Cranston Kitchen Cabinets

Cranston kitchen cabinets can be a reflection of the long history of Cranston. Although cabinetry has improved in both efficiency and function in the last 300 years, it has also retained the classical look of previous centuries. If you are inspired by the pioneer past in Cranston, RI then you can use historical accents to plan your Colonial Revival kitchen.

Cranston Colonial Design

Take stock of your current Cranston kitchen cabinets. List all of the appliances that take up counter space, platters and pitchers that need a home and cabinets that are inaccessible on a daily basis. When you remodel you can design the space to fit your needs, with stock, semi-custom or Rhode Island customized cabinets.

Traditionally made Cranston kitchen cabinets employ a frame design. A framed cabinet has a few inches of wood placed over the door to cover the rough edges of the cabinet box construction. Framed Cranston kitchen cabinets can be simple with a few inches of wood around the edge, or they can be extensively detailed. Colonial cabinet construction would have been very simple, using a local hardwood and possibly using a simple white wash.

Colonial Revival style that was made popular in the 20th century in Rhode Island and throughout the United States mixed Victorian, Federal and Georgian house styles. While the architecture moved to a more straightforward, sturdy build with classical touches, the interior design also harkened back to a simpler style with panel detailing and wooden accents.

Modern Cabinet Materials

When you make the decision to use stock, semi-custom or customized Cranston kitchen cabinets, you will also need to select the material. Laminate is popular for its durability. It is a polymer resin-coated plywood cabinet that is extremely durable and easy to clean. It is commonly seen in rental properties and offices. However, it is rarely used to convey a classical style.

Other choices include plywood, veneered plywood and hardwood. Plywood and laminate cupboards are probably the most cost effective. Veneered plywood mimics the beautiful grain of hardwood, and it can still create a classic kitchen cupboard look if you are on a budget.

Hardwoods include oak, cherry, maple, walnut and more. North American hardwoods are still plentiful. In fact, the Forest Stewardship Council certifies North American hardwood, if you want to support the local Cranston, RI economy and follow a colonial kitchen style. Some traditional woods used by early American colonial woodworkers include maple, cherry and hickory.

Maple is a heavy wood that's color ranges from light cream to light red color. It is so hard that it is often used for butcher blocks and cutting boards. Cherry is had a heavy influence in early American cabinetry, and although it is lighter weight than maple, it has a rich red-brown color that darkens as it ages. Hickory is an extremely strong wood that ranges greatly in color, from white to dark brown. It also had another part in America's historic past as a favored wood used by the Wright brothers to build their first planes.

Once you have decided on the material for your Cranston kitchen cabinets, you will also want to decide if you want to paint your cabinets or keep them a natural wood grain. Many Colonial Revival interior and exterior design schemes use painted bead board in the cabinets. They also use it along the walls in the form of wainscoting.

Historical Accents

Taking a cue from the Sprague Mansion, you can use a dark wood accents and wainscoting and then accent with upscale chandeliers and crystal. If you prefer the farmhouse charm of the Thomas Fenner House, the oldest house in Cranston, RI and possibly America, then choose simple design for your Cranston kitchen cabinets. Employ English farmhouse details like crafted stand-alone cupboard in stained wood grain. Use accents like simple brass drawer pulls and doorknobs. You can also find antique furniture and kitchenware to decorate your kitchen.

If you are a cook always in need of counter space, in true Rhode Island fashion, you can add an island covered in wood to serve as your butcher block. Islands can also be fitted with Cranston kitchen cabinets to keep trays, pots, pans and more. Brass pots and pans look antique and serve well at mealtime. You can also opt to create a peninsula that is an extension of one of your kitchen cabinets. The inside is filled with extra cupboard space and kitchen stores and the outside of the peninsula can serve as a bar or kitchen nook.

When it comes time to renew your Cranston kitchen cabinets, take a trip around your historic environs to get inspiration. Don't be afraid to make compromises for modern convenience. Enjoy the colonial style but be glad for improvements. What the Cranston pilgrims wouldn't have given for a refrigerator!