No doubt about it, European flat panel cabinets (also known as frameless and slab cabinets) are all the rage. Much like their name suggests, the face on these cabinets is completely flat. 

As a result, they have a streamlined, modern appearance. When combined with an integrated refrigerator, flat panel cabinets are a great way to create a seamless, contemporary look in your kitchen.   

Plus, these cabinets are wildly popular, and there’s no sign of this trend ending anytime soon. Not only do Tahoe homeowners love European flat panel cabinets for their chic, modern appearance, but they also appreciate the additional storage space that comes with frameless cabinetry.

Inset cabinets are also popular among Tahoe homeowners. Unlike flat panel cabinets, inset cabinet doors have a panel design on the front: recessed, shaker, or raised.  This design gives them a more decorated look than European flat panel cabinets, but they’re no less beautiful.    

When inset cabinet doors are closed, they’re flush, or level, with the cabinet frame.  This flush design makes them a wonderful option for displaying beautiful woods, like white oak or walnut.  

Just keep in mind that inset cabinets offer less storage space than other cabinet types. If you’re the type of person who’s continuously acquiring the latest and greatest in kitchen gadgetries, you might want to opt for a different cabinet style.

Are you drooling over photos of reclaimed-wood inset cabinets?  Pining for a kitchen with deep counters so you have more workspace for baking?  Or craving nooks amongst your cabinets for easy access to cookbooks and sundries?  

When your remodel is about fulfilling a vision of your dream kitchen, custom cabinetry is the way to go. That’s probably why it’s such a popular choice among Tahoe homeowners.  

Custom cabinets are built specifically for your space, and to suit your design.  You can choose the size of the cabinets, the style (framed or unframed), panel design, wood, handles, and finish.  As well as their layout within your space: for example, upper shelves in some parts and upper cabinets in others. 

And with custom cabinets, you’ll receive custom service.  You’ll know exactly who’s making your cabinets, and they’ll be manufactured domestically.  

Of course, these cabinets do come with a hefty price tag.  Or heftier, anyway, than some of their counterparts.  

Stock cabinets, be they domestic or imported, are mass-produced, with standard sizes and colors.  You can pick these up already assembled at big box stores, or you can even purchase them by mail. That said, you’re limited in the choice of color and customizations with stock cabinets, and they’re constructed from subpar materials. 

On the plus side, stock cabinets ship quickly, and they’re the most affordable cabinets on the market.  If you’re remodeling an investment property, trendy or not, stock cabinets might be the way to go.

If you’re looking for something between stock and custom, and don’t have design must-haves with your cabinetry, then semi-custom cabinets will give you the best bang for your buck.  Semi-custom cabinets have many more color and door-style options than stock cabinets, and better door finishes as well.    

In determining the right cabinets for your remodel, first and foremost, know your budget.  Your cabinets will be roughly half the cost of the remodel. Additionally, consider your motive in remodeling: is this your forever home, and are you willing to splurge for your dream kitchen, or do you plan to sell the house in a few years?  

In lieu of traditional upper cabinets, many Tahoe  kitchens place shelving above countertops instead.          

Shelves create a space to hone your kitchen aesthetic, where you can display beautiful pottery, photos, vases, and heirloom dishes.    

With shelves, of course, it’s all out in the open.  So strategically decide beforehand exactly what you’ll place on the shelves.  If tidiness isn’t your strong suit, you may opt to have upper shelves in some parts of the kitchen, and cabinets in others.   

With so many beautiful woods available, you may have a hard time narrowing your choice down to just one.  Or perhaps you’d love to have some knotty alder cabinetry, but feel like it would be a bit much for the entire kitchen.  

The good news about cabinets is that you don’t have to limit your choice to just one style.  Many Tahoe homeowners are shaking things up with their kitchen island, choosing one that’s a different wood or style, but that complements the cabinetry in the rest of the kitchen.     

Oftentimes, too, homeowners are opting for two-toned cabinetry, where the lower cabinets are a different wood or hue than the upper.  There are really no set rules, so you can be creative with your cabinets if you like. 

Just remember that you’re unlikely to change the cabinetry again anytime soon, so make sure you pick something you think you’ll enjoy for a long time.