Joinery 101: Choosing the Right Cabinetry Style for Your Kitchen

Designing a kitchen is a bit like baking a really good cake — it looks simple on the surface, but the ingredients and method make all the difference. One of the most critical (and costly) ingredients in any kitchen design is your cabinetry. As an interior designer, cabinetry is one of the first elements I work through with clients. Why? Because the material, finish, and profile all shape how your kitchen will look, feel, and function — and yes, how far your budget will stretch.

Here’s a breakdown of how I approach cabinetry selection in a kitchen renovation:

1. Material Matters

The finish you choose isn’t just aesthetic — it impacts durability, cost, and maintenance. These are the most common options I work with:

• Laminate:
  A cost-effective option that’s come a long way. These days, laminate can look surprisingly high-end, especially in flat fronts. It’s low-maintenance and great for families, but you won’t get a profiled front - however, strategic use of handles can really lift the overall finish.

• 2PAC (Painted Polyurethane):
  A popular choice for a reason. It’s sprayed directly onto the board, allowing for custom colours and a wide range of profiles (Shaker, V-groove, curved, etc). It gives a clean, tailored look, but it’s more a little delicate than laminate — chips and scratches can happen but this shouldn’t scare you off.

• Timber Veneer:
  Want warmth and texture without the cost of solid timber? Veneer gives you that rich, natural look with consistency. It needs to be sealed properly and cared for, but it ages beautifully and can elevate a kitchen instantly. I love pairing it with solid colours for contrast.

• Solid Timber (sometimes):
  Used more sparingly these days, but great for feature elements like handles or shelving. It's high maintenance and costly, but beautiful when used thoughtfully.

Our beautiful Myrtle House featuring Laminex cabinetry.

2. Profiles: The Shape of Style

The shape (or profile) of your cabinet fronts will determine not just your aesthetic, but often the finish that’s possible.

• Flat/Slab:
  Clean, minimal and modern. Works well with laminate or veneer. Great if you want to play with colour or texture elsewhere.

• Shaker:
  A classic favourite that suits everything from coastal to country to contemporary. It almost always requires 2PAC, which gives you flexibility in colour but bumps up the cost.

• V-Groove / Fluted / Reeded:
  Big on texture, big on trend. These styles add instant character but are harder to clean. Best done in 2PAC or timber veneer.

• Curves:
  Beautiful in the right space but need to be considered early — they impact cost, fabrication, and layout. Usually done in 2PAC or veneer for a seamless finish.

Basically - The more detail in your door, the more likely you’re looking at 2PAC or veneer. Laminate prefers to keep things simple.

3. Budget Real Talk

Here’s how these choices typically play out cost-wise:

• Laminate fronts: $

• 2PAC painted fronts: $$

• Timber veneer fronts: $$$

Add to that the cost of drawer internals, custom inserts, pull-out pantries, integrated appliances... and you can see how cabinetry eats a big slice of the budget pie.

The key is knowing where to spend and where to simplify. I often suggest investing in visible, high-use areas — and simplifying in the secondary spaces. A clever mix of finishes can give you a beautiful result without blowing the budget.

Final Thoughts

Cabinetry is the backbone of your kitchen — it sets the tone and carries the weight (literally). Whether you're dreaming of clean lines, vintage curves, or something earthy and organic, the right joinery choices make it all come together.

If you're in the Mornington Peninsula and want a kitchen that's not only beautiful but actually works for your life — let’s talk. I’ll handle the details so you can focus on enjoying your home (and maybe baking that cake).