It is easy to quickly distinguish a contemporary kitchen from a traditional one. But why is that? Materials and color used is one way to tell the difference, but the cabinet construction is another major factor. One look at the cabinets and you can tell which way the kitchen leans. So what are the cabinet styles for a contemporary kitchen?
CABINET CONSTRUCTION
FRAMED VS FRAMELESS
Whether a cabinet is framed or frameless not only impacts the construction of the cabinet, but it also dictates the look you end up with. A framed cabinet has a face frame, just as the name implies. The frame helps provide stability. There are three types of framed cabinets: full overlay, semi-overlay and inset. A full overlay means that the door will completely cover the frame. Semi-overlay implies that you see a slight reveal of the cabinet frame. Inset means that the doors are mounting flush within the frame, fully revealing the frame. As a result, framed cabinets have the most options and are typical with raised or decorative door styles. This look is common in traditional kitchens, making framed cabinets more suitable for that style.
As you can probably guess, a frameless cabinet does not have a face frame. Also called European or Full Access, this construction method offers greater accessibility by removing the face frame. It relies on its sides, top and bottom for stability. Since the cabinet doors attach directly to the cabinet wall (and not the frame) there is no reveal or surround when the door is closed. It is typical to pair slab-style doors with a frameless cabinet. This leaves you with a cleaner, more minimal look making this style common in contemporary kitchens.
Crystal Cabinets has a helpful graphic depicting the difference between framed and frameless, which you can view here.
DOOR STYLE
Flat-panel doors, which are also known as slab doors are the common door style for a contemporary kitchen. As previously mentioned, slab doors pair with frameless cabinets so there is no frame, the door is a solid slab. Traditional door styles have a raised panel design. You typically won’t see a slab door in a traditional kitchen.
CONSTRUCTION
Depending on budget and finishes, the cabinet construction may be of solid hardwood, furniture-grade plywood, or MDF particle board. The first, solid hardwood, is the most expensive and durable option. This is typical for custom installations. Your mid-range option is plywood construction. The plywood is finished with a hardwood veneer, meaning the face layer has the appearance of a nicer material. The third option, MDF, is common for cabinets that will be painted or have a plastic laminate or thermofoil.
MATERIAL + FINISH
A key element of contemporary kitchens is materials and finishes used. Cabinets can be wood or coated in a wood veneer. They can also be stainless steel, glossy, matte or painted. It is not uncommon for a combination of these finishes to be used in one kitchen.
WOOD OR WOOD VENEER
STAINLESS STEEL
GLOSSY
A glossy finish is possible with a lacquer, thermofoil or acrylic coating on the cabinet.
MATTE
Similar to gloss, a matte finish is possible with a thermofoil coating.
PAINTED
