Historically, for most people, cabinets were cabinets. From their beginning, kitchen cabinet styles were cubicles with or without doors on them that hung on kitchen walls. Eventually base cabinets were added as housewives acquired additional kitchenware and had to have a place to store it. The cabinets weren't intended to be nice to look at, because they were supposed to be functional. Exceptions to this norm were in the palatial residences of the wealthy who had elaborately-carved wood and custom-designed cabinetry.

During the Victorian times, cabinetry, as with the taste in furniture, wallpaper, and carpets, was very ornate, built using fine hardwoods. You may have had the opportunity to visit some of these vintage homes and see the elaborate cabinetry wealthy people enjoyed. Kitchen cabinet styles were basically limited to what people could afford.

Modern cabinets have evolved into several different styles in many different price ranges to meet the needs of every homeowner. Instead of just being basic boxes containing shelves any longer, there are numerous specialty cabinets you can choose from, such as a pantry, a cabinet with a fold-out shelf for a heavy appliance, or open plate racks. Cabinets are built using solid woods like oak, cherry, maple, and birch in addition to those with melamine or wood veneers. Tastes can vary from modern contemporary styles to elaborate, hand-carved units. It all depends on what you want.

The initial thing to consider when selecting a kitchen cabinet style is the architectural style of your home. Many people would rather have kitchen cabinets that look good with the home décor which makes their kitchen appear that it is an integral part of the rest of the house. The most popular styles that that are available for kitchen cabinets include:
* Traditional – formal kitchen cabinet style with hardwoods, dark stains, and
polished brass hardware. Conforms
with the styles of the 18th and 19th century.
* Contemporary – sleek, streamlined cabinetry with simple, basic lines and flush
doors. Can be built of many different materials, such as wood, glass, laminates,
chrome, or stainless steel.
* Shaker – extremely simple, plain wood cabinets
finished with dyes and oils.
* Country – simple lines for a very laid back look.
Finished with paints or stains and either with or without doors
* Rustic – knotty pine, strap hinges, and simple kitchen cabinet
style.
* French Country – European styling with
intricate, carved moldings and even feet,
more like furniture than kitchen cabinets.
* Arts and Crafts – Square, bold lines
created in Mission style. Often of oak.
* Cottage – casual and cozy with mismatchedstylescabinetry,finishes, and hardware.

With all of these different kitchen cabinet styles to select from, there's sure to be one that will look great in your home and blend your kitchen into your overall décor. You can also add individual spins to the styles of some of the cabinets. For instance, you might want to consider adding leaded glass inserts to the doors or finish them with speciality glazes and exotic hardware. As you can see, kitchen cabinets aren't just cubes any more. They're a statement of your good taste.