“The cabinet door style is the single largest decision for the overall style of your kitchen,” says architect and designer Anastasia Harrison, owner and creative director of AHD&Co and a veteran of more than 50 kitchen remodels. Unfortunately, choosing a kitchen cabinet style can quickly become overwhelming when you don’t know your Shaker from your slab. To save you some of that stress, we’ve zeroed in on what you need to know about kitchen cabinet styles so you can find the perfect fit for your home. Frameless cabinets, which started in Europe, but have gained popularity in the U.S., consist of full overlay doors that attach directly to the cabinet box via hinges on the interior of the cabinet. Frameless cabinets can look more contemporary and have a bit more space inside. Within those two cabinet construction categories, there are several common door styles to choose from. Its simplicity means that it can complement a wide variety of kitchen designs depending on how you customize the cabinet and what other kitchen design elements you pair with it. “Shaker-style cabinets can be made a little more modern or more traditional with the addition of different types of edge detailing inside the frame,” says Harrison. The width of the frame can also change the whole vibe of the cabinet. “I’ve done Shaker-style doors with a ½-inch to ¾-inch frame for a really modern look and 2 ¼-inch to 2 ½-inch for a more transitional style,” says Harrison. “The thicker and more ornate the frame, the more traditional a look you get.” Here, you’ll see Shaker style cabinet doors in both wood and white, paired with flat panel drawer fronts. While Shaker-style cabinets are loved for their versatility and timeless appeal, they can be a pain to keep clean since dust and grime can collect on the inside of the frame. Still, if you’re OK with the upkeep, this kitchen chameleon will enhance almost any style and look chic for a long time. Flat panel cabinets are often associated with a stark, minimalist vibe, but that’s not their only look. “This minimalist-style cabinet can be warmed with different colors or wood finishes,” says Harrison. “For example, a wood like black walnut has light and dark characteristics that add warmth and interest.” And despite their high-end look, flat panel cabinets don’t have to bust your budget. “A modern flat-front cabinet door can be very cost-effective,” says Harrison. “Wood can be expensive, but there are excellent laminates—at a fraction of the cost—that look as good on flat panel cabinets as the real thing.” Bonus: With no detail or crevices to attract dust or cooking grease, flat panel cabinets are easier to keep clean than other cabinet styles. Typically, traditional cabinets feature raised rather than flat center panels, and tend to stick to a warmer color palette, often wood tones. Glazes and antique finishes are options as well. Unlike the more simple, squared Shaker-style cabinet, traditional cabinetry often features arches, curved details, or other embellishments. “If you’re looking for a light and airy feel, traditional cabinets may not be the way to go,” says Harrison. Another plus: “They are moderately priced as they are overlay cabinet doors that are similar in construction to modern flat-front doors, but with grooved panels at the front. Complement this look with an aged brass cup pull for the full cottage effect,” she says. Beadboard cabinets can be stained or painted. White beadboard cabinets, like the ones shown here (from $249, potterybarn.com), are common but far from your only option. Pro tip: “I suggest doing painted beadboard cabinets in a color other than white,” says Harrison. “Try emerald green or navy, as white beadboard can be a bit tricky to keep clean with all of the little grooves in it.” However, glass-front cabinets are not for everyone. Keeping your dishes stacked perfectly not a priority? Then you probably want to pass on glass doors. If you want the pretty detail and expansive effect of glass without the pressure, Harrison suggests including some mirrored cabinets in your kitchen design instead. “They also bring lightness and brightness to the space while hiding any mess,” she says. Another option: Use a couple of glass (or mirrored) cabinets to define one particular area of the kitchen—ideally a less frequently used one—such as a display area or butler’s pantry. You’ll get the stylish detail you love while keeping your everyday items safely hidden behind solid doors.
