Kitchen Cabinet Styles and Finishes NottinghamCall Now on - 0115-824-4201
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When you think about what really changes how a kitchen looks, cabinet style and finish is at the top of the list. Most of your kitchen wall space is covered by cabinets, so what they look like matters a lot. We've helped loads of Nottingham families pick the perfect cabinets that make their kitchens look amazing.
Our team has fitted over 800 kitchens across Nottingham and nearby towns like West Bridgford, Beeston and Mansfield. We've seen what works in all kinds of homes - from small terraced houses to big detached properties. So we know a thing or two about what looks good and what lasts.
Picking cabinets isn't just about what's trendy. It's about finding something that suits your home, works with your lifestyle, and will still look good years later. The right cabinet style can make your kitchen feel bigger, brighter, and more welcoming. We're here to help you find that perfect match.
Traditional Cabinet Styles
Traditional cabinet styles never go out of fashion. They look good in all kinds of homes, but they're especially perfect for older properties in areas like The Park, Lace Market, or the Victorian terraces in Beeston.
Shaker cabinets are our most popular traditional style by far. They have that simple frame around a flat center panel, which looks classic without being too fussy. We do different versions - some with thinner frames for a more modern look, others with thicker frames for a more substantial feel.
Raised panel cabinets are another classic option. The center panel is raised up rather than flat, which gives more depth and detail. A lot of people in Nottingham with period homes go for these because they match the character of the house.
Beaded cabinets have a little groove or bead along the frame. It's a small detail but it adds a nice traditional touch. We've installed these in several cottages in villages like Ruddington and they look brilliant.
"We wanted something that wouldn't look out of place in our Victorian home. Michael suggested a classic shaker style with period handles, and it's perfect - looks like it's always been there." - Clifford & Geraldine, West Bridgford
Most Nottingham homeowners choose painted finishes for traditional cabinets. Cream, soft white, and light grey are always popular. But lately we're seeing more people going for bolder colors like dark green or navy blue, especially on kitchen islands or lower cabinets.
Contemporary Cabinet Designs
Modern cabinet styles have taken off in Nottingham in recent years. Places like the apartments near Nottingham Market Square and newer developments in West Bridgford often suit a more contemporary look.
Handleless cabinets are super popular these days. With no handles sticking out, they give a clean, streamlined look. Most have a groove at the top or side of the door that you use to open them. They're brilliant for smaller kitchens because there's nothing sticking out to bump into.
Flat panel cabinets are the simplest design - just a completely flat door with no frame or detail. They look sleek and unfussy, perfect for modern homes. We often fit these in the newer developments around Arnold and Mapperley.
High-gloss finishes really bounce light around, making your kitchen feel bigger and brighter. They're easy to wipe clean too - just a quick cloth over and they shine again. White, light grey, and cream are the most popular colors in Nottingham, but we've done some stunning black and dark grey ones too.
"The handleless units Michael recommended have transformed our kitchen. It looks twice the size now and the kids can't bang the doors because they close slowly by themselves!" - Sally P., Mansfield
Modern kitchen cabinets work really well with integrated appliances. Everything sits flush for a streamlined look. We can design your kitchen so the fridge, dishwasher, and other appliances are hidden behind matching cabinet fronts.
Material Options
The material your cabinets are made from affects how they look, how long they last, and how much they cost. We always talk through the options with customers so they understand what they're getting.
Solid wood cabinets are the priciest option but they can last a lifetime if looked after properly. Oak, maple, and walnut are popular choices. We fit a lot of solid wood kitchens in the larger homes around West Bridgford and The Park area.
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) is a really versatile material that most painted kitchens are made from. It's more stable than solid wood, so it won't warp or crack over time. It takes paint beautifully for a smooth finish. Most of our painted kitchens for homes in Beeston and Arnold use MDF.
Laminate cabinets are brilliant value for money. Modern laminates can look just like wood, stone, or painted finishes at a fraction of the cost. They're really hardy too - great for rental properties or busy family kitchens. We've fitted loads of these in homes around Carlton and Stapleford.
Acrylic fronts give that super-shiny, reflective finish that's popular in contemporary kitchens. They're more expensive than standard gloss but they look amazing and are less likely to show fingerprints. We've used these in several apartments near the Victoria Centre.
Each material has good and bad points. For example, solid wood looks beautiful but needs more TLC. Laminates are tough but can chip at the edges if they get knocked hard. We always explain the pros and cons so you can make the right choice for your home and lifestyle.
If you've got kids or pets, we might suggest tougher finishes that can handle a bit of rough treatment. Or if you're in a period property somewhere like the Lace Market, we might recommend materials that suit the age and style of your home.
Finish Varieties
The finish of your cabinets affects both how they look and how they perform day to day. There are lots of options to choose from and we can help you pick what's right for your kitchen.
Painted finishes are the most popular in Nottingham by far. You can choose any color you like, and if you change your mind years later, they can be repainted. Most of our customers in areas like Beeston and West Bridgford go for painted kitchens because they're so flexible.
Natural wood finishes show off the beauty of the timber. Oak is popular for its warm color and visible grain. Walnut is darker and more luxurious looking. We've fitted some gorgeous natural wood kitchens in older properties near Nottingham Castle.
Matt finishes don't reflect light much so they hide fingerprints and smudges better than glossy ones. They give a softer, more subtle look that's becoming more popular in Nottingham. They need less wiping down, which is always a bonus!
Gloss finishes reflect lots of light, making your kitchen feel bigger and brighter. They're easy to wipe clean but do show fingerprints more easily. They're particularly popular in newer homes in areas like Stapleford and Long Eaton where kitchens can be smaller.
Textured finishes mimic the feel of natural materials like wood grain or stone. They add interest and hide marks well. We've used these in several homes in Mapperley and Arnold with great results.
Different finishes look different depending on your kitchen lighting. South-facing kitchens with lots of natural light can handle darker finishes, while north-facing rooms often benefit from lighter, more reflective surfaces to brighten them up.
Every finish needs different care. Gloss needs regular wiping to keep it shiny. Wood needs occasional oiling. We always give our customers care instructions so their kitchens stay looking good for years.
Cabinet Colour Selection
The color of your cabinets sets the mood for your whole kitchen. It's probably the biggest decision you'll make for the room's overall look.
White cabinets are still the most popular choice in Nottingham. They make spaces feel bigger and brighter, and they go with any wall color or worktop. We've fitted white kitchens in everything from tiny terraced houses in The Meadows to massive open-plan spaces in West Bridgford.
Grey has become really popular in the last few years. Light greys look modern but soft, while darker charcoal can look really dramatic. They're a bit more practical than white as they don't show marks as easily.
Blue kitchens are having a moment right now. Navy lower cabinets with white wall units is a combination we've used in several Arnold and Beeston homes recently. It gives you that color pop without overwhelming the space.
Green cabinets, especially in sage or forest tones, have taken off in the last couple of years. They bring a natural, calming feel to the kitchen and work beautifully with wooden worktops. We've done some stunning green kitchens in period properties in The Park area.
Natural wood tones never go out of style. Light oaks and maples keep things bright, while darker walnuts and mahoganies add warmth and luxury. They're especially good in character properties like the Victorian and Edwardian homes in Mapperley and The Park.
When choosing a colour, think about how long you'll live with it. Very trendy colours might look dated faster, while neutrals and naturals tend to age better. That said, if you love a colour, go for it! It's your kitchen after all.
"I was nervous about going for dark blue cabinets, but Michael reassured me it would work with our space and light. He was so right - everyone comments on how gorgeous they look with the brass handles and oak worktop." - Amy, Carlton
Mixing Styles and Finishes
Some of the best kitchens we've fitted in Nottingham mix different styles and finishes. This can create a more interesting, less "out of the box" look that feels more personal.
Two-tone kitchens with different colors for wall and base units are really popular right now. White or light grey wall cabinets with darker base units work really well – it keeps the kitchen feeling open while grounding it with stronger colors below. We've done this combination in several homes in West Bridgford and Beeston.
Feature islands in a contrasting color or material can create a stunning focal point. We recently fitted a kitchen in The Park area with soft grey units around the perimeter and a deep blue island in the centre – it looks amazing!
Mixing matt and gloss finishes can add depth and interest. Matt lower cabinets with gloss wall units is a combination that works really well. The gloss reflects light at eye level while the matt bases hide everyday marks and scuffs.
Open shelving mixed with closed cabinets gives you the best of both worlds – practical storage for everyday items behind doors, and display space for pretty things on shelves. We've used this approach in several character properties in the Lace Market area.
"We wanted something a bit different for our kitchen in our new home in Ruddington. Michael suggested two different cabinet styles - shaker for the main units and flat panel for the island. It looks brilliant - still cohesive but more interesting than if it was all the same." - The Barratt Family, Ruddington
Not every combination works though. We'll give honest advice about what will look good and function well in your specific space. If something won't work, we'll tell you and suggest alternatives.
Style Selection Guidance
Choosing your cabinet style and finish isn't just about what looks nice in a showroom. It needs to suit your home, your lifestyle, and how you use your kitchen.
If you live in a period property, like the Victorian houses in The Park or Edwardian homes in Mapperley, then traditional cabinet styles often work best. They suit the character of the building. That doesn't mean you can't go contemporary, but it's about getting the balance right.
Modern or new-build homes, like those in newer developments in West Bridgford or the apartments near the Victoria Centre, can handle more contemporary styles. Clean lines and minimal detailing tend to work well in these spaces.
The size of your kitchen matters too. Smaller kitchens in terraced houses in areas like Lenton or The Meadows often benefit from simpler door styles and lighter colors to keep things feeling spacious. Handleless cabinets can be great as there's nothing protruding into the space.
Light levels affect how finishes look. North-facing kitchens need to maximize light, so reflective surfaces and lighter colors often work better. South-facing rooms can handle darker or matt finishes as they get more natural light.
Your lifestyle is just as important as your house style. If you've got young kids or pets, very high gloss or very light cabinets might show every fingerprint and scratch. If you love cooking and your kitchen gets heavy use, durability might be more important than a perfect finish.
"Michael asked us loads of questions about how we use our kitchen, not just what style we liked. That's how we ended up with practical walnut base units that hide marks from our dogs, and lighter wall units to keep the space feeling open." - Mark and Faye, Mapperley
When customers visit our shop in Nottingham, we talk through all these factors. We can look at photos of your existing space, discuss the pros and cons of different options, and help you narrow down what will work best for your specific situation.
Cabinet Finish Durability
Not all cabinet finishes stand up to daily life the same way. If you want your kitchen to look good for years, it's worth thinking about durability.
Painted cabinets can be marked more easily than some other finishes, but they have a big advantage - they can be touched up or even fully repainted if they get very damaged. We use tough paint finishes on all our cabinets, but even the best paint can chip if something heavy hits it.
Laminate finishes are really hard-wearing and great for busy families. They resist stains and scratches well and only need a quick wipe to keep clean. The only downside is if they do get damaged, they can't be repaired as easily as painted or wood finishes.
Wood cabinets develop character over time. Small marks and scratches can actually add to their charm. They can also be sanded and refinished if they get seriously damaged. We've fitted beautiful oak kitchens in family homes in Arnold and Beeston that still look great years later.
If you've got young kids, textured finishes or wood grains hide marks better than smooth, plain finishes. We often recommend these to families with small children. Dark colors also tend to show less everyday wear than very light ones.
Gloss finishes can look amazing but they do show fingerprints and need regular wiping down. If you don't mind a bit of daily maintenance, they're fine. If you want something more low-maintenance, matt finishes are often better.
"With two kids and a dog, we were worried about how the kitchen would hold up. Michael suggested a textured laminate that mimics wood grain for the lower cabinets. Three years later and they still look as good as new despite everything the family has thrown at them!" - Carrie, Stapleford
We always give our customers maintenance advice when we fit their kitchen. Simple things like using a soft cloth rather than anything abrasive, wiping spills quickly, and avoiding placing hot items directly on surfaces can keep your cabinets looking good for longer.
Style and Finish Case Studies
Period-Appropriate Cabinets for Victorian Home near Nottingham Castle
The Thompsons live in a beautiful Victorian house near Nottingham Castle. They wanted a kitchen that felt in keeping with their home's character while still having modern functionality.
After visiting our shop and talking through options, they chose inframe shaker cabinets - a traditional style where the doors sit within a frame rather than overlapping it. This gives a more substantial, furniture-like appearance that suits period homes.
For the finish, they went with a hand-painted look in a heritage sage green for the base units and creamy white for the wall cabinets. The slightly uneven, brushed finish of hand-painted cabinets suits older homes better than a perfectly uniform modern spray finish.
We used traditional cup handles in aged brass to complete the period look, along with a Belfast sink and wooden worktops. The result is a kitchen that feels like it belongs in the house but works for modern family life.
"What we love is that the kitchen feels like it could have always been here, even though it's got a dishwasher, induction hob and all the modern stuff we need. Michael really understood what would work with the character of our home." - Mrs Carroll
Contemporary Cabinet Solution for Family Home in West Bridgford
The Patels moved into a 1990s detached house in West Bridgford that needed updating throughout. They wanted a sleek, contemporary kitchen that would form the heart of their family home.
They chose flat panel cabinets in a matt light grey for a clean, modern look. For the large island, we used the same style but in a contrasting dark blue to create a focal point in the space.
Instead of traditional handles, they opted for push-open mechanisms on some cabinets and recessed handles on others, creating a streamlined appearance with minimal protrusions - practical for a busy family kitchen where people are constantly moving around.
We paired the cabinets with quartz worktops and a glass backsplash for a contemporary finish. Integrated appliances maintain the clean lines, with everything fitting perfectly behind matching cabinet fronts.
"The kitchen has transformed how we live in the house. The simple cabinet style means it doesn't date, but it still feels modern and fresh. The different color on the island makes it feel less like a standard kitchen and more like it was designed specially for us." - Mr Patel
Frequently Asked Questions
What kitchen cabinet styles never go out of fashion?
Shaker cabinets are probably the most timeless style. They've been popular for decades and suit most homes. Their simple design means they can look more traditional or more contemporary depending on the finish and handles you choose.
Flat panel cabinets in neutral colors also have staying power. Their simplicity means they don't date quickly. We've fitted these in homes all over Nottingham, from Beeston to West Bridgford, and they still look good years later.
If you want something timeless, generally simpler is better. Very decorative or unusual styles tend to date faster.
How do I choose a kitchen cabinet style that won't date quickly?
Stick to classic shapes like shaker or flat panel rather than anything very unusual or trendy. For colors, neutrals like white, cream, light grey or natural wood tones have more staying power than very bright or unusual colours.
That said, it's your kitchen and you'll be looking at it every day. If you love a particular style or color, you should have it even if it's not the "safest" choice. A kitchen that makes you happy is always the right choice.
What's the difference between framed and frameless kitchen cabinets?
In framed cabinets, the doors attach to a frame on the front of the unit. This gives a more traditional, substantial look. The doors can either sit within the frame (inframe) or overlap it slightly.
Frameless cabinets have no face frame - the doors attach directly to the sides of the cabinet box. This gives a more seamless, contemporary look with wider drawer and door openings, making it easier to access what's inside.
Both types are available in various styles and finishes. We can show you examples of each at our Nottingham showroom so you can see the difference in person.
Which kitchen cabinet finishes are most durable?
High-quality laminates and acrylic finishes are generally the most hard-wearing. They resist scratches, stains, and moisture well and don't change color over time. We've fitted these in busy family homes across Nottingham with great results.
Painted finishes vary in durability depending on the quality of the paint and application method. Factory-applied paint finishes tend to be tougher than hand-painted ones. The advantage of paint is it can be touched up or repainted if damaged.
Wood finishes are pretty tough but can dent and scratch. Many people like the way wood develops a patina over time, but if you want something that stays looking perfect, it might not be the best choice.
Are dark or light kitchen cabinet finishes more practical?
It depends on your lifestyle and cleaning habits. Light cabinets make a space feel bigger and brighter, but they can show dirt and marks more easily. Dark cabinets hide stains and marks better but show dust more obviously.
We often recommend a mix - light wall cabinets to keep the space feeling open, with darker base units that won't show every scuff and mark. This combination works really well in many Nottingham homes.
What kitchen cabinet styles work best in small spaces?
In smaller kitchens, like those in terraced houses in Lenton or The Meadows, simpler cabinet styles with clean lines work best. Flat panel or simple shaker doors without too much detail keep the space feeling uncluttered.
Handleless designs are great for tight spaces as there's nothing protruding to bump into. Light colors or gloss finishes reflect light and help the space feel bigger. Vertical cabinet designs can help emphasize height rather than width in narrow kitchens.
We're experts at maximizing storage in small kitchens. We've transformed tiny spaces all over Nottingham with clever cabinet choices and space-saving storage solutions.
How long should quality kitchen cabinets last?
Good quality cabinets should last at least 15-20 years with proper care. The cabinets we supply through our unique partnerships come with a 10-year guarantee - that's how confident we are in their quality.
Cabinet boxes typically last longer than doors and drawers, which take more daily wear and tear. If you want to refresh your kitchen after 10-15 years, you can often just replace the doors and worktops while keeping the cabinet boxes.
Can cabinet doors be replaced without replacing the entire unit?
Yes, in most cases. This is called a kitchen refronting or cabinet refacing. If your cabinet boxes are in good condition, we can fit new doors, drawer fronts and sometimes new worktops for a fraction of the cost of a full replacement.
This works well if you want to update the style or color of your kitchen but the layout still works for you. It's also more environmentally friendly as there's less waste. We've done this for several customers in West Bridgford and Beeston who wanted a fresh look without the disruption of a complete renovation.
Get In Touch About Your Kitchen Cabinets
We can arrange a home visit to measure your space and discuss options that would work well with your property style and family needs. Our design service is free and there's no obligation to go ahead.
Call us on 0115-824 4201 to book a free home consultation. We usually respond within 24 hours and can often arrange Nottingham area appointments within the same week.
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