Cabinets are a central focal point in any kitchen, and selecting the appropriate style can make or break your entire aesthetic. There are two cabinet construction options: framed and frameless.
Traditional cabinets have an added face frame where the hinges and doors attach. They’re great for people who want a formal aesthetic, carved details, or finishes like glazes.
Traditional
Two important considerations for creating a traditional and timeless kitchen design are the cabinets construction and door type. Some kitchens seem outdated, while others remain functional over time, primarily due to these factors.
It’s a versatile option that works well with either modern or transitional styles, and it can even work with some rustic country designs if the width of the frame is minimal.
Another traditional door style is Tacoma, which adds a beveled overlay to a Shaker frame for a more elaborate look. Beadboard doors resembling classic paneling can also be a good choice for many kitchen styles. These are constructed from narrow vertical slats of wood pierced together on their long sides to create the paneling effect.
Shaker
The shaker-style cabinet is a timeless classic with its clean lines and simple appearance. This style’s light stain is a popular finish, though painting them has become increasingly common. Wood knobs keep with the traditional look, but contemporary metal handles and pulls can also complement this simple style.
Their simple way of living incorporated their furniture design, emphasizing quality craftsmanship and minimal ornamentation.
Traditional shaker cabinets often feature light-colored woods such as pine or fruit trees to bring warmth and classic elegance to a kitchen space. They have a flat center panel and square edges with minimalist detailing, which makes them easy to fit into a wide range of aesthetics.
Country/Farmhouse
Farmhouse kitchens bring a cozy, lived-in elegance to the culinary space. Rustic cabinetry and reclaimed wood accents are critical elements in this kitchen style, but modern conveniences make incorporating these rustic elements into your culinary oasis accessible.
Solid-wood shaker cabinets are an excellent choice for farmhouse kitchens. Their simple lines and inset panel doors evoke a classic look that will remain timeless even as other trends fade. For a more decorative option, consider Vermont-style cabinets. They take the door a step further with a raised frame and thin-lined trim that runs along the border of the panels.
For farmhouse kitchens, neutral hues like soft sage green and dusty rose are ideal. Greige paint colors accentuate the natural beauty of your kitchen countertops and can be coordinated with vintage-inspired hardware. Glass-front cabinets are another staple in farmhouse kitchens. Fill them with heirloom china, glassware, and other decor to create a polished yet rustic aesthetic.
Mission
Mission-style furniture and cabinetry originated as a rejection of Victorian industrialization and a celebration of rugged grandeur and quality craftsmanship. This style is characterized by heavy, substantial furniture and cabinetry with simple designs. This style often uses square pegs in the corners of doors, drawers, and mortise-and-tenon joints.
This cabinet style features raised center panels and coordinates well with farmhouse, cottage, or bungalow-style homes. It also works with more detailed architectural details, like dentil moldings and prairie muntins.
This style can be paired with more natural color schemes. Earth tones work well, but brighter colors can be used as accents. Patterned upholstery, area rugs, and throw pillows can enhance this design aesthetic.
Contemporary
While defining a cabinet style can be a bit of an art form in itself, the basics of what works and looks good include:
- Clean lines that avoid showy details like crown molding.
- Organic materials.
- Natural colors (white is popular).
- It has a cozy feel.
- Sleek hardware.
Tubular bar pulls look cool and modern on glass-front cabinets.
Slab doors have flat surfaces and minimal detail and are a contemporary classic. They make a perfect canvas for bold hardware and work well with any kitchen design. They’re also easier to keep clean with no crevices to collect dust or cooking grease.
