Do you enjoy the look of a modern, minimalist kitchen? Then you should consider eliminating the visual clutter of cabinet door knobs and handles by installing handleless cabinets. It sounds crazy, right? However, just like the name suggests, residents all over greater East Vancouver are having these very real, very hip cabinets installed in a variety of colors. They create a unified front that makes a great style statement. Do think it will work for your kitchen? Here are some of the things that you should be aware of before considering a handleless makeover:
Types and How They Work
There are three distinct kinds of handleless cabinets found in homes. The first type features an upper or lower “lip” cut out in the design. The actual cabinet is cut on an angle to allow you to use your hand or foot to pry it open. This lip may be tucked out of site on the bottom or top edge of the cabinet, or in some models, it may feature prominently.
Another type of handleless cabinet has a groove cut out along the edge. This is sort of an inverted take on the lip design. These models are easy to use and budget friendly. The only issue is the fact that dirt and crumbs can become trapped in the grooves, so regular cleaning is advised.
The final, and most pricey, option is the tip-on or push-to-open design. You can tap these with your hand or foot to easily open and close the cabinet doors. They are sleek and provide your kitchen with the ultimate in fresh, contemporary design, but can become quite costly for that same reason. To learn more, check out this article on houzz.com.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Due to their design, it goes without saying that handleless cabinets are more prone to dirty smudges and nasty fingerprints that other models. This means that they will require a greater deal of cleaning for their upkeep. Fortunately, this type of cleaning is much less laborious than taking care of traditional cabinets. After all, there are no cumbersome handles or knobs to clean around, so all that is really needed is habitual wiping with a dry towel. As a matter of fact, since food is less likely to become trapped, the handleless cabinet makes a very hygienic choice for households with children.
Downsides
There are some potentials downsides to owning handleless cabinets, though the good certainly outweighs the bad. First of all, if you have arthritis, or any type of dexterity limitations, these cabinets may not be the best designs for you. Some people that suffer from such difficulties may find it easier to grasp a traditional handle. On a more shallow note, they can also be murder on long fingernails, and they deprive you of the choice of certain types of décor. Foe example, if you have a rustic farmhouse look, these modern types of cabinets just would not match with that style.
In conclusion, in this day and age, cabinet handles are an option and not a necessity. If you prefer a streamlined, stunning design in which your kitchen seemingly flows along, this high-tech look is certainly worth considering. You can even hide state-of-the-art appliances behind its sleek facade. Adding in some plinth lighting and spot lights can up the beauty quotient as well as provide efficient light. So, why not call Alair Homes today and our friendly associates will help you build the kitchen of your dreams.