Cabinet Brand Showdown: Top Choices for Connecticut Kitchens
- Daniel Peragallo
- May 15
- 7 min read
Choosing cabinetry for your kitchen or bath remodel is a big deal: Not only are cabinets the largest single expense in a kitchen remodel, but their style, construction, and layout heavily impact how your kitchen looks, feels, and works for you.
The most successful remodels are ones based around your distinct styles and workflows.
A beautiful luxury kitchen made for an Airbnb or investment property won't impress a home baker. Likewise, a rustic baking focused kitchen might be a nightmare for a single minimalist businessperson.
Our approach at Peragallo is built on that idea: We give you an unlimited choice of cabinet suppliers and styles, and we help you pick cabinets and a layout that are built to benefit your lifestyle and workflow. In this guide, we break down six of the most trusted cabinet brands our clients ask about—Faircrest, Fabuwood, Shiloh, Siteline, Medallion, and Diamond—and explain how they compare. Then, we take a look at Wren and Form, two modern design-forward brands with a different focus.''
Table of Contents
Brand Overviews
Faircrest Cabinetry
Budget-friendly, semi-custom cabinets
Fabuwood Cabinetry
Quality, ready-to-assemble framed options
Shiloh Cabinetry
All-wood construction, made in the USA
Siteline Cabinetry
Custom features without the custom price
Medallion
Semi-custom flexibility with premium finishes
Diamond Cabinetry
Available at big box stores, surprisingly versatile
Designer & Specialty Cabinet Brands
Wren Cabinets
UK-based supplier popular for flat-panel designs
Form Cabinets
Minimalist German-designed cabinets with unique design options
Side-by-Side Brand Comparison
FAQ: Cabinet Shopping & Installation - Common questions answered
Further Reading: Cabinetry & Kitchen Remodeling
Faircrest Cabinetry Overview
Faircrest is a popular choice for budget-conscious remodels, especially for investment properties or quick-turn kitchen updates. It offers affordable framed cabinets, mostly preassembled, with a clean look and limited customization.
Best For:Â Entry-level projects, flips, rental properties, or modest kitchen makeovers.
Key Features:
Budget pricing with solid construction
Limited door styles and finishes
Quick shipping availability
Consider If You:Â Want the look of upgraded cabinetry without stretching your budget too far.
Fabuwood Cabinetry Overview
Fabuwood has carved a strong reputation in the semi-custom market. It offers all-plywood construction, well-finished interiors, and decent design flexibility at a midrange price point.
Best For:Â Homeowners who want an upgrade from builder-basic cabinets without diving into full custom.
Key Features:
Plywood boxes, soft-close doors and drawers standard
Stylish transitional and modern door styles
Good availability and dealer network
Consider If You:Â Want solid construction and style options on a reasonable budget.
Shiloh Cabinetry Overview
Shiloh is a family-owned American manufacturer known for its full-overlay designs, high-end materials, and consistent craftsmanship. It sits closer to the high-end spectrum but still offers competitive value.
Best For:Â High-quality renovations, forever homes, or clients who want long-term satisfaction.
Key Features:
All-wood construction
Paint and stain finish options with custom touches
Made in the USA
Consider If You:Â Want craftsmanship and are building your dream kitchen or bath.
Siteline Cabinetry Overview
Siteline hits the sweet spot between affordability and personalization. It offers more customization options than most semi-custom lines, including cabinet sizes, interior accessories, and finish variations.
Best For:Â Clients who need flexibility and style without going fully custom.
Key Features:
Broad material and finish palette
Adjustable cabinet sizing
Made-to-order with shorter lead times than full custom
Consider If You:Â Need more layout flexibility or unique sizing solutions.
Medallion Cabinetry Overview
Medallion is a premium semi-custom line known for its rich finishes and upscale detailing. It suits traditional and transitional spaces with elegance and a wide range of decorative options.
Best For:Â Luxury remodels where visual impact and cabinetry as a design feature matter.
Key Features:
High-end paints, glazes, and finishes
Semi-custom sizing, accessories, and storage
Framed and frameless options available
Consider If You:Â Want cabinetry that feels premium without going fully bespoke.
Diamond Cabinetry Overview
Diamond is widely available through national retailers like Lowe’s, but don’t let that fool you: it’s surprisingly versatile and durable when upgraded. A great mid-tier solution for many homes.
Best For:Â Value-conscious homeowners who want brand reliability and design variety.
Key Features:
Available in multiple lines: Vibe, Distinction, Edge
Framed construction with soft-close standard in higher tiers
Good variety of styles and finishes
Consider If You:Â Want a widely available brand with good features at a fair price.
Side-by-Side Brand Comparison
Brand | Construction | Customization | Price Range | Best Fit For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Faircrest | Framed, mixed materials | Limited | $ | Budget remodels, rentals |
Fabuwood | Plywood box, framed | Moderate | $$ | Midrange kitchens, durable upgrades |
Shiloh | All wood, framed | High | $$$ | High-end kitchens, long-term homes |
Siteline | Framed, semi-custom | High | $$-$$$ | Layout-specific or tight-space remodels |
Medallion | Framed/frameless | High | $$$ | Luxury remodels with designer appeal |
Diamond | Framed | Moderate | $$ | Broad appeal, midrange value |
Modern Alternatives: Wren and Form
If you’re leaning toward a modern aesthetic with clean lines and slab doors, Wren and Form deserve their own spotlight.
Key Differences:
Both brands offer frameless, modern systems but differ in design process: Wren leans showroom + support, Form is fully online and tech-driven
Materials and precision are highly engineered in Form's German factories, while Wren mixes flexible features with local showroom convenience
Installation logistics can vary—Peragallo Construction helps ensure any system integrates smoothly into Connecticut homes
Wren Kitchens
Wren Kitchens is a UK-based brand that has expanded rapidly into the U.S. market with a strong emphasis on showroom experiences. Their cabinetry leans heavily into the sleek, ultra-modern aesthetic popular in European design.
Key Features:
Frameless, flat-panel euro designs with a high-end look
Dozens of finish options, including super-matte and high-gloss
Integrated LED lighting and innovative storage solutions
Built-in appliance configurations for seamless layout integration
Offers design support in-person or through digital platforms
What to Watch For:
Cabinet sizing and modular structure can limit fit in tight or older kitchens
Imported construction may require longer lead times
Coordination with experienced installers like Peragallo is recommended to ensure proper alignment and finish.
Form Kitchens
Form Kitchens delivers German-manufactured cabinetry through a 100% digital, remote design process. Their clean, modular systems are ideal for modernists, architects, and tech-savvy homeowners.
Key Features:
Fully frameless, slab-door cabinetry with precise engineering
Push-to-open doors and soft-close drawers as standard
Full kitchen layout designed online with 3D renders
Optional appliance integration with panel-ready fronts
Made in Germany, shipped and assembled in the U.S.
Design Style: Ideal for contemporary homes, lofts, and open-concept spaces. The brand appeals to clients seeking a balance between aesthetics and engineering precision.
What to Watch For:
Longer production and shipping timeframes due to European sourcing
Requires careful measurement and experienced local installation
Best suited for modern layouts without complex architectural constraints
Best For:
Homeowners remodeling mid-century modern, Scandinavian, or contemporary-style homes
Design-forward clients who want a modern kitchen that feels like a furniture showroom
Want Help Choosing Cabinets?
Give us a call!
We've remodeled homes across New England of all styles and ages, and if you're remodeling in Connecticut, we'd love to help.
FAQ: Cabinet Shopping & Installation
Are more expensive kitchen cabinets always better?
Not necessarily. Higher-priced cabinets often offer better finishes, accessories, and materials, but the best cabinet is the one that fits your needs, home, and budget.
How long do kitchen cabinets typically last?
Quality cabinets can last 20+ years with proper care. Material, finish, and installation quality all matter.
Should I choose framed or frameless cabinets?
Framed cabinets offer more traditional structure; frameless options provide more interior space and a modern look.
What cabinets should I get if I have a tight or oddly shaped kitchen?Â
Brands like Siteline, Wren, and Form have options tailored towards smaller floorplans. Fully custom options can help you get creative with dimensions and maximize space. It's also worth avoiding an island, and maybe swapping your table for a small peninsula or breakfast bar to maximize space.
Should kitchen cabinets go all the way to the ceiling?
Extending cabinets to the ceiling can maximize storage and create a seamless look, especially in homes with standard ceiling heights. However, in older New England homes with varying ceiling levels or exposed beams, this might not be feasible. It's essential to assess your home's architecture and consult with a design professional to determine the best approach.Â
Are there specific cabinet styles popular in New England?
Yes, Shaker-style cabinets are prevalent due to their timeless appeal and historical roots in the region. Additionally, beadboard and inset cabinets complement the traditional New England aesthetic, often found in Colonial or Cape Cod-style homes.
What's the average cost of cabinet installation in New England?
While prices vary based on materials and customization, homeowners can expect to spend between $100 to $1,200 per linear foot. Semi-custom cabinets typically range from $300 to $600 per linear foot.
How long does a typical cabinet remodel take?
A standard cabinet replacement project can take 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the scope. Custom orders or unforeseen structural issues common in older New England homes might extend this timeline.
 Can I reface instead of replacing my cabinets?
Refacing is a cost-effective option if the cabinet boxes are in good condition. It involves replacing doors and drawer fronts and applying a new veneer to the existing structure. This method can save time and money while giving your kitchen a refreshed look.
How do I ensure my new cabinets match my home's historical character?
Working with a contractor experienced in New England architecture can help. They can source or custom-build cabinets that align with your home's period details, ensuring a cohesive and authentic look.
Further Reading: Cabinetry & Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchen Backsplash Explained
Our Kitchen Fixtures Guide
Kitchen Trends 2025: 18 Must-Have Ideas for a Dream Kitchen by Decorilla
Need help finding the right cabinets for your home? Let Peragallo Construction walk you through the options, plan your space, and ensure flawless installation.