Amongst home improvement projects, kitchen renovations are the most popular. It is easy to understand why. Today's kitchens are the hub for living, the place where family members gather, where guests mix and mingle while their hosts make dinner. A well-designed kitchen can significantly boost the value of a home, while a dated kitchen can take away a home's value and detract buyers from appreciating other features of the house.

One of the most costly features in a kitchen renovation is cabinetry. In today's market, there are endless options available. What is right for you? Here are seven tips for selecting kitchen cabinets.

1. Getting the big picture

   Do you just want to increase the value of your home? Do you want a modern and hip kitchen? Or do you want a space to entertain your friends and family? Defining a clear goal will help you with planning and setting a budget for your kitchen remodel.

2. Defining your budget

   Kitchen cabinets usually account for 50% of your entire kitchen renovation budget. Having a budget in mind will help keep your project on track.

3. If form follows function, then form can also follow budget

   If the current layout meets your needs and if the current kitchen cabinets are in good shape, then you've just saved a lot of money. Instead of installing new cabinets, you can just paint your cabinets or reface them.

   Painting cabinets is the most economical solution, but can prove to be a labor intensive process. A professional finish requires stripping, sanding, priming, painting, sanding between coats, not to mention installing hardware.

   Cabinet refacing is where new cabinet doors and drawer fronts are added to original cabinets. It is one of the simplest solutions for a kitchen renovation. In terms of installation time, cabinet refacing is also ideal. It only takes 3 to 5 days from start to finish, whereas installing new cabinets can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months. Clearly, if you have a tight budget, painting cabinets or cabinet refacing are the way to go.

4. All Storage Cabinets are Not Created Equal

   There are three types of kitchen cabinets: custom, semi-custom, and stock.

   Custom cabinets are cabinets that are made exact to your measurements and specifications. With custom cabinets, you are only limited by your budget and imagination. In terms of features, the sky's the limit. You can tailor cabinets to fit odd spaces and take advantage of every square inch of your kitchen to maximize storage. When it comes colors and finishes, there is wide range of options available.

   Similar to custom cabinets, semi-custom cabinets are also built to your specifications. However, they are made predetermined increments. This translates to occasional gaps in between storage cabinets that are filled with spacers.

   Stock cabinets are completely pre-made. They are the least expensive and have the fewest options. However, the quality can vary. Low end kitchen cabinets are made entirely of particle board. Mid-range stock cabinets are made with particle board cabinets and wood doors. High end cabinets are made entirely of solid wood.

5. Design is in the Cabinet Hardware and Doors

   When selecting cabinet doors, take into account that they have the biggest design impact in a kitchen renovation. Take into account how your cabinet doors will work with the architectural details in the room. If the look you're going for is a European kitchen, consider a cabinet door with a dark finish and paneled detail. If it's simplicity you're after, a plain cabinet door with glazed panels will open up the room and communicate clean lines and modernity.

   Cabinet doors are only the first layer of design. Hardware such as cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, and handles will add character and flourish to the design. When selecting cabinet hardware, coordinate it to the period of the house and the style of the cabinets. Bear in mind that function and comfort are also critical. For example, if a drawer is deep, it will require a larger cabinet knob or pull.

   Cabinet knobs are no longer limited to being round. They can be "T-shaped" or even bun-shaped. They can be flat or round like a ball.

   When installing cabinet hardware, be sure to position them carefully so that they blend into the cabinet. Poorly placed cabinet knobs will look off balance and can be an eyesore.

6. Organization Tools for Your Storage Cabinets

   You don't need to be content with just a box. There are now organizational inserts that will make your storage cabinets more efficient. Consider your storage needs and how you use your kitchen. You can insert Lazy-Susans to access tight corners. Slide-out drawers will prevent you from bending to retrieve your pots and pans. Built-in components can help you organize knives, spices, bakeware, and appliances.

7. Finding a Cabinet Makers

   Now that you are armed with the basics for selecting kitchen cabinetry, you are ready to work with a design professional with your kitchen renovation. Below are some recommended cabinet makers/manufacturers.