Arched cabinets in the kitchen. Updating cathedral cabinet doors to make them look modern

Architectural details like cathedral arched kitchen cabinets can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any kitchen. These cabinets are characterized by a gracefully curved arch at the top of the cabinet door, giving them a unique look that can instantly elevate the design of your kitchen. However, if you have a kitchen with a more modern or contemporary design, you may be wondering how to update the look of your arched cabinets kitchen to make them fit in with the rest of your kitchen decor.

In this blog, we will explore some tips and tricks for updating your arched raised panel kitchen cabinets to make them more suitable for a modern kitchen setting. We will discuss some design ideas and techniques that can help you transform your kitchen cabinets with cathedral doors into a stylish and functional element of your kitchen, without sacrificing their unique architectural charm. Whether you are planning a full kitchen remodel or simply looking for ways to refresh your kitchen cabinets with arched doors, this article will provide you with some valuable insights and inspiration for achieving a modern and sophisticated look with your arched cathedral kitchen cabinets.

Types of arched-style cabinets in the kitchen

Before we dive deeper into the different ideas on how to update a cathedral raised panel cabinet door, let’s first determine what is kitchen cabinets arched doors. Cathedral-style kitchen cabinets are cabinets with an elegantly curving arch at the top of the cabinet door that resembles the arches of conventional cathedrals or churches. The cabinets' inner panel curved shape gives them an elegant appearance that might offer your kitchen a hint of architectural intrigue.

• Arch top cabinet door

Arch top kitchen cabinets have a curved arch at the top of the cabinet door, giving them a distinctive and opulent appearance that can immediately improve the kitchen's decor. Depending on the arch panel kitchen cabinets' style and design, the arch cabinet door top may be more apparent or subtle. If you’re aiming for a more modern or minimalist look in your kitchen, you can choose to make your arch cabinet doors subtle or modest in appearance. 

• Double arch door cabinet

Double arch kitchen cabinet doors have two arches at the top and at the bottom of the cabinet door, giving the design a more complex and refined appearance. This type of kitchen cabinet door with an arch is frequently used in classic or elaborate kitchen designs and can give your room a touch of opulence and sophistication. 

• Cathedral cabinet door

The arch top cabinet doors of cathedral design cabinets have a tall, narrow arch that resembles the pointed arches found in gothic architecture. This cabinet style, which is frequently seen in homes with a more formal or vintage style, can give your kitchen a classic and traditional look.

• Double cathedral door cabinets

Two tall, slender arches are included at the top and bottom of double-arched kitchen cabinet doors giving the piece a dramatic, eye-catching look. This cabinet door with arch panel type, which is frequently used in opulent and elaborate kitchen designs, and can give your kitchen a feeling of grandeur and elegance. The intricate design of double cathedral arch cabinet doors can be enhanced with the use of decorative moldings, carvings, or embellishments, further adding to the grandeur of the design. Double cathedral arch cabinets are a popular choice for homeowners who want to create a sense of luxury and elegance in their kitchen.

How to modernize cathedral cabinets?

If you're looking to update your kitchen, cathedral cabinets may feel a bit outdated. The good news is that there are several ways to give a cathedral cabinet door makeover a modern twist while still preserving its timeless beauty. In this section, we'll explore some tips and tricks for modernizing your kitchen cabinets, from simple changes like updating hardware to more involved projects like repainting or refacing your cabinets.

1. Paint the cabinets

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to modernize your cathedral-style cabinets is to paint them. Oak cabinets with cathedral doors usually have a natural grain of wood effect on their surface. Updating cathedral oak cabinets involves repainting them. Painted cathedral oak cabinets look much sleeker and more modern compared to the natural wood cabinet surface design. Painting oak cathedral kitchen cabinets is pretty straightforward. This is also one of the reasons why many homeowners prefer oak cathedral kitchen cabinets. Choose a light, neutral color like white painted cathedral oak cabinets or grey to give the cabinets a fresh, modern look. 

2. Change the hardware

While painted arched kitchen cabinets are a good method to modernize a traditional cabinet design, there is, however, a growing audience wanting to modernize kitchen cabinets which involves more complex updates. Swapping out the cabinet hardware can also help modernize the look of your cabinets. Choose sleek and modern hardware like brushed nickel or stainless steel to give your cabinets a contemporary edge.

3. Add lighting

Under-cabinet lighting can make a big difference in modernizing your cabinets. Install LED strip lighting underneath the cabinets to add a warm and inviting glow to your kitchen.

4. Remove decorative elements

Cathedral-style cabinets often have decorative moldings or embellishments that can make them look outdated. Consider removing these elements to give the cabinets a cleaner and more modern look.

5. Replace the doors

If your cabinets are in good condition, but you still want to modernize the look, consider replacing just the cabinet doors. Choose simple, flat-panel doors for a sleek and contemporary look.

6. Add glass inserts

If you want to add some visual interest to your cathedral cabinets painted white, consider adding glass inserts to the doors. This will give your cabinets a more modern and open look, while still retaining their unique architectural charm.

7. Mix and match

To fully modernize your cathedral-style cabinets, pair them with modern elements like stainless steel appliances, a sleek backsplash, or a minimalistic countertop. This will create a cohesive and contemporary look throughout your kitchen. Cathedral cabinets, for example, are originally for traditional spaces but adding or painting it in white cathedral arch kitchen cabinet doors will make a kitchen space appear modern. You can also pair white kitchen cabinets with arched doors with dark or bold contrasting colors to create distinction and character.

Different arched cabinet styles you'll see in kitchens

If you are looking for different arched cabinets style, there are a lot of options available in the market today. Here are a few of them.