One of the biggest dilemmas one experiences with the design or renovation of the kitchen and bathroom has to do with the choice whether cabinets should match or not. Cabinets are really among the most interesting elements of a space, and coordinating them between rooms may not be that easy. Within this blog post, we touch upon a few tips: how to match existing kitchen cabinets with new ones, what one might want to take into consideration when blending designs across spaces, and whether kitchen and bathroom cabinets need to match.
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Matching or Complementing Cabinets Across Rooms
First things first-matching does not always mean identical. You can definitely match your kitchen and bathroom cabinets for a consistent look throughout your house, but often the most functional and attractive option is to make them complementary.
This would mean that if you have white shaker kitchen cabinets in your kitchen, carrying the same concept of shaker style into another color-toned cabinet in soft grey or light blue will provide unity, yet each room would still be able to hold its own character. This is especially great in homes where the kitchen and bathroom are proximal to each other, providing a flow from space to space without being too repetitive. When you do have something more distinctive, such as modern gray kitchen cabinets, you can try a contrasting yet harmonizing finish with things like dark gray cabinets in the bathroom area.
Research white shaker kitchen cabinets and modern gray kitchen cabinets to get an idea of the various styles that work best with your spaces.
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Uniformity in Cabinet Styles
Consistency in style is everything. Of course, your kitchen and bathroom cabinets need not be of the same color, but they really should somewhat resemble each other in style. Shaker style is quite popular among homeowners who strive for consistency with a twist of difference between rooms; clean lines and timeless appeal are good reasons home remodeling experts are often asked to install them.
If your kitchen incorporates shaker cabinets, then you may wish to continue this style into your bathroom through the choosing of the shaker-style cabinet but in a lighter or darker color to reflect the mood and décor of the bathroom. In that way, there is harmony without looking as if it is an extension of the other.
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Material And Finish
Most importantly, you will want to note the type of material and finish your cabinets are in for matching existing kitchen cabinets. Kitchen cabinets go through much more wear and tear than bathroom cabinets, hence suitable material should be opted for. Solid-wood cabinets usually tend to last longer and are sturdy, though painted cabinets allow more latitude when one wants to match or complement colors.
If the kitchen cabinets are made of solid wood, you can use a complementary wood finish in the bathroom or a painted cabinet with similar tones to keep the harmony going. For example, if you had those RTA cabinets with that rich wooden finish tone in your kitchen, you could then take a painted wood cabinet in your bathroom with a similar grain or undertone.
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Color Coordination Between Spaces
Color perhaps is the easiest and most effective way to link kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Sure, matching color works, but it is absolutely not required. Quite often, a contrasting or complementary color palette provides a much more effective way to delineate the two spaces while still managing to provide a cohesive design.
For instance, if your kitchen has blue shaker cabinets, then you may want to go a bit softer in tone on your bathroom-such as a mint green or pale soft green shaker cabinet. This will give great contrast and give individual personality to each room. Find the right tone in your bathroom for something such as soft green shaker cabinets.
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Hardware and Detailing
Another way to tie together the kitchen and bathroom cabinets is by adding coordinating hardware and detailing. If you have brushed nickel handles or matte black knobs in your kitchen cabinets, carry the design into your bathroom. This creates an extremely soft continuity between the two rooms, even when the color or finish on the cabinets themselves is different.
For example, dark grey kitchen cabinets with sleek black hardware continue that hardware into the bathroom on a lighter-colored cabinet to bring balance and marry the spaces.
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Proximity and Layout Considerations
Sometimes, the proximity of your kitchen and bathroom to each other may play an important role in deciding whether to match or complement the cabinets. If both rooms are relatively close in proximity to one another, then it would definitely be worth giving more emphasis to coherence in their looks. However, if the two rooms are farther apart, you can be less concerned with clash and move freely toward alternative styles.
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The Role of Design Trends
Current design trends will also be important in choosing how to match or complement cabinets. While shaker cabinets are always timeless options, there is a trend of two-tone cabinets. You could apply this by choosing one tone for the kitchen and a complementary tone for the bathroom. For example, if you have white shaker kitchen cabinets, then some shade of darker tone, like blue shaker cabinets in the bathroom could be an on-trend yet cohesive choice.
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Custom or RTA Cabinets
Your choice between custom cabinets and RTA will finally decide the question of design flexibility. Custom cabinets can be matched from room to room in minute detail. On the other hand, RTA cabinets are generally more budget-friendly but can still offer a wide range in style. HomeCabinets carries a wide array of RTA cabinets that can be suited to your needs for both kitchen and bathroom with options in finishes and hardware.
Conclusion
Whether it's an entirely uniform look or simply a harmonious balance of the cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom, there are literally countless ways one can pull off such a look. From style and material continuity, color considerations down to hardware, everything can be employed in matching or coordinating cabinets without being daunting. With proximity taken into consideration, design trends, and flair, a beautifully cohesive home reflecting your unique taste is achievable.
If you're inspired for more cabinet ideas, be sure to check our collection of shaker cabinets, white shaker kitchen cabinets, and modern grey kitchen cabinets.
