The Sleek Cabinet Trend That's Making Kitchens And Bathrooms Look More Modern

Metal accents can work wonders around your space, bringing an interesting element of texture and color that is only achieved by these small details. But with an upward trend towards interior maximalism, homeowners seem to be expanding the boundaries of metal in their space, especially with cabinetry. Whether you're installing them in a small bathroom or an expanding kitchen design, metal cabinets can quickly transform any space into a modern haven, creating a visually stunning industrial interior. Stainless steel cabinets can work wonders around your interior spaces, offering a streamlined, contemporary look that isn't hard to achieve with traditional materials.

There are plenty of ways to incorporate metal cabinets into your interiors, whether you need a bit of extra kitchen storage or a stunning bathroom vanity. One of the main priorities in designing these interiors is to avoid creating a space that feels too industrial, almost bordering on clinical. Featuring metal cabinets throughout your space is one thing, but you don't want to feel like you're in the back kitchen of a restaurant or the bathroom of a doctor's office. To avoid curating this type of space, metal cabinets should be accompanied by warmer accent materials like wood and stone. These natural textures can soften the streamlined look of metal cabinets, introducing some necessary contrast that bolsters their aesthetic appeal in the process. 

If you're looking to incorporate metal cabinets into your kitchen or bathroom design, the first step is sourcing the cabinets. Several high-end retailers in the United States specialize in producing stainless steel cabinets and vanities across a number of styles. Muretti, a designer cabinet company based in New York, was made popular by their traditional Italian wooden style of cabinets. But their metal cabinetry has also caught the eye of homeowners looking to incorporate an industrial aesthetic into their spaces. Their metal cabinet designs bring a host of advantages including being eco-friendly, rust resistant, easy to maintain. Another trusted retailer based in the U.S. is Toro Kitchen Cabinets, who provide stylized, retro-feeling metal cabinets. Their designs offer a bit more versatility by experimenting with different color schemes, often leaning into the 50s inspired kitchen design. Their cabinetry also comes in rounded shapes, giving you more ways to integrate these stunning features into your space.

For something a bit more accessible, IKEA provides stainless steel cabinets through their NOGSTA line. Available as cabinet doors and drawers, these can be used to replace your existing IKEA cabinet doors to seamlessly transition your kitchen or bathroom into a metallic look. They are compatible with the SEKTION kitchen line, which allow for simple replacements and alterations. With these facings, you don't need to conduct an entire home renovation project in order to achieve that industrial look. The NOGSTA cabinet facings can be a practical choice to achieve a similar metallic effect in your kitchen or bathroom without the need for entire cabinet replacements.

Metal cabinets might seem like an instant way to upgrade your kitchen, but it is important to soften their industrial look in a contemporary space, especially in the kitchen. One way to add a bit of warmth and personality to your space is by incorporating color through your backsplash or countertop. Vibrant backsplashes made of colorful tile or glass can help create more balance in your space. Additionally, this can be a great way to add those natural elements, like wood and stone, to invoke a bit of contrast . Whether you're using them as an accent wall or a kitchen backsplash, they can eliminate some of the harsher aesthetic qualities of metal cabinetry. If you're in the market for even more personality from your space, try installing brass or copper hardware for a playful touch.

Stainless steel cabinets do come with some practical challenges that should be taken into account. Their reflective surface makes them a catch-all for fingerprints and water spots, which may require frequent cleaning. While this might not be a major problem in a smaller bathroom, it can quickly turn into a headache in high traffic areas of your home like the kitchen. You may need to consistently clean your cabinets in order to maintain a polished overall appearance. Additionally, steel cabinets can be prone to scratches, leaving their surface looking worn. In a home with children or an active cooking regiment, it is best to opt for a matte finish on your cabinets to help minimize the visibility of fingerprints and minor scratches. 

Integrating stainless steel into your bathroom design isn't just about the small features like cabinet handles and hardware. Metal cabinets can work surprisingly well around areas that come in contact with a lot of moisture, as long as they're properly sealed. A rust-resistant solution, these cabinets offer a range of benefits in your bathroom that extend beyond just aesthetics. Furthermore, any watermarks left on the surface can easily be cleaned with a simple wipe down of your metal cabinets. Metal bathroom cabinets also provide plenty of storage around your space, helping to keep your bathroom counters clutter-free. With options ranging from mirrored storage cabinets to simple metal vanities, there is plenty of room for all of your bathroom essentials.

Similar to kitchen cabinets, you want to provide plenty of accents in your bathroom that offset the industrial aesthetic of your stainless steel fixtures. Bamboo can be an excellent option, providing a warmer tone and texture that contrasts the metal surface of your cabinets. Designing with metal cabinets also doesn't mean you need to stick to a singular tone in order to achieve a cohesive bathroom design. In fact, there are plenty of spaces that successfully mix metal tones to curate an aesthetically pleasing space. This process starts with choosing the dominant metal around your space, for example a room with stainless steel cabinetry will most likely employ a dominant silver scheme. If you're adding other metal tones, be mindful of the warmth and coolness, and choose metals that complement one another.