Your kitchen needs a facelift, and maybe a little more! When planning a kitchen remodel, careful time and attention in selecting your cabinets pays off. Your cabinets are often the most expensive part of a kitchen renovation; you are likely to use them daily, and they are a substantial visual component of your kitchen’s new style, so taking extra care when choosing new kitchen cabinets is a wise move.
Peacock understands your careful commitment to the details. We’re here to give you the insight to pick the perfect kitchen cabinets for your upcoming remodel on the lakeshore. We proudly serve the greater South Bend area, including Michiana, Mishawaka, South Haven, MI, and St Joseph/Benton Harbor. Our extensive experience remodeling area kitchens gives us plenty to say about kitchen cabinets and more. Don’t take our word for it! Check out our kitchen renovation gallery for examples of our remodeling triumphs.
Custom kitchen cabinets offer the highest level of personalization, allowing you to tailor every detail to suit your space and style. These cabinets are built from scratch to your exact specifications.
With custom cabinetry, you choose:
The cabinet materials (such as hardwood, plywood, or MDF)
The exact dimensions and layout
Custom pull-outs, spice racks, appliance garages, and hidden drawers
Any cabinet finish, from stained wood to matte paint or high-gloss lacquer
Hardware, moldings, and other architectural details
This option is ideal if you have an unusual kitchen layout, need to maximize storage in a tight footprint, or simply want something truly one-of-a-kind. While custom cabinets are the most expensive option, they offer unmatched flexibility and quality.
Semi-custom cabinets strike a balance between flexibility and budget. Think of them like a sophisticated set of Lego bricks, pre-sized pieces that can be arranged and customized to fit your kitchen design.
You can typically choose from a wide selection of:
Cabinet door styles and profiles
Paint colors and stain finishes
Interior accessories like pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, and drawer organizers
Limited modifications in cabinet height, width, and depth
Semi-custom cabinets are manufactured in standard sizes but offer enough variation to accommodate most kitchen layouts with style and function. They’re a popular choice for homeowners who want more personality than stock cabinets can offer, without the investment of fully custom work.
Cabinet door styles set the tone for your entire kitchen renovation. They’re one of the first things you and your guests will notice and one of the easiest ways to express your design aesthetic. Whether you're choosing from fully custom cabinet door options or browsing what's available in a semi-custom line, the style of your cabinet doors makes a big impact.
Here's a helpful breakdown of some of the most popular and timeless cabinet door designs.
Inspired by the American Arts and Crafts movement, Craftsman-style cabinets are known for their clean lines, sturdy proportions, and practical elegance. These doors typically feature wide frame profiles and minimal ornamentation.
Fun fact: Shaker cabinetry is perhaps the most popular cabinet door style with its signature five-piece door (a recessed center panel framed by simple rails and stiles). It is actually a subset of Craftsman design but with slightly slimmer profiles and even cleaner lines.Glass kitchen cabinets open up your space visually and functionally. Use them to showcase decorative dishware, glassware, or cookbooks, or to create a feeling of lightness in an otherwise closed layout.
Options range from clear panes to frosted or textured glass. You can also add mullions (more on that below) for an extra design detail. Many homeowners mix glass-front cabinets into their upper cabinetry as a subtle accent without overcommitting to full transparency.
Beadboard cabinet doors feature vertical or square paneling that creates a cozy, inviting texture. Often painted white or soft pastel tones, these doors are a go-to for cottage kitchens, farmhouse styles, and spaces with a coastal or vintage feel.
Looking to add texture and airflow? Louvered kitchen cabinets are made with horizontal slats, similar to window blinds. These cabinet doors introduce a sense of rhythm, and they're especially practical in areas that benefit from ventilation, like a pantry or utility cabinet.
Keep in mind: louvered doors can be trickier to clean and may increase material and labor costs due to their complexity.
Mullions refer to the framework that divides a cabinet door’s glass surface into smaller panes, similar to the detailing on old-world windows. Mullioned doors add architectural character and are especially striking in traditional or transitional kitchens. You can pair mullions with clear, seeded, or frosted glass for varying degrees of visibility and style.
These doors incorporate arched or cathedral-style panels, typically as part of a raised or recessed design. The curves soften the squared geometry of most kitchen cabinetry and introduce a touch of elegance or formality. Popular in traditional kitchens, these doors may include additional carvings or routed details.
For a truly modern kitchen, slab cabinet doors (flat-panel cabinets) offer the cleanest and most minimal look. With no frames, molding, or detailing, slab cabinets are ideal for contemporary or European-style kitchens. Pair them with sleek hardware, or opt for handleless cabinets with finger-pull grooves for a streamlined aesthetic.
Inset cabinets are built so the door sits flush inside the cabinet frame, rather than overlaying it. This style requires precision craftsmanship and is often found in high-end custom cabinetry. Inset doors offer a seamless, tailored look and are especially popular in traditional and transitional kitchens. They're pricier, but the refined result appeals to detail-oriented homeowners.
In partial overlay cabinets, the doors and drawers cover only part of the cabinet frame, leaving some of the frame visible around the edges. This was once the standard in many American kitchens and remains a cost-effective choice. The style can lean casual or traditional, depending on the finish and door shape.
In contrast, full overlay cabinets feature doors and drawers that cover nearly the entire cabinet face frame, resulting in a more modern and seamless look. This style provides maximum storage space and clean lines.
Choosing your kitchen cabinet color is one of the most impactful design decisions you’ll make. The right color refines the overall mood of your kitchen and affects how large, bright, and cohesive the space feels. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular and enduring cabinet color choices to consider.
White kitchen cabinets have stood the test of time. They reflect light beautifully, pair well with almost any backsplash or countertop, and make small kitchens feel more open. This palette works across design styles, from crisp, bright whites to warmer ivory tones. Pair white cabinets with brass, black, or brushed nickel hardware to create depth and contrast.
Gray kitchen cabinets strike a balance between warm and cool. They offer a more modern feel than white, while still maintaining a neutral base that works with a variety of textures and finishes. Lighter grays pair well with marble countertops and light wood flooring; darker grays can add drama and sophistication without overwhelming the space.
Navy and slate blue cabinets continue to grow in popularity, especially in high-end kitchens. Blue brings a grounded, calm energy to the space and works especially well as an island accent or paired with white uppers. Lighter blues and dusty teals also add personality in more casual, cottage-style kitchens.
Sage, olive, and forest green kitchen cabinets are having a moment. These tones bring an organic, nature-inspired feel to the kitchen, perfect for homeowners looking to create a cozy, grounded space. Matte or satin finishes enhance the earthy aesthetic, while gold hardware can elevate the look.
For a bold, high-contrast kitchen, black cabinets are a striking choice. They work best in larger kitchens or when balanced with lighter countertops and ample natural light. Black cabinetry can feel ultra-modern or industrial, but it can be a fantastic anchor for a bold, stylish kitchen with the right styling.
Natural wood cabinets are seeing a resurgence, especially in warm, mid-toned finishes like white oak, rift-sawn walnut, and alder. These choices bring warmth and texture to the kitchen without overwhelming the space.
Can’t decide? Two-tone cabinets are an excellent way to add dimension and contrast. Try darker lower cabinets paired with white uppers, or a statement color island surrounded by neutral perimeter cabinets. This approach helps define zones and adds custom flair without committing to a single color palette.
Selecting the right countertop to match your kitchen cabinets is key to creating a balanced and harmonious space. The goal is contrast and cohesion. Your countertops should complement your cabinet tone, not fight against it.
Light cabinets + dark countertops (e.g., white cabinets with black granite or soapstone) create a dramatic, grounded look.
Dark cabinets + light countertops (e.g., espresso cabinetry with white quartz or marble-look surfaces) open up the space and keep it feeling airy.
White on white is timeless and works best when you mix textures. We always love glossy counters with matte cabinets or vice versa.
Natural wood + neutral stone creates a warm, earthy feel that blends seamlessly with modern organic styles.
If your cabinet doors are detailed (like raised-panel or beadboard), keep countertops more subtle. Conversely, simple slab or shaker doors pair well with bold veining in marble or quartzite.
Pro tip: Bring cabinet and countertop samples together in natural light to see how they interact before making final decisions.
Your appliances are design elements that can either elevate or compete with your cabinets. The right appliance selections enhance your cabinet style and create a cohesive kitchen design.
Stainless steel appliances pair well with almost any cabinet color and remain a timeless choice, especially in modern and transitional kitchens.
Matte black appliances bring a sleek, dramatic feel and pair beautifully with wood tones or high-contrast white cabinets.
White or paneled appliances work best in traditional or farmhouse kitchens, blending effortlessly with lighter or custom cabinet fronts.
For a smooth, high-end look, opt for built-in or cabinet-panel-ready appliances. These allow the appliance doors to match your cabinetry, creating a continuous flow, especially popular for dishwashers and refrigerators in custom kitchens.
Oversized appliances demand visual balance. If you’re installing a large range or hood, choose cabinet styles that hold their own visually, like full overlay or inset doors. Use custom panels or appliance garages to minimize clutter and maintain clean lines.
Cabinet hardware might seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in the overall look and function of your kitchen.
Brushed nickel and stainless steel: Classic and versatile, ideal for transitional or contemporary kitchens.
Matte black: Modern and bold, especially striking against white or wood cabinets.
Brass or gold: Warm, luxurious, and on-trend—great with deep greens, navy, or white oak cabinets.
Chrome: Sleek and reflective, often used in minimalist or modern kitchens.
Knobs are typically used for cabinet doors.
Pulls (handles) are best for drawers or larger doors and offer easier grip, especially for aging-in-place design.
It’s perfectly acceptable to mix finishes or styles, just do it with intention. For example, use matte black knobs on uppers and matching pulls on lowers. Or mix brass and black for a sophisticated, layered effect.
Beyond looks, consider the feel and usability. Test how hardware feels in your hand. Soft edges, adequate clearance, and smooth operation all contribute to daily comfort.
Cabinets are one of the largest investments in any kitchen remodel and one of the most important. Understanding cabinet pricing is essential for planning a realistic budget, whether you’re upgrading a few pieces or reconfiguring your entire kitchen.
Several factors influence the cost of kitchen cabinets, including:
The type of cabinet (custom, semi-custom, or stock)
The materials used (solid wood, plywood, MDF)
The style of cabinet doors
Added features like pull-outs, soft-close hardware, or built-in organizers
The finish or paint treatment
For a full kitchen remodel in the South Bend area, the cost of cabinetry can vary widely based on these choices. On average, here’s what you can expect to pay:
Custom kitchen cabinets: $500–$1,200 per linear foot
These are made-to-order, tailored to your exact space and preferences. Ideal for homeowners with unique layouts or specific storage needs.
Semi-custom cabinets: $200–$650 per linear foot
These offer flexibility in style and size, with some limitations on materials and customization.
Stock cabinets: Starting around $100 per linear foot
Pre-manufactured and limited in options, stock cabinets are the most affordable but least adaptable choice.
When selecting kitchen cabinets, the material used in their construction plays a big role in how they look, feel, and hold up over time. Here’s a breakdown of the most common cabinet materials and how to choose the best fit for your kitchen.
Solid wood is prized for its natural beauty, strength, and timeless appeal. Woods like maple, cherry, oak, and walnut are popular choices, each offering unique grain patterns and color tones. Solid wood is often used for cabinet doors and face frames but less commonly for the entire box due to cost and movement (wood can expand and contract with humidity).
Pros: Durable, repairable, high-end appearance
Cons: More expensive, can warp if not properly sealed
Best for: Custom or semi-custom cabinets, traditional or craftsman kitchens
Plywood is a top-tier choice for cabinet boxes due to its strength, moisture resistance, and stability. It’s made by layering thin sheets of wood veneer, which makes it less prone to warping than solid wood.
Pros: Strong, holds screws well, resists warping
Cons: Higher cost than MDF or particleboard
Best for: Durable custom or semi-custom cabinet interiors
MDF is a composite wood product made by compressing wood fibers with resin. It creates a very smooth surface ideal for painted cabinets and intricate door profiles like shaker or arched panels.
Pros: Very smooth surface, ideal for painted finishes, cost-effective
Cons: Can swell with moisture exposure, not as strong as plywood
Best for: Painted cabinet doors, budget-conscious projects
Often used in lower-end stock cabinets, particleboard is made of compressed wood chips and resin. It’s inexpensive and lightweight, but not as durable or moisture-resistant as other materials.
Pros: Affordable, lightweight
Cons: Less durable, prone to damage from moisture
Best for: Entry-level kitchen projects or temporary installation
Melamine is a resin-coated paper fused to a substrate like MDF or particleboard, while thermofoil is a thin vinyl layer heated and molded over a substrate. Both are used to achieve consistent, low-maintenance finishes in modern kitchens.
Pros: Easy to clean, consistent color and texture, affordable
Cons: Can peel or chip over time, limited color range
Best for: Contemporary kitchen styles, high-use rental properties, easy-care surfaces
Corner Drawers - There’s no reason to waste the corner space. Custom corner drawers can provide the storage you need.
Super Susan - This upgrade from the plastic nightmare of yore can spin for selection or glide out. A super Susan is a great way to make your corners count.
Pull-Out Workspaces - Pull out a peninsula or a cutting board to get the real estate you need for a big job, and tuck it away, so it’s not in the way on the daily.
Vertical Storage - We all know about the frustration sorting through a utensil drawer can create. Install rows of canisters in a vertical pull-out to keep every spatula and set of tongs easily accessible.
Built-in Step Stools - Short people and families with kids can access the top shelf with ease, and the kitchen stays free of the tripping hazard a step stool creates.
Pull-Out Trash and Recycling Centers - Keep your kitchen streamlined and odor-free with pull-out cabinets that house multiple bins. Some setups even include compost drawers or foot-activated openers for hands-free convenience.
Charging Drawers - Install a hidden charging station inside a drawer to keep phones, tablets, and small devices powered up and out of sight. These are especially handy in family kitchens or home hubs.
Knife and Utensil Drawers with Custom Inserts - Built-in knife blocks and utensil dividers help maximize drawer space and reduce counter clutter.
Today’s trends in kitchen cabinets offer homeowners more ways than ever to reflect their lifestyle and taste. From innovative features to textural finishes, here’s what’s showing up in stylish kitchens around South Bend, Michigans Southeast lakeshore and beyond.
Why fake it? Instead of a decorative panel pretending to be a drawer, homeowners are choosing fully functional storage, even in tight or awkward spaces. With the right craftsmanship, your cabinetmaker can turn just about any gap into a usable drawer, no matter how narrow or deep. It’s a smart move in any kitchen, but especially when maximizing storage is key.
Hidden drawers are a clever addition. Whether it’s a slim pull-out disguised as toe kick molding or a drawer front that blends seamlessly into the cabinetry, these stealthy compartments are perfect for valuables, tech gear, or anything you’d rather keep tucked away.
Pet-friendly cabinet design is becoming a must-have for many families. Integrated pet bed cubbies, feeding stations with built-in water lines, and storage for pet supplies are all increasingly popular.
Remodeling with the future in mind is smart, especially if you plan to stay in your home long term. Today’s cabinetry can incorporate subtle but impactful upgrades that promote universal use.
Lower or adjustable countertops
Pull-down shelving
Soft-close hinges
Wide, easy-grip cabinet pulls
Drawer-style base cabinets instead of hard-to-reach doors
Fluted or reeded cabinet fronts are bringing texture back into the kitchen. These vertical grooves add visual interest and style, especially on accent cabinets, islands, or appliance panels. They pair beautifully with minimalist hardware or mixed-material kitchens and complement modern and vintage styles.
The classic shaker style isn’t going anywhere, but it's getting a modern update. Slim shaker cabinets, featuring narrower stiles and rails, offer a more refined, contemporary feel while retaining the structured look that homeowners love.
White oak cabinets are trending in a big way, offering a warm, organic aesthetic that pairs effortlessly with both modern and traditional styles. Many homeowners are blending natural wood finishes with painted cabinets, often using white oak for an island or lower cabinets while keeping uppers in a soft neutral or bold color.
Open shelving mixed with closed cabinets for balanced display and storage
Integrated lighting inside drawers and cabinets
Floating cabinets or toe-kick lighting for a light, airy effect
Bold cabinet colors like deep green, navy, or black used as statement elements
Peacock’s unparalleled expertise in kitchen remodels makes us your best bet for fantastic cabinets and stunning supporting elements in South Bend and nearby Michigan. We’d love to talk to you about what we can do for your Michiana remodeling project today.