Learn how to choose the perfect cabinetry for your new home

1. Decide on the room’s hero feature

Many people spend a considerable amount of money on stone benchtops because they prefer their benches to be the room’s focal point. In this case, it’s important that your cabinetry frames.

‘If your benchtop has a yellow-based undertone, then it’s best to select a yellow-based Woodmatt colour such as Oak,’ explains Marylou. ‘If it has a redder or browner base, then Walnut Woodmatt colours are ideal.’

Lighter coloured benchtops tend to contain a more yellow, grey or red pigment, meaning solid cabinetry in a similar hue tends to work well. ‘For example, Blossom White matches the majority of natural and engineered white stone benchtops that are on the market,’ says Marylou.

2. Select your finish

The choice of cabinetry finishes is endless – from bright and glossy to matt timber grains. Belinda suggests selecting your cabinetry finish first, as this’ll determine the colours available in that range. 

‘Two key finishes that have become the industry benchmark for joinery are Smooth and Woodmatt –  especially when used together,’ adds Marylou. ‘Smooth is a beautiful new finish that has subtle luminescence and evokes a quality look and feel – it’s not glossed, it’s not matt; it’s somewhere in-between.

‘Our Woodmatt range includes many natural timber tones to suit any kitchen colour scheme.’

3. Choose your cabinetry profile

No longer reserved exclusively for Hamptons or classy country interiors, profiled cabinetry can make a bold and beautiful statement in any home.

Different door profiles evoke different feelings in the space. For example, a flat square or bevelled edge door in a smooth finish provides a contemporary look, while thermolaminated doors offer a more traditional finish.

‘To create a relaxed yet contemporary feel, use door styles such as Chifley, Sussex, Ascot, or Calcutta in smooth solid colours,’ suggests Marylou. ‘Or to add a nostalgic upmarket touch inspired by art deco and mid-century design detailing, select the stunning fluted Cove, textural ribbed Calcutta 10, or the new triangular Peak profile.’

Hot tip: ‘For the budget conscious, add profiled doors to the overheads and pantry where they’ll have the greatest impact while keeping the base cabinets a modest, solid colour,’ suggests Belinda.

4. Be practical with your colour choices

Prefer your kitchen and bathrooms to be bright and colourful? ‘Many people are loving a pop of colour in their cabinetry while keeping their benchtops a black or white marble,’ says Belinda.

Just be practical about your choices and remember that longevity is key. Marylou suggests scouring Pinterest and the polytec website to get a clear idea of your favourite shades.

‘Most of the time, there’ll be a common theme or colour palette that you gravitate towards, which means you’ll probably prefer that look for the long run,’ says Marylou. ‘polytec have boards on Pinterest that showcase most of our colours to give you an idea of how your selections will look.’

Hot tip: Want to create a modern or contemporary home featuring darker cabinetry? ‘Make sure to invest in a textured finish specifically designed to hide fingerprints and small marks,’ suggests Belinda.

5. Avoid unsightly clashes

Watch for mismatches in colours and textures. ‘This is particularly important tonally if you’re choosing timber floors or timber furniture and pairing them with timber-look cabinetry. It can quickly become unsightly,’ advises Belinda. ‘If you can’t find timber cabinetry that matches your timber flooring, consider making your lower cabinetry a solid tone to help separate the two.’

6. Consider your accents

Once you’ve chosen your benchtop and cabinetry finishes, you need to think about how you’ll tie the space together. ‘Smaller accents can help enhance the space and frame a feature colour – think brass tapware with a deep green cabinetry or darker tapware with a more monochromatic palette,’ says Belinda.