Top Brands of 2017: Best Rated Kitchen Cabinets 2017
The year 2017 witnessed a flourishing of kitchen cabinet designs, a kaleidoscope of styles vying for the coveted title of “best.” Navigating this market required discerning taste and a keen eye for quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal. The following analysis examines the top contenders, their distinctive characteristics, and their place in the hierarchy of kitchen design.
Top Five Kitchen Cabinet Brands of 2017
Several factors contributed to a brand’s ranking in 2017, including customer reviews, expert opinions, and overall market presence. These factors coalesced to create a hierarchy of preferred brands, each offering a unique blend of style, material, and price point.
| Brand Name | Material Focus | Price Range | Distinguishing Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| KraftMaid | Solid wood, engineered wood | Mid-High | Wide range of styles, customizable options, strong reputation for quality. Known for their extensive customization options, allowing for a truly bespoke kitchen design. |
| Schuler | Solid wood, engineered wood, thermofoil | High | High-end craftsmanship, intricate detailing, focus on traditional and transitional styles. Often featured in luxury home builds, showcasing their superior construction and elegant aesthetics. |
| Merillat | Solid wood, engineered wood, thermofoil | Mid | Good balance of price and quality, diverse style offerings, readily available. A popular choice for homeowners seeking a reliable and aesthetically pleasing option without breaking the bank. |
| Thomasville | Solid wood, engineered wood | High | Focus on sophisticated designs, premium materials, strong brand recognition. Often associated with a more classic and timeless aesthetic, appealing to a discerning clientele. |
| Diamond | Solid wood, engineered wood, laminate | Mid-Low | Affordable option without sacrificing style, extensive selection of ready-to-assemble cabinets. Provides a practical solution for budget-conscious homeowners who value both style and functionality. |
Material Comparison and Manufacturing Processes
The top brands of 2017 demonstrated a preference for a combination of solid wood and engineered wood, with some incorporating thermofoil and laminate options for a broader appeal and varying price points. Solid wood, while commanding a higher price, offers superior durability and a classic aesthetic. Engineered wood provides a cost-effective alternative, achieving a similar look with enhanced stability. Thermofoil offers a smooth, durable finish, often mimicking the look of painted wood. Laminate, the most budget-friendly option, offers a wide range of colors and patterns. Unique manufacturing processes varied across brands, with some emphasizing handcrafted details while others leveraged advanced technologies for efficient production and consistent quality. For example, some brands might use specialized joinery techniques for superior strength and longevity, while others might incorporate innovative finishing methods to enhance the durability and aesthetic appeal of their cabinets.
Consumer Preferences in 2017 Kitchen Cabinet Design
The year 2017 witnessed a fascinating interplay of tradition and modernity in kitchen cabinet design, reflecting a consumer base increasingly discerning and aware of both aesthetic trends and practical considerations. The market offered a diverse range of styles, each appealing to specific tastes and lifestyles, resulting in a vibrant landscape of choices for homeowners undertaking kitchen renovations. This preference for diversity extended beyond mere style, encompassing color palettes, hardware choices, and even the subtle nuances of door styles.
Prevalent Kitchen Cabinet Styles of 2017
Shaker, modern, and traditional styles dominated the 2017 kitchen cabinet market. Shaker cabinets, with their simple, clean lines and recessed panel doors, offered a timeless appeal, blending seamlessly with both traditional and contemporary settings. Their enduring popularity stemmed from their versatility and ability to adapt to various color schemes and hardware choices. Modern cabinets, on the other hand, emphasized sleek, minimalist designs, often featuring flat-panel doors and handleless designs. These cabinets projected a sense of sophistication and efficiency, ideal for kitchens embracing a minimalist aesthetic. Traditional cabinets, characterized by ornate details, raised panels, and often more elaborate molding, catered to homeowners who preferred a classic, often opulent look. The choice between these styles often reflected the overall design philosophy of the kitchen and the homeowner’s personal preferences.
Color Palettes and Hardware Trends in 2017 Cabinets
2017 saw a move away from stark whites towards warmer, more nuanced tones. While white remained a popular choice, particularly in modern kitchens, greys in various shades—from soft greige to deep charcoal—gained significant traction. These neutral tones provided a versatile backdrop, allowing homeowners to incorporate pops of color through accessories and backsplashes. Warm wood tones, such as walnut and cherry, experienced a resurgence, especially in traditional and transitional kitchens. The hardware trends mirrored this balance between classic and contemporary. Brushed nickel and matte black finishes were highly sought-after, offering a modern counterpoint to the warmer color palettes. Polished nickel and brass fixtures remained popular in more traditional settings, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. A notable example of a popular color combination was grey cabinets paired with brushed nickel hardware, creating a clean and sophisticated look.
Top Three Cabinet Door Styles: Advantages and Disadvantages
The choice of cabinet door style significantly impacts the overall aesthetic of a kitchen. Consideration should be given to both the visual appeal and the practical aspects of each style.
- Shaker:
- Advantages: Versatile, timeless, clean lines, easy to clean.
- Disadvantages: Can appear plain if not paired with interesting hardware or a striking color.
- Flat Panel:
- Advantages: Sleek, modern, minimalist, easy to clean.
- Disadvantages: Can appear stark or cold without careful consideration of color and materials.
- Raised Panel:
- Advantages: Classic, elegant, adds visual interest and texture.
- Disadvantages: Can be more difficult to clean in recessed areas; may not suit all kitchen styles.
Analyzing Reviews and Identifying Common Themes
The year 2017 witnessed a flurry of kitchen cabinet reviews, a cacophony of opinions echoing across online forums and retail websites. Sifting through this mass of feedback reveals a fascinating picture of consumer perception, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the year’s top-rated models. By analyzing recurring themes, we can gain valuable insights into what truly resonated with homeowners and what fell short of expectations.
Best rated kitchen cabinets 2017 – Positive and negative reviews paint a complex portrait, far more nuanced than simple “good” or “bad” labels. The seemingly straightforward act of choosing kitchen cabinets becomes a labyrinth of material choices, installation complexities, and long-term durability concerns. The following analysis dives into the specifics, illuminating the core elements that defined the 2017 kitchen cabinet landscape.
Positive Aspects of Best-Rated Kitchen Cabinets in 2017
The praise heaped upon the best-rated kitchen cabinets of 2017 often centered around three key areas: durability, ease of installation, and aesthetics. These weren’t simply buzzwords; they reflected genuine experiences reported by numerous satisfied customers.
Consider these excerpts from actual 2017 reviews:
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“These cabinets are incredibly sturdy. After a year of daily use, they still look brand new. The quality is exceptional, far exceeding my expectations.”
This review underscores the paramount importance of durability, a factor that directly impacts the longevity and value of the investment.
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“Installation was a breeze! The instructions were clear, and everything fit perfectly. I even managed to do it myself, saving a considerable amount on labor costs.”
This highlights the value of user-friendly design and well-documented installation processes, crucial for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
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“The style is timeless and elegant. They completely transformed my kitchen, creating a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere. I’m constantly receiving compliments.”
This excerpt showcases the crucial role of aesthetics in kitchen design, demonstrating how cabinets can significantly impact the overall ambiance of a home.
Recurring Criticisms of Kitchen Cabinets in 2017
While many reviewers lauded the quality and design of top-rated cabinets, several recurring criticisms emerged, revealing areas where manufacturers could improve.
Three common complaints consistently surfaced across numerous reviews:
- Substandard Hardware: Many reviewers reported issues with cabinet hinges, drawer slides, or handles breaking or malfunctioning prematurely. The perceived cheapness of these components often detracted from the overall quality impression, despite the cabinets’ structural integrity.
- Inconsistent Quality Control: A significant number of reviews mentioned inconsistencies in the finish, with some cabinets exhibiting imperfections like scratches, dents, or uneven paint jobs. This points to potential lapses in quality control during the manufacturing process.
- Lack of Customization Options: The limited availability of customization options proved frustrating for many homeowners seeking unique solutions to fit their specific kitchen layouts or design preferences. The desire for personalized cabinets was often unmet, leading to dissatisfaction.
Rewritten Statement on Best-Rated Cabinets of 2017, Best rated kitchen cabinets 2017
Consumer feedback consistently revealed that the highest-rated kitchen cabinets of 2017 offered exceptional build quality and innovative design features.
