How to Match Existing Kitchen Cabinets

When updating or expanding your kitchen, one of the challenges you might face is how to match existing kitchen cabinets. Whether you’re adding new cabinets, replacing a few doors, or simply trying to refresh the look, ensuring that the new elements seamlessly blend with the old ones is crucial for maintaining a cohesive design.

In this blog, we’ll explore the steps you can take to match your existing kitchen cabinets, from color and style to materials and hardware, ensuring a flawless integration with your current kitchen setup.

Assessing Your Existing Kitchen Cabinets

Before you can match new cabinets to your existing ones, it’s important to thoroughly assess your current kitchen cabinets. This includes examining the color, finish, style, and materials.

Color and Finish

Check the Color: Start by identifying the exact color of your existing cabinets. Colors can vary significantly even within the same color family, so it’s important to get an exact match. Consider factors like the lighting in your kitchen, which can affect how the color appears.
Analyze the Finish: The finish on your cabinets can be just as important as the color. Are your cabinets glossy, matte, or somewhere in between? Do they have a wood grain finish, or are they painted? Matching the finish will help ensure that your new cabinets look like they’ve always been part of your kitchen.

Cabinet Style

Door Style: Take note of the door style of your existing cabinets. Are they shaker-style, flat-panel, or raised-panel? Matching the door style is crucial for creating a cohesive look.
Edge Profile: Look at the edge profile of the cabinet doors and drawers. The edge profile can vary from beveled to rounded or even intricate moldings. Matching this detail will make a big difference in the overall appearance.

Material and Construction

Wood Type: If your cabinets are made of wood, identifying the type of wood is important. Different woods have distinct grain patterns and colors, which can be challenging to match if you’re not sure what type of wood was used.
Construction Details: Consider the construction details of your cabinets, such as the type of joints, thickness of the wood, and any decorative features like molding or trim. These details will help you find cabinets that match in both appearance and quality.

Also Read – How to Make Mini Wreaths for Kitchen Cabinets?

Finding a Perfect Match for Your Cabinets

Once you’ve thoroughly assessed your existing kitchen cabinets, the next step is finding new cabinets or materials that match. There are several approaches you can take to ensure a perfect match.

Work with a Custom Cabinet Maker

Custom Matching: One of the most reliable ways to match existing kitchen cabinets is to work with a custom cabinet maker. A professional cabinet maker can create new cabinets that are custom-built to match the color, finish, style, and materials of your existing ones. This approach ensures the closest possible match, especially for intricate details or unique finishes.
Replicate Unique Features: If your existing cabinets have unique features, such as custom moldings or specialty finishes, a custom cabinet maker can replicate these details for your new cabinets, ensuring a seamless integration.

Match with Stock Cabinets

Search for Similar Styles: If working with a custom cabinet maker is not an option, you can also search for stock cabinets that closely resemble your existing ones. Many cabinet manufacturers offer a wide range of styles, colors, and finishes, so you may be able to find a match by carefully comparing your existing cabinets with available options.
Consider Ready-to-Assemble Cabinets: Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets are another option that can be customized to match your existing cabinets. These cabinets are often more affordable and can be ordered in specific sizes and finishes to closely match your kitchen’s current design.

Refinish or Repaint for a Unified Look

Repaint the Existing Cabinets: If you’re adding new cabinets and are unable to find an exact match, consider repainting or refinishing your existing cabinets to match the new ones. This approach allows you to unify the look of your kitchen without having to replace all the cabinets.
Stain Matching: If your cabinets have a stained wood finish, you can work with a professional to match the stain on the new cabinets. Stain matching requires careful blending and testing to ensure the colors match perfectly.

Use Contrast to Your Advantage

Embrace Contrasting Colors: If matching the new cabinets to your existing ones proves too difficult, you might consider embracing contrast as part of your design. For example, you can use a contrasting color for the new cabinets that complements your existing ones, creating a two-tone effect that adds depth and interest to your kitchen.
Mix and Match Materials: Another approach is to mix and match materials, such as pairing painted cabinets with natural wood cabinets. This method can create a unique and stylish look while avoiding the challenges of trying to achieve an exact match.

Tips for a Seamless Integration

To ensure that your new cabinets blend seamlessly with your existing kitchen, consider the following tips and techniques.

Update Hardware for Consistency

Matching Hardware: Cabinet hardware, such as handles, knobs, and hinges, can significantly impact the overall look of your kitchen. Matching the hardware on your new cabinets with the hardware on your existing cabinets is a simple way to ensure consistency and cohesion.
Consider Hardware Style: Pay attention to the style of your existing hardware, whether it’s modern, traditional, or rustic. Matching the style will help the new cabinets blend in more naturally.

Pay Attention to Lighting

Adjust Lighting: The lighting in your kitchen can affect how colors and finishes appear. If possible, adjust the lighting to ensure that your new cabinets match the existing ones under the same lighting conditions. Consider installing under-cabinet lighting to highlight the uniformity of your cabinets.
Use Lighting to Enhance Cohesion: Strategic lighting can also help enhance the cohesion between new and existing cabinets. Soft, warm lighting can make slight differences in color or finish less noticeable.

Incorporate Design Elements for Unity

Add Matching Trim or Molding: Adding matching trim or molding to both the new and existing cabinets can help tie the two together. This technique can be especially effective if there are slight differences in style or color between the cabinets.
Use Backsplash or Countertops as a Unifying Element: The backsplash and countertops in your kitchen can serve as unifying elements that tie the cabinets together. Choosing a backsplash or countertop that complements both the new and existing cabinets can create a harmonious look.

Test Small Areas First

Sample Testing: Before committing to a full installation or refinishing project, test small areas first. Whether you’re matching paint, stain, or ordering custom cabinets, it’s a good idea to test samples in your kitchen’s lighting to ensure a perfect match.
Make Adjustments as Needed: If the match isn’t perfect, make adjustments as needed before moving forward with the full project. This may involve tweaking the paint color, adjusting the stain mix, or choosing different hardware.

Conclusion

Knowing how to match existing kitchen cabinets is essential for any kitchen renovation or update. By carefully assessing the color, finish, style, and materials of your current cabinets, and exploring options like custom cabinet making, stock cabinets, or refinishing, you can achieve a seamless integration that enhances the overall look of your kitchen.

Whether you choose to match exactly or embrace contrast, the key is to maintain a cohesive design that reflects your personal style. With the right approach and attention to detail, your new cabinets will blend perfectly with your existing ones, creating a beautiful and functional kitchen space.