Hi everyone, Nikki Grassmann here from Crowned Cabinets in Dunedin, Florida! Choosing a cabinet color is arguably the most impactful visual decision you will make during your kitchen remodel. Because the cabinets occupy so much physical and visual space, their color dictates the entire mood, energy, and perceived size of the room. When we aim for a modern aesthetic, we are looking for a color palette that feels intentional, clean, and sophisticated. The right choice can turn a dated, cramped kitchen into a bright, contemporary sanctuary that adds significant value to your home. It is about more than just picking a shade you like; it is about understanding how that color will interact with our unique Florida light and your overall design goals.

The foundation of a modern look often begins with the power of neutrals. While pure white remains a timeless staple for its ability to reflect our abundant sunshine and create an airy, hygienic feel, the trend for 2026 has shifted toward “warm minimalism.” Many of our clients are moving away from stark, clinical whites and opting for softer creams, warm taupes, or “greige”—that perfect, sophisticated blend of gray and beige. These shades provide the expansive feeling of a white kitchen but with a subtle depth that makes the heart of your home feel more inviting and less cold. These warm neutrals act as a perfect canvas, allowing other design elements like a unique backsplash or high-end appliances to stand out without competing for attention.

For those who want to lean into a more dramatic and high-end modern aesthetic, moody tones are making a massive statement. We are seeing a surge in popularity for deep charcoals, midnight navies, and even rich forest greens. These colors bring an immediate sense of luxury and architectural interest to a Dunedin home. The key to keeping dark cabinets looking modern rather than gloomy is to focus on the finish and the balance of the room. A matte or satin finish on a dark cabinet absorbs light in a way that feels velvety and upscale. To prevent the space from feeling too heavy, we often pair these deeper hues with light-colored quartz countertops or natural wood accents, creating a grounded yet balanced atmosphere.

A fantastic way to introduce color while maintaining a clean, modern flow is the two-tone approach. This involves choosing a primary neutral for the wall cabinets and a contrasting, bolder shade for the kitchen island. For instance, you might select a soft putty gray for the perimeter and a rich, natural wood stain or a deep navy for the island base. This creates a clear focal point and adds a layer of custom design that feels very current. It allows you to experiment with color in a controlled way, ensuring the kitchen feels dynamic and personalized without overwhelming the senses. This technique is particularly effective in open-concept homes where the kitchen needs to harmonize with the surrounding living areas.

As you finalize your decision, it is essential to consider the specific lighting in your home. Here in Dunedin, the intense natural light can shift how a color looks from morning to evening. A gray that looks perfectly neutral in a showroom might lean blue or purple under the afternoon sun. I always encourage our clients to view large physical samples in their actual kitchen space during different times of the day. You should also look at how the color coordinates with your flooring. A truly modern look thrives on a cohesive palette, so ensuring your cabinet color has undertones that complement your floors will make the entire room feel balanced and professionally designed.

Until next time, this is Nikki Grassmann reminding you that your kitchen is the heart of your home and the heart of your kitchen is great cabinets.

The post How to Choose the Perfect Cabinet Color for a Modern Kitchen Look appeared first on Crowned Cabinets.

Hi everyone, Nikki Grassmann here from Crowned Cabinets in Dunedin, Florida! When we sit down with families to plan their kitchen transformation, the conversation eventually turns to the budget. It is important to understand the true cost of cabinetry because it is not just about the invoice you pay today; it is about the value, durability, and daily joy your kitchen provides for years to come. Whether you are leaning toward semi-custom or fully custom cabinets, the price reflects the level of craftsmanship, material quality, and the degree of personalization that goes into making your kitchen uniquely yours. By understanding what goes into these numbers, you can make a decision that fits your financial goals while still achieving a stunning, functional space.

Semi-custom cabinets are often considered the sweet spot for many Pinellas homeowners who want a high-end look without the maximum price tag. The cost here is generally lower than fully custom work because the cabinets start as standardized boxes produced in a factory setting. However, the term semi-custom offers a surprising amount of flexibility. You are not just picking from a few basic options; you can often modify the depth, width, and height of the cabinets to fit your specific floor plan. This means you get a tailored fit that maximizes your storage space while benefiting from the efficiency of modern manufacturing. The true cost of semi-custom includes high-quality finishes and superior hardware, such as soft-close hinges and dovetail drawers, which are usually standard at this level. You are paying for a durable, beautiful product that is built to order using high-quality materials like furniture-grade plywood.

On the other hand, fully custom cabinets represent the pinnacle of kitchen design, and their cost reflects the intensive labor and complete freedom involved in the process. With custom work, there are no standards or pre-made boxes. Every single piece is built from scratch to your exact specifications, often by hand in a local shop. If you have a historic home with uneven walls or a unique architectural feature that a standard cabinet simply cannot accommodate, custom cabinetry is the solution. You are paying for the artisan’s time, the premium wood species, and the ability to create any door style or finish you can imagine. The true cost here includes extensive design consultations and the intricate construction required to ensure every inch of your kitchen is utilized perfectly. This level of work is an investment in a one-of-a-kind piece of functional art for your home.

To navigate the true cost of your project, you should begin by prioritizing the features that matter most to your daily routine. If you have a standard layout but want high-end finishes and organized interiors, semi-custom cabinets will likely give you the best return on your investment. Start by selecting a door style and wood species that fit your aesthetic, then add functional interior accessories like pull-out trash bins or spice racks to enhance your workflow. If your space has unique challenges or you want a completely original design, factor in the additional time and labor costs associated with a custom build. Regardless of the path you choose, remember to account for professional installation and high-quality hardware, as these final touches ensure your investment remains beautiful and functional for decades. By focusing on quality materials and structural integrity rather than just the initial price, you ensure that the heart of your home is built on a foundation of lasting value.

Until next time, this is Nikki Grassmann reminding you that your kitchen is the heart of your home and the heart of your kitchen is great cabinets.

The post The True Cost of Custom and Semi-Custom Kitchen Cabinets Explained appeared first on Crowned Cabinets.

What are Shaker Cabinets?
Hi everyone, Nikki Grassmann here from Crowned Cabinets in Dunedin, Florida! If
you’ve spent any time looking at kitchen inspiration lately, whether on TV, in magazines,
or on social media, you’ve undoubtedly seen Shaker cabinets. They are, quite simply,
the most popular cabinet style in America today, and for very good reason. Here at
Crowned Cabinets, Shaker is often the style we recommend first, as it offers a perfect
blend of timeless appeal, versatility, and enduring quality. But what exactly are Shaker
cabinets, and why have they stood the test of time?

The Shaker style originated with the religious sect known as the Shakers in the 18th
century. Their core values revolved around simplicity, utility, and honesty. They believed
that beauty should come from utility and simplicity, and they applied this philosophy to
everything they built, including their furniture and cabinetry. This ethos translated into a
design that is fundamentally defined by its five-piece door construction. A true Shaker
door consists of a flat, recessed center panel framed by four pieces of rail and stile (the
vertical and horizontal pieces of wood). The key characteristic is the complete lack of
ornate detailing, routing, or applied embellishments. The resulting clean, square
lines are what give the Shaker style its enduring, sophisticated appeal.
The reason Shaker cabinets are so prevalent today lies in their unparalleled
versatility—a quality that makes them perfect for the diverse styles of homes we see
here in Dunedin, Florida. They adapt effortlessly to almost any design aesthetic. For a
traditional look, when painted in a creamy white and paired with dark, ornate hardware
and detailed crown molding, Shaker cabinets feel classic and cozy. If your preference
leans toward modern or contemporary, simply paint them in a sleek dark gray or
white, pair them with minimalist, brushed metal bar pulls, and they instantly read as
modern. Best of all, they are the perfect foundation for transitional design—the sweet
spot! Shaker cabinets form the ideal bridge, allowing you to blend modern and
traditional elements without clashing.
Beyond aesthetics, Shaker cabinets are also incredibly practical and durable. The
simple design makes them easy to clean; there are no intricate carvings or difficult-to-
reach nooks and crannies to trap dust and grease. This is a big advantage in a high-
traffic area like the kitchen. Furthermore, the construction methods used for quality
Shaker doors—which involve secure, sturdy joints—contribute to their longevity. When
choosing a Shaker style, it’s important to look for quality materials, such as solid
hardwood frames and highly stable MDF center panels (especially for painted finishes),
to ensure the design lasts.
At Crowned Cabinets, we offer several variations of the classic Shaker style. For a
slightly more modern look, we often show clients a “slim Shaker,” which has a
narrower frame, giving the door a lighter, more contemporary feel. Regardless of the
subtle variation, the core principle remains the same: a simple, honest design that
maximizes efficiency. Investing in Shaker cabinets is investing in a style that will
maintain its value and appeal long after trendy designs have faded.
If you’re looking for a cabinet style that guarantees timeless elegance and perfect
functionality, Shaker is always the answer. We’re here to help you customize the perfect
Shaker design for your home!
Until next time, this is Nikki Grassmann reminding you that your kitchen is the heart of
your home and the heart of your kitchen is great cabinets.

The post What are Shaker Cabinets? appeared first on Crowned Cabinets.