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To give your kitchen cabinets an updated look, think fun colors and flat fronts

While stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops receive most of the admiration in a kitchen design, cabinets have become look-at-me stars, too. Modernizing them can change a kitchen's personality or vibe. Here's a rundown of six trends in kitchen cabinets today.

Colors

Move over, white cabinets, there are exciting new hues in town. “Color is starting to come back into the kitchen,” says Stephanie Pierce, director of design and trends at Masterbrand Cabinets. “Blues tend to dominate” — especially navy — “but all colors are considered fair game.” That would include jewel tones like sapphire and emerald, gray and black, which looks particularly good if you've got one of the new black faucets. Why so much interest in color? It lets you personalize the room and gives it an edge.

Deeper drawers

No need to cram a colander into a too-shallow drawer — storage spaces are getting bigger. “Deeper drawers are popular,” says Pierce, “particularly wide drawers that provide a cleaner visual throughout the space.” Aesthetics aside, one will provide a home for that chunky colander.

Fewer upper cabinets

For homeowners who have successfully pared down their collection of dishes, cookware and other essentials, a kitchen with less cabinets means a more spacious, open look. Adopting this trend is also a way to add windows or make them larger. If you can't bear to give up such valuable cabinet real estate, though, consider another popular option: open shelving, which provides storage but with an open, airy feeling.

Flat-front doors

The most common kitchen cabinet door has a frame and raised panel, which give the door dimension. By contrast, a flat-front door (also called a slab door) is smooth and even, which creates a more modern look.

Mixed finishes

Upper and lower cabinets in two different finishes is a trend that Pierce expects to continue for some time. “When you broaden the palette to include multiple finishes, you also increase the overall flexibility of the rest of the finishes within that space,” she says.

Mesh fronts

Mesh inserts in cabinet doors serve the same purpose as glass but in a more mysterious way because you can't see as clearly inside. Metal or wire mesh fronts work well in both traditional and contemporary kitchens but should be used judiciously — a mix of mesh, glass, closed, and open shelving will create a balanced look that's easy on the eye.

Expect the trend to have upper and lower cabinets in two different finishes to continue for some time. Stock Photo
This Jovan accent cabinet with a mesh front is offered by wayfair.com. Mixing open cabinets, glass-front cabinets and mesh fronts is popular. CTW Features
Some homeowners are trying to pare down their collection of dishes, cookware and other essentials. CTW Features
When updating a kitchen, replacing the cabinets is often the top priority. CTW Features
The popularity of white cabinets is waning as people are bringing more color and personality into their kitchens. CTW Features
In many newer homes, kitchen drawers are getting deeper and wider, and upper cabinets are going away altogether. CTW Features
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