Custom or modular kitchen cabinets? One of the main questions every person who’s considering or going through a kitchen renovation asks themselves. It’s no secret that modular kitchen cabinets offer trendy finishes at a fraction of the cost. On the other hand, custom kitchen cabinets provide timeless results, but are on the pricier side.
The tricky part comes when you’re deciding which option is best for you. In this article, we’ll help you find out. We’ll go over what each type of cabinetry has to offer, give you a side-by-side comparison, and tell you when it’s best to choose modular kitchen cabinets and when investing the extra money in custom cabinetry is worth it.
Also, Nowadays, people in Australia, especially those who live in Melbourne, Balwyn, Toorak, Camberwell, Kew, and surrounding suburbs, are being drawn towards environmentally friendly activities, and using eco-friendly cabinetry has become trendy among them. This mindset has affected the choice between modular kitchen cabinets and non-modular kitchen cabinets. So, get comfortable and let’s get to it!
What Are Modular Kitchen Cabinets?
If you are wondering, ‘What is a modular cabinet?’ In fact, recently, modular cabinetry has been on the right track and gone from strength to strength. Companies provide their buyers with all set to go cabinets which are equipped with soft self-closing hinges, and also the organisers which have been built inside them. Actually, the design of modular kitchen cabinets by IKEA is done based on your needs and your place’s circumstances. They are manufactured in bulk at off-site factories, delivered flat-packed or pre-assembled, and then installed as is.
One of their appealing features in recent years has been how they’ve given back their buyers a sense of control and customisability. It’s not one size that fits all anymore; it’s multiple sizes and designs. Nowadays, you won’t have any problems finding modular stainless steel, PVC, or MDF kitchen cabinets. Still, they’re most commonly available in medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with laminate or thermofoil finishes. Here, you can see one of the modular kitchen cabinet design images:
But onto the main question, who should use modular kitchen cabinets? You can be the perfect candidate if:
- You’re on a tight timeline or budget;
- Your kitchen layout is fairly standard;
- Or you’re furnishing a rental, investment property, or short-term home.
Fortunately, modular kitchen cabinets are now quicker than ever to be delivered and installed. They are more affordable upfront, and if any part of them is harmed while being installed or used, you can easily grab yourself a replacement through the manufacturer or distributor.
However, you should be aware that, as much as modular kitchen cabinet manufacturers have evolved their portfolio, these cabinets still offer a limited design selection. If your kitchen is tricky or unconventionally shaped, it’ll be harder to find IKEA modular kitchen cabinets for it. Even if you do, their durability might not be ideal, as it heavily depends on the materials used in them.
The Best Colour Combinations for Modular Kitchen Cabinets
Colour theories can be one of the best and easiest ways to make the decoration of your kitchen fascinating. No matter if you are searching for a small kitchen design or a big one. The team for IKEA modular kitchen cabinets not only enjoys some professional colour theorists but also the best psychological colour scientists. Their eye for colour always suggests the most suitable combinations based on architecture and the type of weather at the considered point. You can use various types of cabinets in modular kitchens with these colour combinations:
| Look and Style | Colour and Combination | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bright & Airy | White + Wood grain | Small apartments, open-plan homes |
| Modern & Sleek | Grey + Matte Black | Minimalist contemporary kitchens |
| Fresh & Calming | Sage green + Cream | Eco-conscious home, natural light spaces |
| Luxury & Classic | Navy blue + Brass accents | Perid homes, statement kitchens |
What Are Custom Kitchen Cabinets?
Custom kitchen cabinets, on the other hand, are pretty self-explanatory. They are made-to-order non-modular cabinets that fit your exact kitchen design, layout, dimensions, and style. Custom cabinets are usually handmade by artisans or CNC-built by cabinetmakers or joinery specialists.
With these non-modular kitchen cabinets, you get control over everything, from the kitchen cabinet materials and finishes (including wood, veneer, laminates) to colours and internal organisation and hardware, as well as the size, depth, and height of each cabinet. You can even customise these cabinets according to your kitchen lighting.
The process of getting custom cabinets usually starts with a comprehensive consultation with you, during which your kitchen’s dimensions are meticulously measured and factors like your home’s design and personal preferences are documented. After that, the cabinets are designed, and finally, they are fabricated within 8-10 weeks in climate-controlled workshops.
The most interesting part of these cabinets is the use of technology integration. Custom cabinets come with smart extensions. You may ask, ‘How?!’ With some hidden charging drawers, appliance storage units which slide out, plus LED strip lights which make them really eye-catching. By the way, their sensor-based bins are amazing, aren’t they?
So, if you have an unusual floor plan or ceiling height, or if you want high-end, cohesive design, or even if you’re looking for smart storage that accommodates how frequently you cook, custom cabinets are the better choice for you.
They provide seamless fitting with no awkward spaces or gaps, offer a timeless style that’s tailored to your taste, and also act as a long-term home investment, with an average RoI (Return on Investment) of 10-15%. This means that by getting custom kitchen cabinetry, you can increase the value of your home by 10-15%.
If you live in Australia or any corner of the world and have struggled to find custom cabinets nearby, take a journey through our website.
Key Differences Between Modular and Custom Cabinets: 5 Determinant Factors
As promised before, it’s time for a side-by-side comparison of custom and modular kitchen cabinets. Here’s what you need to know:
1- Design and Flexibility
Although you can get non-customised kitchen cabinets in a variety of forms (e.g. modular outdoor kitchen cabinets, modular kitchen corner cabinets, and more), they simply can’t offer the flexibility and diversity of custom kitchen cabinets.
| Function / Cabinet Type | Modular Kitchen Cabinets | Custom Kitchen Cabinets |
| Design and Flexibility | – Comes in fixed dimensions. – Limited layout changes. – Filler panels often needed to cover gaps. | – Made to fit exact spaces. – Accommodates angled walls, awkward corners, tall ceilings. – Integrates appliances or hidden storage with ease. |
2- Installation Timeline
When it comes to the kitchen cabinet installation timeline, IKEA modular kitchen cabinets have a relative advantage. They are quick and easy to install and can often be DIYed by the buyers. Custom cabinets, on the other hand, need professional design, measurements, and installation.
| Function / Cabinet Type | Modular Kitchen Cabinets | Custom Kitchen Cabinets |
| Installation Timeline | – Quicker turnaround, with some getting ready in under a week. – Minimal site work needed. | – Usually -takes longer (8-10 weeks, depending on complexity). – Includes design consults, site measurements, and production time. |
3- Materials and Build Quality
Although it’s technically possible to get quality modern modular kitchen cabinets that can last you a good few years, custom cabinetry provides noticeably higher quality and durability.
| Function / Cabinet Type | Modular Kitchen Cabinets | Custom Kitchen Cabinets |
| Materials and Build Quality | – Typically made with MDF or particleboard. – Laminated exteriors, basic hardware. | – Can include solid wood, polywood, hardwood ply, or eco-friendly alternatives. – More robust hinges, drawer slides, and finishes. |
4- Cost and Expenses
Despite everything, cost and expenses are one of the most important determining factors when it comes to the decision between kitchen modular cabinets and custom ones. Modular cabinets are notorious for being more affordable and lowering the overall kitchen renovation costs. But is short-term affordability more important than long-term investment? That’s a decision for you to make.
| Function / Cabinet Type | Modular Kitchen Cabinets | Custom Kitchen Cabinets |
| Cost and Expenses | – Lower upfront cost. – Budget-friendly for rental properties or temporary homes. | – Higher initial investment. – Long-term value due to durability and personalisation. |
5- Repairs and Modifications
Last but not least, modular kitchen cabinets are seemingly easier to repair and find replacements for. At the same time, it takes much longer for custom cabinets to get to the stage where they actually need repairs.
| Function / Cabinet Type | Modular Kitchen Cabinets | Custom Kitchen Cabinets |
| Repairs and Modifications | – Harder to modify later. – Matching old parts can be tricky if discontinued. | – Easily adapted to future changes. – Refinish or repair individual pieces without compromising the full design. |
6- Sustainability
Think green. Doesn’t it matter to you to ensure long-term environmental health for the next generations? Custom and modular kitchen cabinets offer some options for their clients, with which you can have a wide variety of choices to make your kitchen not only glamorous but also eco-friendly. IKEA is here to give you a hand to leave a lighter footprint for the next generations, while having an appealing kitchen decoration. Therefore, you can have the best modular kitchen cabinets in design and colour.
By the way, if you are hunting high and low to turn up the Top Kitchen Colour Schemes Trending in Melbourne Homes, rely on us.
| Function / Cabinet Type | Modular Kitchen Cabinets | Custom Kitchen Cabinets |
| Repairs and Modifications | – Utilizing eco-laminates and MDF with low VOC glues.- Having a limited lifetime, it may need to be replaced in 5-10 years. | -Being built with timbers which are certified by FSC and recycled materials.- Having a longer lifespan |
When Modular Makes Sense
Despite what you might think (seeing as we’re a custom joinery business, we should rationally tell you to get custom cabinets, no matter what), there are a few cases where we recommend you get modular kitchen cabinets. For example, if you’re short on time and need off-shelf solutions fast, custom cabinets might not be the best solution. Other cases where modular kitchen cabinets make more sense include when:
- You’re working with a limited budget and need a fast solution.
- Your kitchen layout is a standard straight-line with no odd corners.
- You’re doing a quick renovation flip or styling an investment property.
- You’re okay with a less personalised result and want function over flair.
Still, you should never forget that modular kitchen cabinets are a temporary solution at best, and you may end up replacing or modifying things sooner than expected.
Why Homeowners Are Choosing Custom Cabinets in 2025
But at the end of the day, Silk Touch Joinery IS a custom joinery business, and not telling you why you need to choose custom cabinets is the equivalent of cheating on this mutual, digital relationship that we’ve got going. So, aside from the general advantages that make it clear why custom cabinets are a good idea, here is when you absolutely need to consider custom kitchen cabinets, seriously so.
- If you’re also a fan of the open-plan recent trend, and want cabinetry that flows seamlessly into your dining and lounge areas.
- If you’re in need of custom units that can match built-ins, floating shelves, or media cabinetry.
- If you’re an eco-conscious consumer who wants longevity over landfill, because custom solutions last for decades.
Additionally, for family homes, you need soft-close everything, kid-safe corners, and deep storage, which can easily be granted through tailored cabinets.
Real Talk: Is Custom Worth the Extra Cost?
We’re not gonna pretend it’s cheap because it’s not. Getting custom cabinets designed and fabricated for you can cost a pretty penny. But most homeowners who choose custom cabinetry say they’d never go back. That’s gotta be for a reason, right?
The fact of the matter is that with custom cabinetry, you’re not just paying for the material. There’s much more that goes into your cabinets, including perfectly fitting designs, optimum kitchen storage, and a layout that actually works. In essence, custom cabinetry goes beyond the looks of your kitchen and transforms its functionality, which, in turn, adds to your home value, which can’t be said about IKEA kitchen decoration.
Final Verdict: Modular vs Custom Kitchen Cabinets
To truly find the best cabinetry for your kitchen reno, you have to consider budget, deadline, kitchen cabinet layout, and preferences (for example, are you a big cook or design lover?). If you decide to go with modular kitchen cabinets, you know where to find those. But if not, Silk Touch Joinery might be your solution!
With years of experience in serving Melbourne and its surrounding suburbs, we offer custom cabinets that are not only durable and perfectly fit for your kitchen, but also affordable. We can help you with a variety of solutions, including, but not limited to:
- Floor-to-ceiling cabinets
- Island cabinets with seating
- Floating cabinets
- Modern, handle-less slab cabinets
- Two-tone shaker-style cabinets
- Open shelving and/or concealed cabinets
- Smart storage cabinets
All you have to do is contact us for a complimentary cabinet consultation in Melbourne, Balwyn, Toorak, Camberwell, Kew, and the surrounding areas, and tell us your needs. So, we will prepare the best custom or modular kitchen cabinets and accessories based on your requirements and taste as soon as possible or even at a glance!
FAQs
You may have some questions now to compare these two styles. Let’s have a look at some of them shortly.
1- Which Style Makes more Resale Value in Melbourne?
Generally, custom cabinets increase the price of your property more since they have higher quality and also fit much better.
2- Are Modular Cabinets Suitable for Heritage or Period Homes?
Honestly, custom cabinets preserve the character of houses. However, modular kitchen cabinets can work in these properties if they are equipped with filler panels.
3. Is It Possible to Combine Modular and Custom Cabinets?
Why not! A lot of Melbourne, Balwyn, Toorak, Camberwell, and Kew homeowners mix the modular bases, which are budget-friendly with custom fronts and benchtops.
4. When Are Modular Stainless Steel Kitchen Cabinets a Best Fit?
Well, if the durability is an important factor for you, and also, you cannot afford top dollar, or you have the matter of time to fully customize your cabinets, stainless steel modular cabinets are a strong option. Additionally, for the rental Melbourne houses located in the coastal areas with humid and moist weather, this style is top-notch. So, go for it.