Why Cabinet Design Should Lead Kitchen Planning—and Set the Tone for the Entire Home

By: Justin Sharer, Owner of Sharer Design Group and Bespoke Cabinetry Expert

In both kitchen design and new construction, cabinetry should be the very first step in the planning process. Cabinets are not simply storage solutions—they are a framework that influences the layout, flow, and architectural decisions of the entire home. In the kitchen especially, cabinetry determines how the space functions day to day, but in new construction, those same cabinet decisions often extend far beyond one room, setting the design language and expectations for the rest of the house.

From a kitchen standpoint, cabinets dictate layout and workflow before any finishes are selected. Appliance placement, aisle widths, island sizing, and seating clearances are all driven by cabinet dimensions and configurations. When cabinets are designed early, the kitchen functions efficiently and feels intentional rather than forced. Without this foundation, designers and builders are often left adjusting layouts later to accommodate appliances or correct spacing issues—changes that can compromise both design and budget.

In new construction, cabinetry impacts far more than the kitchen alone. Cabinet heights influence ceiling treatments, soffits, window placement, and overall room proportions. The kitchen often serves as the visual anchor of the home, and the style, finish, and level of detail chosen for the cabinetry typically carry through to mudrooms, built-ins, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and even furniture-style elements throughout the house. When cabinetry is thoughtfully planned from the start, the home feels cohesive and well considered rather than pieced together.

Early cabinet design also plays a critical role in coordinating appliances, mechanicals, and structural elements. Venting, electrical, plumbing, and framing decisions all rely on accurate cabinet specifications. In new builds, having cabinets designed upfront allows builders to make smarter decisions early, preventing rework and ensuring trades are aligned from the beginning. This level of coordination saves time, reduces change orders, and keeps construction moving smoothly.

Budget clarity is another key benefit of starting with cabinetry. Because cabinets represent a major investment and affect labor and materials across multiple rooms, early planning provides realistic cost expectations. Builders, designers, and homeowners can make informed decisions with confidence, avoiding last-minute upgrades or compromises that often arise when cabinetry is addressed too late.

Ultimately, cabinets set the tone for the entire home. They establish the aesthetic direction, define how spaces connect, and influence how the house lives on a daily basis. When cabinet design leads the planning process—especially in new construction—the result is a home that feels intentional, functional, and elevated from the moment you walk through the door.