Top 10 Questions Homeowners Ask Before Designing a Custom Kitchen

Designing a new kitchen is exciting—but also overwhelming. There are cabinets, layouts, appliances, lighting, and dozens of details that need to work together. At Sebior, we design custom kitchen cabinetry for homeowners in Chicago, the North Shore, and Milwaukee every day, and we hear the same important questions from almost every client.

If you’re beginning the planning process, here are the top 10 questions to think through before you finalize your new kitchen design.

1. Should I choose stock, semi-custom, or fully custom cabinets?

Stock cabinets are pre-made, limited in size, and offer minimal design flexibility.

Semi-custom cabinets allow for some adjustments, but still follow catalog restrictions.

Fully custom cabinets are designed around your exact kitchen—your measurements, your storage needs, and your home’s architecture.

All Sebior cabinets are crafted in our Wisconsin workshop. Nothing is outsourced overseas. This ensures consistent quality, stronger builds, and better control over fit and finish. We also pair our cabinetry with Austrian-engineered hardware known for long-lasting durability and smooth operation.

2. What’s the difference between framed and frameless (European-style) cabinets?

Framed cabinets include a face frame around each opening, creating a more traditional look but reducing interior space.

Frameless (European-style) cabinets eliminate the face frame, offering:

• Wider interior access
• More usable storage
• Cleaner, modern lines
• Better fit for contemporary homes

Sebior specializes in frameless cabinetry because it offers maximum storage and a sleek aesthetic perfect for modern Chicago and Milwaukee homes.

3. How much should I budget for custom kitchen cabinets?

A realistic budget depends on cabinet quantity, door style, materials, storage upgrades, and lighting. In most remodels, cabinetry accounts for 30–40% of the kitchen budget.

We work closely with clients to understand their priorities and design a layout that makes the greatest visual and functional impact within their investment range.

4. Which kitchen layout is best for my space?

Popular layout options include:

• L-shaped: ideal for open floor plans
• U-shaped: lots of storage and counter space
• Galley: perfect for condos or narrow kitchens
• Island layouts: great for cooking + entertaining

We evaluate your footprint, workflow, and cooking habits to create a layout that feels natural and efficient every day.

5. How do I choose the right door style and finish?

Your door style sets the visual tone. Consider:

• Your home’s architecture (traditional vs modern)
• Light levels (dark finishes may feel heavier)
• Maintenance (matte hides fingerprints better than gloss)

Sebior offers Signature, Designer, Modern, and Classic door series for a range of looks—from warm woodgrain to clean painted finishes.

6. Are drawers better than doors in base cabinets?

In many kitchens, yes. Drawers maximize access and eliminate the need to crouch and reach into dark cabinet spaces.

We recommend:

• Deep drawers for pots and pans
• Medium drawers for dishes
• Shallow drawers for utensils and prep tools

Drawers create a more functional kitchen that supports real everyday use.

7. How important is lighting in a custom kitchen?

Lighting is one of the most transformative elements of any kitchen remodel. We layer:

• Recessed ceiling lighting
• Pendant lighting over islands
• Under-cabinet lighting for prep work
• Interior or toe-kick lighting for ambiance

Good lighting makes your counters brighter, your backsplash more visible, and your kitchen feel warm and inviting.

8. What storage solutions should I include?

Storage is where custom cabinetry shines. Consider adding:

• Pull-out trash and recycling centers
• Tall pantry pull-outs
• Deep drawers for cookware
• Tray dividers for baking sheets
• Corner solutions like LeMans units
• Spice pull-outs and utensil organizers

We design every kitchen around how you cook, where you need things, and your family’s daily routines.

9. How long does a custom kitchen take?

Typical timelines:

• Design + selections: 2–4 weeks
• Engineering + production: 6–10 weeks
• Installation: 3–7 days

We coordinate closely with your contractor to keep everything on schedule.

10. How do I choose the right cabinetry company?

Look for:

• Real project photos
• Transparent timelines
• Custom design capabilities
• High-quality materials and hardware
• Local production

Sebior cabinets are made in Wisconsin using premium materials and Austrian-engineered hardware for exceptional durability and performance. This combination of American craftsmanship and European engineering creates cabinetry that lasts for decades.

Ready to Start Designing Your Custom Kitchen?

If you’re remodeling a home in Chicago, Evanston, Glenview, Winnetka, Wilmette, Vernon Hills, Lake Zurich, Palatine, Kenosha, or Milwaukee, our team can help you plan cabinetry, lighting, storage, and layout decisions from the very beginning.

Schedule a design consultation to begin your custom kitchen project with Sebior.