Cabinets are both a functional and aesthetic element in home design, playing a significant role in our everyday lives. Not only do they give us places to store our belongings, but they also enhance the appearance of our kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. 

The choice between custom cabinets and prefabricated options is an important one, and it should not be taken lightly.  While some homeowners prefer the quality and customization of custom solutions, others value the affordability of pre-fabricated cabinets. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the unparalleled advantages of custom cabinets in terms of personalization, quality, and long-term value. 

1. They’re Tailored to Your Space

One of the biggest advantages of custom cabinets is that they’re tailored to your space. There’s no unused spaces or awkward layouts to contend with — just the perfect solutions for your home. This means you’re maximizing the amount of storage space available, with every inch used to its fullest potential. 

Prefabricated cabinets lack this customization, which means they may not suit irregular layouts or small rooms. This leaves you with cabinets that hinder more than help. 

Conversely, custom cabinets are optimized for your storage needs, with options like pull-out garbage cans, spice racks, and other accessories. These enhancements are not always available with standardized, prefabricated cabinets.

2. Superior Craftsmanship and Materials

Prefabricated cabinets are mass-produced as cheaply as possible, often constructed with cheap particle board and paper-thin veneers. While this may mean a lower initial cost, you may end up spending more in the long run on repairs and replacement. 

Custom cabinets, on the other hand, utilize premium woods, finishes, and hardware. Thanks to their expert construction by skilled craftsmen, they typically last much longer and need fewer repairs over the years. This isn’t just more sustainable for your wallet; reducing waste is also more sustainable for the environment.

The difference between the two types is clear — the precision and attention to detail of custom cabinetry is no match for factory-made imitations. Investing in quality is always the smarter choice.

3. Endless Customization Options

When you opt for prefabricated cabinets, you’re stuck with whatever limited options the manufacturer gives you. These cabinets are designed for mass appeal, so you’re unlikely to find any unique touches that would set them apart from the rest. 

Working with a custom cabinet company opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to choose from endless styles, colors, finishes, and hardware options that match your personal preferences and complement your home décor. 

You can match your cabinets to your home’s architectural details, such as crown molding or existing trim, to create a seamless look. You can even include innovative features like soft-close hinges and hidden compartments that are designed to make your life easier and more convenient. 

4. Their Long-Term Value

If you’re building a new home, selling it at some point in the future is probably not at the forefront of your mind. However, it’s important to consider the long-term effects of your cabinets on your home’s value, so that when the time comes, you can fetch top dollar for your property. 

Custom cabinets are an investment in home equity, contributing to increased resale value. Potential buyers are willing to spend more if it means they get beautiful, high-quality cabinets that have stood the test of time. 

While the initial investment may be higher, custom cabinets are sure to pay off in reduced maintenance and replacement costs over time.

5. The Challenges of Prefabricated Cabinets

Prefabricated cabinets may be less expensive, but that’s the only thing they’ve got going for them. Because of the nature of mass manufacturing, they come with major constraints when it comes to sizes, colors, and designs. This means that you’ll have a hard time achieving a cohesive aesthetic in your home. 

Furthermore, prefabricated cabinets are typically of lower quality than custom cabinets. Since they’re mass-produced in a factory, quality issues can slip through the cracks. Plus, manufacturers will cut corners wherever they can in order to save a few bucks, resulting in an inferior product. 

Custom Cabinets by Rasmussen

At Rasmussen, we truly believe that custom cabinets are a smart choice for any homeowner. With a combination of customization possibilities, outstanding craftsmanship, and long-term durability, they’re a great investment that’s sure to pay off. 

If you’re considering new cabinets for your home, contact us today to schedule a free showroom consultation and learn more about the exciting world of custom cabinetry. 

As one year ends and another begins, it’s the perfect opportunity to evaluate your needs and plan home improvements. If you’re considering a kitchen transformation, keep reading to explore some of the most popular kitchen cabinet trends of 2024 and what we can expect to see in the new year.

1. Updated Shaker Style

Traditional, shaker-style cabinets are always a good choice if you want something classic and timeless. However, variations on this style are becoming increasingly popular. At Rasmussen, we recently began offering the slim shaker style, which has narrower strips of wood on the edges. This kitchen cabinet trend provides a perfect blend of the aesthetics of the past and present. 

2. Shades of Blue

When it comes to kitchen cabinet colors, natural wood, neutral shades, and earthy greens have dominated for the past few years, replacing the stark white kitchens that came before. These colors will continue to be popular, but with the addition of shades of blue. 

More and more homeowners are opting for blue cabinets, whether navy, cornflower, or cobalt. Try combining blue cabinets with natural wood and warm neutrals for a coastal aesthetic that’s reminiscent of summer days at the beach.

3. Upgraded Hardware and Finishing Touches

Standard hardware is out, especially those builder-grade, brushed nickel knobs that seemed to be everywhere in the 2000s. Instead, current kitchen cabinet trends are pointing to elevated hardware, whether it’s a unique material, interesting shape, or mix-and-match styles. This is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to refresh your cabinets — simply replacing the hardware is a DIY-friendly upgrade that can transform your kitchen’s aesthetics.

Other popular details include:

• Under-counter corbels
• Arched openings
• Molding
• Carvings
• Cutouts
• And more!

4. Strategic Open Shelving

Open shelving is perfect for displaying your fancy dinnerware, collection of cookbooks, and other knick-knacks, bringing life and personality to your kitchen. A popular kitchen cabinet trend involves adding floating shelves on either side of the range hood rather than closed cabinets, opening up the area and making it feel bigger.

Similarly, cubbyholes are rising in popularity. Instead of opting for a tall, narrow cabinet in those awkward leftover spaces, ditch the door and divide it into a few separate shelves where you can store frequently used items.

5. Disguising Appliances

Another kitchen cabinet trend we can expect to see more of in the future is disguising appliances with built-ins, retractable doors, pull-out shelves, and hidden compartments. This is especially beneficial for vintage-inspired kitchens in which sleek, modern appliances would look out of place. 

6. Contrasting Islands

Monochromatic color schemes are slowly making their way out, especially the white-and-gray kitchens that dominated modern homes a decade ago. Now, contrasting islands are all the rage in the world of kitchen cabinet trends, adding a pop of color that catches the eye. If your cabinets are a neutral hue, try an unexpected color choice for your island to create a bold centerpiece.

7. Inset Cabinets

This next kitchen cabinet trend is one you may not have even considered, but it can make a huge difference in their overall appearance. For decades, overlay kitchen cabinets have been the standard, with the edges of the cabinet fronts and drawers overlapping the base structure. Now, inset cabinets are on the rise.

The faces of inset cabinets are flush when closed, creating a seamless look. Inset cabinets are typically more expensive because of the precise manufacturing requirements, which means they’re often associated with upscale, elevated kitchens. If you have the budget for them, inset cabinets are an excellent way to add a sense of luxury and splendor.

8. Glossy Finishes

Cast your mind back a decade or so — high-gloss, flat-front cabinets were a staple in many modern kitchens. After falling out of favor for a while, they may be poised for a comeback, but in a different way. The trendy combination of glossy finishes and traditional door styles creates a unique look that blends old and new.

Glossy, lacquered cabinets can really pack a punch when it comes to elegance and refinement. However, they are not for the faint of heart — you have to be diligent about cleaning fingerprints, otherwise the smudges will blot out the sophistication.

Explore Kitchen Cabinet Trends with Rasmussen Custom Cabinetry

Whether you’re following kitchen cabinet trends or want something completely unique, Rasmussen can help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams. With endless options for our custom cabinets, you can trust that we’ll bring your vision to life and exceed your expectations. Contact us today to get started on your project!

They say that the kitchen is the heart of your home, and there’s no time where this saying is more true than the holidays. From prepping festive feasts to gathering with friends and family, you’re sure to be spending a lot of time in the kitchen in the coming weeks. 

If you’re looking for a way to infuse your kitchen with holiday cheer, consider these creative cabinet decoration ideas.

1. Ribbons and Bows

One of the most popular cabinet decorations for the holidays is ribbon. Not only is this trend simple and affordable, but it can pack quite the festive punch when it comes to holiday decor, making your cabinets look like wrapped gifts. 

To achieve this look, take a length of wide ribbon, wrap it around your cabinet door, and staple the ends together on the inside. You can add ribbons horizontally, vertically, or both — whatever strikes your fancy! Attach a matching or contrasting bow to the ribbon (staples are helpful for this, too), and your cabinet decoration is complete.

2. Wreaths

If you want to take your cabinet decorations to the next level, try adding some miniature wreaths to the doors. 

First, grab a length of ribbon and thread it through the middle of the wreath. Staple the ends together to make a large loop and cut off any excess. Figure out how high or low you want the wreath to hang, and then use painter’s tape to secure the ends of the ribbon to the inside of the cabinet door. Repeat this process for all your cabinets, and your kitchen will be ready for action.

3. Stickers

Stickers are another great option for jazzing up the faces of your cabinets and drawers. Whether you prefer understated snowflakes, sparkly reindeer, or bold stripes, stickers allow you to customize your cabinet decoration. 

However, you have to be careful to use the right type of sticker — otherwise, you could damage the finish. Vinyl stickers are generally the best option, as they’re durable, stick well to wood surfaces, and can be peeled off cleanly. Plus, if you have the right tools, you can design and make your own stickers.

Before putting the stickers on, make sure your cabinets are clean and dry. When it’s time to remove them, use a hair dryer to apply heat for a few seconds and loosen the adhesive, then gently peel the sticker off with a plastic credit card. If there’s sticky residue left on the cabinet, try applying a small amount of cooking oil, WD-40, or Goo Gone, and then wiping clean with a soft cloth.

4. Garlands 

If your cabinets don’t go all the way to the ceiling, why not make use of that extra space up top? An easy way to spruce up your kitchen is placing a garland above your cabinets. 

You can do this with ceiling-height cabinets, as well, but the tricky part is getting the garland to stay in place. If you plan to decorate the same way year after year, you can add small screws, hooks, or nails to the top of your cabinets that will be unnoticeable for the rest of the year. 

If you’re not ready to commit, try securing the garland with small pieces of gaffer tape. It’s meant for theater and movie props, which means it will come off cleanly when you’re ready to take your cabinet decorations down. However, if there’s any stubborn residue left behind, follow the same steps we recommended for stickers above.

5. Ornaments

If your countertop area could use a bit of holiday cheer, but you don’t want to take up valuable space, you can use small Command hooks to hang ornaments on the underside of your upper cabinets. When the holidays are over, you can either remove the hooks or keep them up for next year. 

Try varying the placement of the hooks and the size of the ornaments to create depth and visual interest with your cabinet decorations. Just make sure the ornaments hang high enough that they won’t interfere with any of your holiday meal preparations. 

Transform Your Kitchen with Cabinet Decorations

If you have beautiful custom cabinets from Rasmussen, why not show them off with festive cabinet decorations? We’d be honored to play a role in your holiday hosting by providing the perfect backdrop for your decor. 

If you want cabinets that are sure to dazzle all year long, contact Rasmussen Custom Cabinetry today to get started.