger and brighter. This effect is especially pronounced when using white or light-colored gloss finishes. They are also incredibly easy to clean; the smooth, slick surface allows grease and stains to be wiped away quickly and effortlessly, making them an excellent sanitary choice. Gloss finishes are a hallmark of contemporary and European kitchen design.

The Cons of Gloss primarily relate to visibility. Because they reflect light so intensely, gloss cabinets show every fingerprint, smudge, and imperfection. In certain lighting, minor scratches can also become highly visible, requiring more frequent wiping and care to maintain that flawless shine. For this reason, if you opt for gloss, we often recommend light colors, as dark gloss cabinets tend to highlight dust and smudges more intensely.

Which Style Suits You?

The choice between matte and gloss ultimately comes down to your personal taste and how you use your kitchen:

Choose Matte if: You prioritize a soft, sophisticated look; you have a busy household where you need to hide fingerprints; or you are aiming for a deep, saturated color finish that feels warm and calming.

Choose Gloss if: You have a small kitchen and need to maximize the feeling of light and space. Or, if you prioritize a sleek, ultra-modern, or high-tech aesthetic, or you want the absolute easiest surface to wipe clean.

Both finishes are durable when professionally applied with a quality topcoat, but understanding their visual and practical differences will ensure you select the one that will make you happiest in your new kitchen.

Until next time, this is Nikki Grassmann reminding you that your kitchen is the heart of your home and the heart of your kitchen is great cabinets.

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Hi everyone, Nikki Grassmann here from Crowned Cabinets in Dunedin, Florida! When clients come to us for a kitchen remodel, they’re understandably focused on the exciting parts: the beautiful door styles, the perfect paint colors, and the clever design layouts we create using our 3D renderings. And while design is absolutely critical, quality cabinet installation is just as important, if not more so, to the long-term success and enjoyment of your kitchen.

Even the most expensive, flawlessly designed cabinets can look and function poorly if they are installed incorrectly. Installation is the physical foundation that holds your investment together. A poor installation can quickly undermine the beauty and longevity of high-end cabinetry, whereas a professional installation ensures your kitchen is not only stunning but also structurally sound for decades to come.

One of the most critical aspects of professional installation is precision and leveling. Walls and floors are rarely perfectly straight or level, especially in older homes here in Florida. An experienced installer knows how to meticulously shim and adjust each cabinet box to ensure the entire run is perfectly plumb (straight up and down) and level (straight across). If the cabinets are not installed level, you’ll immediately run into problems: doors won’t align, drawers will drift open, and your expensive new countertop will not sit properly, leading to potential cracking or uneven seams. Precision installation is what guarantees the seamless look that defines a high-end kitchen.

Beyond leveling, professional installers ensure structural integrity and durability. They know the correct methods for securing cabinets to the wall studs, using the right fasteners to prevent shifting or pulling away over time. They also correctly join cabinets together, ensuring a strong, monolithic structure that can handle the weight of heavy dishware, appliances, and countertops. A DIY or novice installation might use fewer screws or improper attachment points, potentially compromising the safety and lifespan of your cabinets.

Another key area where professional installation shines is in detailing and finishing. This includes the meticulous alignment of doors and drawer fronts. High-quality cabinets feature soft-close mechanisms, but they only work flawlessly when installed and adjusted correctly. A professional spends time fine-tuning every single door and drawer to ensure perfect spacing, smooth operation, and quiet closing. They also expertly install decorative elements like crown molding, trim pieces, and toe kicks, ensuring every cut is precise, every joint is tight, and the entire kitchen has that seamless, finished look that elevates the whole space.

Finally, an experienced installer handles unforeseen challenges with expertise. Almost every renovation hits a snag. It might be an unexpected pipe, an uneven corner, or a tricky appliance fit. A professional installer has the experience to quickly identify and solve these issues on-site without compromising the design or the integrity of the cabinets. They prevent small problems from turning into costly, frustrating disasters.

At Crowned Cabinets, we pour our heart into designing the perfect kitchen, but we put just as much rigor into our installation process. We know that our professional installation team is the final, essential step in delivering on our promise of quality and beauty.

Until next time, this is Nikki Grassmann reminding you that your kitchen is the heart of your home and the heart of your kitchen is great cabinets.