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How to Choose Kitchen Cabinets

Your kitchen cabinets set the tone for your space. Sleek, flat-panel doors work best for modern kitchens, while classic profiles suit more traditional styles. The right material, finish, and storage solutions make all the difference. Want to explore cabinet materials and designs firsthand?

Planning Your Kitchen Cabinets for Storage

Good storage fits things in and makes life easier. Deep drawers keep pots and plates accessible, while open shelving turns everyday essentials into part of your décor. When choosing kitchen cabinets, consider:
At Nouvelle, we’ll help you find the perfect balance between style and practicality. You may want to consider the following cabinet styles and note the considerations for each:

Laminate & Melamine Cabinets

A go-to option for many homeowners, laminates and melamine are tough, moisture-resistant, and cost-effective. Made from decorative paper bonded onto particleboard, they offer a modern finish without the high price tag.

Why choose laminates?

For a custom touch, mix and match finishes—try a matte laminate for your base cabinets and a wood grain for your overheads. Nouvelle is a Laminex partner, so you can expect the best laminated products from us.

Polyurethane (Two-Pack) Cabinets

A painted finish that allows full colour customisation, polyurethane (or two-pack) is known for its durability and sleek look. It’s a popular choice for high-end kitchens, offering a smooth, stipple-free surface.

Why choose polyurethane cabinets?

However, polyurethane can chip if hit with force, so choosing high-quality paint is essential.

Vacuum-Formed (Thermolaminated Vinyl) Cabinets

Vacuum-formed cabinets wrap an MDF board with vinyl, creating a non-porous, easy-to-clean surface. Available in a range of colours, profiles, and textures—including wood grain finishes—this is an affordable alternative to solid wood.

Why choose vacuum-formed cabinets?

Things to keep in mind

Timber Kitchen Cabinets

Timber cabinets bring warmth and texture, making them a favourite for classic, country, and French Provincial kitchens. Popular choices include Tasmanian and American oak.

Why choose timber?

Things to keep in mind

For a more budget-friendly alternative, many homeowners opt for painted polyurethane finishes over solid timber.

Timber Veneer

Timber veneer gives you the look and feel of solid wood at a fraction of the price. Made by applying thin slices of real timber to boards, it’s sealed with a clear two-pack coating for durability.

Why choose timber?

A great way to introduce timber without overpowering the space—perfect for feature cabinets or island panels.

The Hardware That Makes a Difference

Cabinet materials matter, but so do the fittings. High-quality hinges, drawer runners, and handles will extend the life of your kitchen and make daily use effortless.
Before finalising your design:
Your kitchen isn’t just for show—it’s a workspace. Choosing the right materials and fittings now will save you frustration (and replacements) later.
Explore cabinet styles and materials at Nouvelle’s showroom.

FAQs

Choosing the right material depends on durability, maintenance, budget, and the look you want. Popular options include:

  • Laminates & Melamine: Affordable, durable, and available in a wide range of colours.
  • Polyurethane (Two-Pack): A seamless, high-end finish that’s fully customisable.
  • Vacuum-formed Vinyl: Budget-friendly and easy to clean, but limited in textures.
  • Timber & Timber Veneer: Timeless and elegant, with a higher price point.

Need help deciding? Explore our modern and traditional kitchen galleries for inspiration.

If your kitchen layout works well but your cabinets look outdated, refacing (replacing doors and drawer fronts) might be a cost-effective way to refresh the space. However, if your cabinets are damaged or poorly designed, a full replacement is the better long-term investment. Read our blog on refacing vs. replacing kitchen cabinets.

Custom-built cabinetry is designed to fit your space perfectly; it gives you better functionality, storage, and durability than modular options. While pre-made cabinets might save you money upfront, they often come with size limitations that result in wasted space. For a deep dive into the benefits, read our guide to custom-built kitchen cabinetry.

If you’re after a low-maintenance, high-durability option, consider:

  • Polyurethane: Scratch-resistant and seamless, ideal for modern kitchens.
  • Laminate: Cost-effective and moisture-resistant, great for busy homes.
  • Timber Veneer: Adds warmth with real wood appeal, sealed for protection.

Visit our showroom to see and feel different cabinet finishes in person.

Choosing the right finish depends on your kitchen style and maintenance preference.

  • Matte: Low-sheen, modern, and great at hiding fingerprints.
  • Satin: A soft sheen that balances elegance and practicality.
  • Gloss: Reflective and bright, making spaces feel larger but prone to fingerprints.

Check out our Satin Gould Blue Cabinetry project for a real-world example.

Your choice of cabinet hardware will depend on aesthetics and functionality.

  • Handles & Knobs: Classic and easy to use, available in various styles.
  • Push-to-Open: Sleek and handle-free for a minimalist look, but may require frequent cleaning due to fingerprints.

Visit our modern kitchen inspiration gallery for handle-free cabinetry ideas.

Smart storage solutions can make all the difference in your kitchen's functionality. Consider:

  • Deep drawers for pots and pans.
  • Pull-out pantry systems for easy access.
  • Corner carousels to prevent wasted space.
  • Open shelving for frequently used items.

Our designers create tailored storage solutions to fit your needs. Book a showroom tour to discuss your options.

Absolutely! We create bespoke kitchen cabinetry that fits spaces perfectly, whether it is:

  • Floor-to-ceiling storage for a compact kitchen.
  • A statement island with built-in storage.
  • Custom drawers and dividers for an organised setup.

See the difference custom cabinetry can make in this under-stair storage project.

If you’re investing in a new kitchen, quality matters. Our experts guide you through the best material choices based on:

  • Your budget: From cost-effective laminates to premium timber finishes.
  • Your lifestyle: Low-maintenance options for busy homes vs. high-end finishes for statement kitchens.
  • Longevity & warranty: We source high-quality materials designed to last.

Book a consultation to get expert advice tailored to your needs.

If you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen cabinetry, here’s how we can help:

  1. Visit our showroom: See our cabinetry options in person.
  2. Explore our projects: Explore real kitchens we’ve transformed.
  3. Book a design consultation:Let’s discuss your vision and budget.

Your dream kitchen starts here! Schedule a free consultation today.

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