Many kitchen designers also handle cabinetry as part of a full-service remodel. That includes selecting cabinet styles and finishes, designing custom layouts for storage and flow, and coordinating cabinet installation as part of the overall kitchen design plan. At Vegas Kitchen Makeovers, I personally design cabinetry solutions that are tailored to how you cook, store, and live, and oversee every detail from planning to install.

Kitchen Designers That Do Cabinets
One of the most common misunderstandings I run into is the idea that cabinetry and kitchen design are two separate things. Many homeowners assume they’ll need to hire a designer to plan the space, then go shop cabinets somewhere else, or that cabinet choices come after the design is already done. That’s not how I work. And it’s not how a well-run kitchen remodel should happen.
As a kitchen remodeler based in Las Vegas, I build cabinetry into every stage of the process. From the moment we start talking about layout, workflow, and storage, we’re talking about cabinets. The materials, the style, the structure, and how it all supports the way you live in your kitchen, these are all part of the plan. Whether you’re working on a full kitchen renovation or just need better storage in a small kitchen design, the right cabinetry is the foundation.
I did my research and found out that cabinetry accounts for nearly 40% of the average kitchen remodel cost, making it the single largest investment in most projects. It’s not just about picking a door style you like, it’s about how your storage works, how durable your materials are, and whether your layout makes daily tasks easier or harder. When nearly half your budget is tied to one part of the kitchen, you want every inch of it to be designed with purpose.

Cabinets Should Fit the Way You Cook, Store, and Live
The first thing I look at in any kitchen is how it’s being used. You might have a walk-in pantry and still feel like you’re out of storage. It might have been a big island, but it’s cluttered with mail and mixers because nothing around it works. I walk into kitchens every week where the bones are fine, but the cabinets are working against the homeowner.
Every kitchen I design is based on real use. If you cook most nights, you probably need deep drawers near the range, a spice pull-out, and prep space with easy-to-reach tools. If you do a lot of baking, I’ll make sure your cabinetry has zones for trays, stand mixers, and ingredients you want tucked out of sight. If you’re designing your kitchen from the ground up, we can go even further with custom cabinet heights, drawer configurations, and built-in organizers that eliminate clutter entirely.
If you’re curious how I figure all this out, it starts with seeing your kitchen in person. I walk the space with you, ask questions, and pay attention to the details that matter. I go deeper into that process in my article, Kitchen Designers in Las Vegas That Come To Your House, where I explain why in-home consultations make such a difference in getting the design right.
Working Within the Realities of Your Kitchen Size
Every kitchen presents different challenges depending on its size and shape. Some clients are working with tight footprints and older layouts. Others have wide open plans with more space than they know what to do with. In both cases, cabinetry becomes the anchor. It controls storage, function, flow, and how usable your kitchen actually feels day to day.
When You’re Short on Space
In smaller kitchens, I focus on cabinetry that maximizes storage without making the room feel boxed in. That might mean going vertical with stacked cabinets, using floating shelves in the right places, or trading standard lowers for full-extension drawers that hold more and make access easier.
Pull-out pantry towers, corner cabinet inserts, and shallow spice pull-outs are some of the upgrades that make small kitchen remodels feel bigger than they are. I also look for opportunities to tuck in extra storage, sometimes under a folding dining table, inside a banquette, or in a custom island designed specifically for your floor plan.
In Larger, Open Kitchens
With more space, the challenge shifts to keeping the layout efficient. I think in terms of zones: prep, cook, clean-up, and serve. That allows us to design cabinetry that supports the rhythm of your daily routine.
Maybe you need a long island with built-in seating and drawers on both sides. You may want your coffee bar tucked behind cabinet doors so it doesn’t sit out all day. I’ve even worked with clients who wanted cabinetry that blends into the living space, pairing modern kitchen cabinets with shelving around a modern dining table.
Whether your space is tight or expansive, the goal is the same: cabinetry that supports how you live. When your cabinets are thoughtfully planned, everything from cleanup to entertaining feels easier and more intuitive.

Stock, Semi-Custom, or Custom? Here’s How I Help You Decide
Most people aren’t sure which type of cabinet is right for them until we talk through the tradeoffs. Some projects need full custom work. Others don’t. Here’s a simple way to compare options:
| Cabinet Type | Best For | Pros | Considerations |
| Stock Cabinets | Quick updates or basic layouts | Fast delivery, budget-friendly | Limited sizes and finishes |
| Semi-Custom | Most renovations | Wider range of styles and dimensions | Balanced price and options |
| Custom | Unique layouts or luxury finishes | Built to fit your exact space | Longer lead times, higher cost |
Whether you’re after shaker kitchen cabinets, a shaker style kitchen, or something more contemporary like slab fronts and concealed handles, the right choice depends on your budget, your timeline, and what your kitchen needs.
Materials, Finishes, and Construction
Cabinets don’t just vary in style. They vary in durability too. That’s something I walk every client through. A beautiful finish doesn’t mean much if the drawer box warps or the hinges fail in a year. I explain what’s behind the price differences and help you choose materials that hold up.
I’ll guide you through:
- Plywood versus particleboard construction
- Painted, stained, or thermofoil finishes
- Face-frame or frameless styles
- Soft-close hinges and full-extension glides
For outdoor kitchen designs or stainless steel kitchen areas, I’ll help you choose materials built to withstand heat and exposure.

Cabinet Trends and Lasting Style
I don’t chase trends, but I do pay attention to what’s working well in real homes. I’m seeing more homeowners embrace soft matte finishes, natural wood tones, and clean hardware. Gray kitchen cabinets are back, especially when paired with warm flooring or contrasting white upper cabinets.
Two-tone combinations, shaker kitchen cabinets in new colors, and handleless drawer fronts are all strong options in today’s kitchen upgrades. Whether you’re drawn to modern kitchens, rustic kitchen finishes, or bespoke kitchens with custom pantry features, I help you choose what feels right for you.
What My Installation Process Looks Like
Once we’ve finalized the cabinet plan and everything arrives, I stay on site during installation. I don’t disappear when the paperwork is done. I work with cabinet installers I trust and inspect everything myself.
What I check:
- Cabinets are level and aligned
- Doors and drawers operate smoothly
- Trim and filler pieces are seamless
- All hardware is properly placed
- Appliance clearances are accurate
Cabinet installation can make or break a kitchen renovation. I make sure it’s done right.
How to Prepare for Your Cabinet Design Consultation
The more we know at the beginning of a project, the better the result. That’s why I guide my clients through a few steps before we start sketching layouts or choosing styles. There is no need for blueprints or product lists. You just need to walk into the consultation with a clear picture of your everyday life in the kitchen.
Here’s how to get ready:
- Take inventory of what you store and where you keep it. If you’re constantly rearranging things to make room, that’s a design opportunity.
- Think about what frustrates you most in your current setup. Whether it’s a corner you can’t reach or drawers that stick, we’ll fix it.
- Be honest about your cooking habits. Do you meal prep once a week or cook every day? Do you host regularly or keep things low-key?
- Consider what’s changing. Are you planning to upgrade appliances, expand your family, or stay in the house for the long term? That helps us future-proof the design.
We’ll cover all of this in our initial meeting. But when you’ve thought about these things in advance, it allows us to move faster and make more confident decisions. This ultimately leads to a better outcome.

Budget Conversations That Make Sense
Whether you’re planning a full kitchen and bath remodeling project or just a kitchen redesign, cabinetry is likely the most significant part of your spend. I’m upfront about what affects the new kitchen cost and where we can adjust if needed.
We talk openly about:
- What your budget can do
- How layout changes affect pricing
- When to invest in upgrades and when to skip them
No hidden fees, no last-minute surprises. Just clear, realistic guidance.
Bringing It All Together
Cabinetry is not a side note in your renovation. It’s the core of the kitchen — functionally, visually, and financially. I help clients across Las Vegas design kitchens that are organized, beautiful, and personal.
From custom pantry builds to small kitchen upgrades, modern dining chair selections to integrated storage near your kitchen layout planner zone, I’m with you from first consult to final walk-through. And whether you need gray finishes, black kitchen cabinets, or a touch of warmth in a shaker style kitchen, I’ll make sure your design holds up over time.
If you’re ready to design a kitchen that works for how you live, I’d love to help you get started. Contact us today at Vegas Kitchen Makeovers.Â



