There are a lot of different aspects to the style of kitchen cabinets. By focusing on structural differences as well as the use of different materials, there can be a nearly infinite number of options available to homeowners. Here are some basic structural styles to consider, and a way to use materials to refine the look.
Contemporary Cabinets
Generally speaking, a contemporary cabinet design is synonymous with slab cabinet fronts or other structural styles that are sleek and unadorned. Slab cabinet fronts with flat and undecorated surfaces can come in materials from natural woods to high gloss paint finishes depicting a modern look. While many consider contemporary cabinets as cool or sterile, this does not have to be true. Mixing slab cabinet doors or other contemporary styles with warmer tones of wood or paint can achieve a sleek look without also appearing too sterile.
Shaker Cabinets
Shaker cabinets, also known as “five-piece” cabinet doors, are an excellent example of a versatile style. With its flat, inset panel surrounded by a flat form, shaker cabinets, which are readily available from manufacturers like Lovech, can work in kitchens that are either contemporary or traditional. They can certainly be made in any finish, but a traditional Shaker cabinet is typically white or in a light neutral color. Similar to the Shaker style, Mission cabinets have a similar five-piece construction but often have a slighter wider frame around the flat, recessed panel. With their nod to the Arts and Crafts period, Mission cabinets are more likely to have a natural wood finish and decorations like hardware or panel details reminiscent of Arts and Crafts or Mission-style furniture.
Arch Style Cabinets
Arch cabinet doors, also referred to as cathedral style, can also adapt to fit in with several design aesthetics. While this style was popular in the design boom of the 1980s and 1990s, it does not mean that they are one-dimensional or dated. Arch cabinets can be adapted to French country or a weathered farmhouse design with a change in the kind of finish and hardware used. Warmer metal hardware can evoke a more historic feel and a weathered paint finish can bring about a pop of color but maintain a warm antique look. Additional small details, like using furniture like feet at the cabinet base will extend the feel of antique furniture in your kitchen or bathroom design.
Raised Panel Cabinets
The name is pretty self-explanatory, and the look is very traditional. While some raised panel doors have embellishments that may date their overall style, the less embellished they are the more versatile they may be for remodels or upgrades. But for the right kitchen design, raised panel doors had a sense of quality and craftsmanship to a kitchen.
Rustic Cabinets
There may not be a specific construction style that depicts a rustic vibe, but the materials used are easily the way to set apart a rustic design aesthetic. Barn siding or other reclaimed woods are one way to ensure that your rustic cabinets are one-of-a-kind, and may have the added benefit of helping the environment by keeping older wood out of landfills.
Different Doors, New Look
With any of these cabinet styles, changing the material used in a cabinet door or drawer front can further transform a look. With Shaker or Mission style cabinets, replacing the recessed flat panel with beadboard can provide additional historic detail. Just keep in mind that the finish on your beadboard should be compatible with frequent cleaning. Replacing any panel in a cabinet door with glass will break up a longer run of cabinets without compromising the design, plus allow for curated, kitchen items to be seen. You can even combine both beadboard and glass doors by using beadboard as a background inside cabinets. With glass doors, the beadboard is visible, providing a nice, detailed surprise when displaying items.
Open Shelving
Used properly, open shelving is a great way to display curated collections of interesting items. Consider using beadboard or rustic woods at the back of cabinets to continue a look. All open shelving can make organization a never-ending job, but in the right proportions, it can help bright unique design and lightness to a kitchen.
Frame Versus Frameless Cabinets
The type of door that you choose for cabinets does not necessarily dictate the kind of cabinet construction used. However, cabinet construction can influence the overall look of your design by contributing to how doors and drawers are spaced and aligned. For open shelving, frameless cabinets offer the best access for items being displayed and stored. For those interested in cabinet designs that are more contemporary, frameless cabinets also allow for tighter alignment of door and drawer fronts. Face frame cabinets may be necessary to support more substantial door choices like arched, cathedral, or raised panel doors.
How to Choose Your Style
You can spend a lot of time sifting through cabinet styles, construction details, and finishes while still wondering if you are on the right track. The best way to find your way through the available options is by working with a knowledgeable cabinetry company. Professional cabinet designers can look at your design preferences, available space, budget, and project needs to determine the ideal cabinet choices for you.
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