Planning a kitchen renovation can be exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the right cabinetry. With countless styles, materials and finishes to choose from, finding the perfect types of cabinets for your space can feel like a daunting task — but it doesn’t have to be.

The Koopman Design Team is here to provide you with practical tips to make this decision easier. From timeless classics to sleek modern designs, Koopman Lumber’s team has the expertise and selection to guide you toward the ideal choice for your renovation. 

Let’s dive into the world of kitchen cabinetry and find the style that will transform your kitchen into a space you’ll love.

Cabinet Construction

When constructing cabinets, there are two main types: framed or frameless.

Framed Cabinetry

Framed cabinetry includes inset doors and overlay doors.

Inset cabinets feature doors and drawers that fit within the cabinet frame. This style offers a clean look with the option of visible or concealed hinges adding a touch of elegance. Inset cabinets have a distinct, high-end feel, but they typically require a slightly higher budget due to the detailed work involved in their construction.

Unlike inset doors, overlay doors sit on and, thereby, overlay the cabinet’s face frame. These doors come in partial or full overlay styles, allowing for very different aesthetics. 

Partial Overlay 

If you are looking for a cost-effective option, partial overlay doors are less expensive than full overlay doors because they leave part of the face frame exposed. 

Full Overlay 

While more expensive than partial overlay, full overlay doors result in a sleeker look, which is generally preferred in today’s modern home.

Frameless Cabinetry

Sometimes called European cabinetry, frameless cabinetry has no face frames. The cabinet side provides all of the structure. Because of this, it’s important that frameless cabinets are built of high-quality materials that will remain rigid and square.

The doors on frameless cabinets are hung right from the sides. Given that there is no face frame, these cabinets generally have wider drawers, allowing for extra storage space. 

Like full overlay doors, frameless cabinets give a kitchen a sleek look due to the proximity of the cabinet doors. 

5 Popular Types of Cabinets Door Styles for Kitchen Renovations

Whether you’re aiming for a cozy kitchen or a contemporary culinary space, understanding cabinet door styles will help you make an informed choice that perfectly complements your vision.

1. Different Panel Door Styles to Consider

There are two different framed door styles: raised and recessed. 

Raised panel doors are exactly how they sound — typically, the center panel raises out to be flush with the surrounding frame.

On the other hand, recessed panel doors have a reverse panel of solid wood or a plywood center panel that is set back from the surrounding frames.

There are many details to customize the look of your raised or recessed panel door styles making them a popular choice for homeowners who want to infuse their kitchen with warmth, creating a cozy yet elegant atmosphere.

2. Shaker Cabinets

Shaker doors are one style of recessed panel cabinet doors available. Shaker cabinets’ straightforward design makes them a favorite for traditional and modern kitchens. They offer a timeless appeal, blending seamlessly with various kitchen décors, from rustic to contemporary. 

A new style of shaker door that’s gaining popularity is the narrow shaker (also known as the narrow rail shaker) — this style has a smaller frame than the standard shaker door, offering a stylish, clean look. 

3. Slab Door Cabinets

Flat panel doors, also known as slab door styles, have a smooth surface that gives them a sleek, modern look. This minimalist design works well in contemporary kitchens, offering a streamlined appearance. They are frameless and are available in various finishes, from natural wood grains to high-gloss laminates, allowing for a customized look that suits modern aesthetics.

4. Glass-Front Cabinet Doors

Glass-front cabinets add openness and sophistication to any kitchen. They can feature clear, frosted or textured panels, allowing you to showcase dishware, glassware or decorative items. Interiors can be finished to match, or done in an accent color or wood of your choice, depending on the cabinet line you are working with. 

This style can make a kitchen feel more spacious and airy while adding an element of visual interest. Framed, glass-front cabinets are perfect for those who want to blend functionality with a bit of display flair, offering both storage and style.

5. Open Shelving

Open shelving or floating shelves are a popular trend in modern kitchens, providing an accessible and airy feel. This style replaces traditional doors with open shelves, making displaying and reaching items easy. 

Open shelving works well in rustic and contemporary kitchens, adding character and a sense of openness. 

Evaluating Your Kitchen Space: Key Considerations

Before selecting cabinet styles, it’s essential to assess your kitchen design and specific needs. This is a critical step that the Koopman Lumber design team can help you with — we want to ensure that your choices align with your aesthetic vision and functional requirements. 

We start by asking questions about your lifestyle and how you use your kitchen. Our team examines the amount of storage you require, the appliances you plan to incorporate and your overall kitchen layout. We also consider whether you entertain frequently, need space for family meals or require easy access to cooking essentials.  

Further, we consider the aesthetic of your home, so your new kitchen blends into the overall style. We meet you in your home to discuss the changes you’d like to make, weigh in with our professional opinions and measure the entire room so we can begin to design. Plus, our CAD software allows you to see full-color renderings of your new space so you can get a visual idea of what the end result will look like.

We can design for you or with you — it’s a fun project when you give us your input, and we blend that with our expertise!

Finding a Contractor

If you haven’t chosen your contractor yet, don’t worry — we can help! We work with industry professionals who do business here at Koopman Lumber, so we are familiar with their work. Our recommended contractors are licensed and insured to ensure a smooth project for you.  

If you have your own contractor, we want to meet and review the plans and scope of the project together before the cabinetry is ordered.  This ensures the best possible outcome of the project for you, your contractor and your home.  

Matching Cabinet Styles With Kitchen Aesthetics

Choosing the right cabinet style is essential for creating a cohesive kitchen. First, our design team identifies the dominant themes in your interior. 

For modern spaces, we recommend flat panel or shaker cabinets in neutral colors or high contrast colors for a sleek vibe. In contrast, raised panel or inset cabinets with rich wood tones can add warmth to traditional or rustic designs.

Color and finish are also paramount. Light-colored cabinets can brighten a small space, while darker finishes lend sophistication. Coordinate your cabinet choice with countertops, backsplashes and flooring materials to achieve a unified look that reflects your personal style.

Budget and Material Considerations

Before planning your kitchen renovation, be sure to establish a budget. Cabinet costs can vary significantly based on materials, construction methods and finishes. Typically, options range from stock cabinets, which are more affordable, to custom cabinets, which can be tailored to your specifications but come at a higher price. 

Consider the durability and maintenance of different materials, such as solid wood, plywood or engineered options, and how they fit within your budget. Prioritizing essential features while remaining mindful of your financial limits will help you make informed choices that align with your overall renovation goals. 

If you need professional advice on what cabinets are best for your design and budget, our team is happy to assist. We can discuss different options and recommend products while keeping your design vision and wallet in mind.  

Customization Options and Design Features

Customization can take your cabinetry to the next level, allowing you to create a space that truly reflects your style and functional needs.

Consider features like pull-out shelves, soft-close hinges or specialized storage solutions for pots and pans. You can also choose finishes, colors and hardware that complement your kitchen aesthetic. 

If you are unsure which customization options will look best in your home, our design team can help.

Making the Final Decision

After evaluating your kitchen design, budget, materials and customization options, it’s time to make your final decision. Reflect on how each cabinet style aligns with your vision and functional needs. 

If you’re working with a contractor or designer, discuss your preferences and any concerns you may have. Take your time to weigh the pros and cons of each option, and remember that the cabinets you choose will significantly impact your kitchen’s overall look and functionality. 

Trust your instincts and select the style that resonates most with you and boosts your kitchen’s charm.

Your Kitchen Makeover Starts at Koopman Lumber

Selecting the right cabinetry is a key step in creating a kitchen that meets your functional needs. With various cabinet styles, materials and customization options available, it’s important to assess your design and budget to make informed choices.

At Koopman Lumber, we’re here to help you throughout this process with high-quality materials from reputable brands. Our knowledgeable team will help you navigate options from cabinet styles to materials, giving you confidence in your selections. 

Additionally, we carry Crystal Cabinets, which has recently launched Inset cabinetry within their semi-custom line, Current.  These are high-quality inset cabinets at an affordable price point. With various styles, woods and colors available, we’re proud to make inset cabinets more accessible so homeowners can get the cabinets of their dreams without breaking the bank. 

Explore our diverse selection today and let our knowledgeable staff help you transform your kitchen into a space that reflects your style.