Factor in the size of your family and how much you will actually cook in the future.

Leni Calas, the founder of Ward 5 Design, recommends getting creative with what you need space for.

Want more design inspiration?

A kitchen with mint green cabinets

Sarah Fultz Interiors

Having everything you need at your fingertips will make being in the kitchen more enjoyable.

You want to choose timeless options, so your cabinets age gracefully.

Styles similar to this one will work in modern and contemporary kitchens.

Some classic options include stained wood since the shade will nicely complement your counters, appliances, and hardware.

However, not every stain is right for something as visible as kitchen cabinets.

Go Wide

Functionality and accessibility are huge when it comes to your kitchen.

Cabinets come invarious widths, and Spreckman advises choosing wider units for both upper and lower cabinets.

If you have a space that is 48 inches wide, use two 24-inch-wide cabinet boxes, she says.

Do not split that into three 15-inch boxes.

As with everything else in a kitchen, hardware should blend well with your other appliances and finishes.

When designers are called in for a kitchen remodel, they often see ideas not working out.

They recommend getting ahead by researching beforehand and knowing what to avoid in the first place.

Seeing something online is a good start but nothing beats getting a firsthand look and an expert opinion.

Cabinets dont have to cost a fortune to be beautiful, says Calas.

It usually just involves some legwork to find someone who can produce quality results for a good price.

Unfortunately, lower-quality cabinets will not hold up as long as custom units.

Consider the cabinet selection process akin to purchasing a car, says Mackie.

She suggests prioritizing cabinets that are built to endure to ensure a lasting and functional kitchen space.

Consider Ongoing Maintenance

Color and style will influence how often youll need to wipe down your cabinets.

Carry your cabinetry all the way up to the ceiling when possible, she says.

Dont leave space for dust to collect above your upper cabinetry.

Your future self will thank you!

Consider addingunder cabinet lightingstrips or other similar options to help you see better.