Trending Kitchen Cabinet Styles of 2016: Kitchen Cabinet Styles 2016
2016 saw a diverse range of kitchen cabinet styles gaining popularity, reflecting evolving design preferences and a desire for both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The year showcased a blend of classic and contemporary elements, with certain styles emerging as clear frontrunners.
Top Three Popular Kitchen Cabinet Styles of 2016
Three styles dominated the kitchen cabinet landscape in 2016: Shaker, Slab, and Raised Panel. Each offered a distinct aesthetic and functional approach, catering to a wide spectrum of design tastes and home styles. Understanding their defining characteristics helps homeowners choose the best fit for their kitchen renovation projects.
Shaker cabinets, known for their simple yet elegant design, featured a recessed center panel framed by a flat, raised frame. This clean, uncluttered look worked well with both traditional and modern kitchens. Common door styles included five-piece raised panel doors and simpler flat-panel variations. Hardware choices ranged from simple knobs and pulls in brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze to more ornate options depending on the overall kitchen design. The aesthetic is characterized by its understated sophistication and timeless appeal.
Slab cabinets, featuring completely flat doors with no visible frames or panels, offered a sleek, minimalist look perfectly suited for modern and contemporary kitchens. Their clean lines created a sense of spaciousness and sophistication. Handleless designs were popular, utilizing integrated pull systems or push-to-open mechanisms, enhancing the streamlined aesthetic. Hardware, when used, was often minimalist and flush-mounted, avoiding any visual interruption of the smooth, flat surfaces. The overall aesthetic is characterized by its modern simplicity and clean lines.
Raised panel cabinets, a classic style, featured raised or recessed panels within the frame of the cabinet door. This traditional style offered a more ornate and detailed look, often associated with formal or traditional kitchen designs. A variety of panel profiles were available, from simple raised panels to more elaborate designs. Hardware choices were generally more decorative, complementing the intricate details of the cabinet doors. The overall aesthetic is characterized by its richness and traditional elegance.
Comparison of Shaker, Slab, and Raised Panel Cabinet Styles
While Shaker, slab, and raised panel cabinets all offer distinct visual appeals, their differences extend beyond aesthetics. Shaker cabinets, with their balanced proportions, offer a versatile option suitable for various kitchen styles. Slab cabinets, with their minimalist design, maximize visual space and are best suited for modern kitchens. Raised panel cabinets, with their detailed designs, add a touch of formality and traditional elegance. Functionality is also a consideration; slab cabinets’ seamless surfaces are easier to clean, while raised panels might require more meticulous cleaning.
2016 Cabinet Style Comparison Table
| Style | Material Options | Price Point | Suitable Kitchen Styles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaker | Solid wood (oak, maple, cherry), painted finishes (white, gray, navy) | Medium | Traditional, Transitional, Modern Farmhouse |
| Slab | Thermofoil, laminate, painted MDF | Medium to Low | Modern, Contemporary, Minimalist |
| Raised Panel | Solid wood (oak, cherry, mahogany), stained or painted finishes | High to Medium | Traditional, Formal, Classic |
Color Trends and Material Choices in 2016 Kitchen Cabinets
2016 saw a fascinating blend of classic and contemporary styles in kitchen cabinet design, reflected in both color palettes and material choices. The year embraced a move away from stark whites and towards warmer, more nuanced tones, while also highlighting the increasing popularity of durable and stylish alternatives to traditional wood.
Popular Paint Colors and Wood Stains
The most popular paint colors for kitchen cabinets in 2016 leaned towards soft neutrals and sophisticated grays. Shades like greige (a blend of gray and beige), soft white with subtle undertones, and various shades of gray ranging from light dove gray to charcoal were prevalent. These colors offered a sense of calm and sophistication, complementing a range of design styles. In wood stains, warm, medium tones like honey oak, chestnut, and hickory were favored, providing a classic and inviting feel. Darker wood stains, such as espresso or ebony, were also used, particularly in more modern or transitional kitchens. These darker stains added a touch of drama and elegance.
Material Choices Beyond Wood, Kitchen cabinet styles 2016
Beyond traditional wood, 2016 witnessed a rise in the use of alternative materials for kitchen cabinets. Laminate remained a popular and cost-effective option, offering a wide range of colors and patterns to mimic the look of wood, stone, or even concrete. Thermofoil, a durable and smooth plastic film applied to cabinet doors and boxes, provided a sleek, modern look and was easy to clean. Other contemporary options included high-pressure laminate (HPL), known for its exceptional durability and resistance to scratches and stains, and acrylic, offering a high-gloss, almost mirror-like finish.
| Material | Durability | Maintenance | Cost-Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | High (varies by wood type) | Moderate to High (depending on finish) | Moderate to High |
| Laminate | Moderate | Low | Low to Moderate |
| Thermofoil | Moderate to High | Low | Moderate |
| High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) | High | Low | Moderate to High |
| Acrylic | High | Low | High |
Kitchen Cabinet Color Schemes
Here are three distinct kitchen cabinet color schemes popular in 2016:
Scheme 1: Warm and Rustic
This scheme features warm-toned, medium-stained hickory cabinets. The overall aesthetic is cozy and inviting, reminiscent of a farmhouse or rustic design. Coordinating countertops could be a light-colored granite or butcher block, while a white or cream-colored subway tile backsplash would add a clean contrast.
Scheme 2: Modern and Sleek
This scheme utilizes charcoal gray cabinets, creating a dramatic and sophisticated atmosphere. The modern aesthetic is enhanced by pairing the cabinets with sleek, white quartz countertops and a metallic backsplash, such as brushed stainless steel or a mosaic of metallic tiles.
Scheme 3: Classic and Elegant
This scheme features soft white cabinets with subtle gray undertones. This classic and timeless look is enhanced with Carrara marble countertops and a simple, white subway tile backsplash. The overall feel is airy and elegant, suitable for a traditional or transitional kitchen design.
