Transitional design is about bringing together both traditional and contemporary styles. In a kitchen, the cabinets are one of the key components for communicating design style. Most often we see cabinets in a transitional kitchen rooted in traditional design (for example, using a raised panel door), but only the simplest styles are used. In this article we dive into the cabinet styles that make up a transitional 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.
Cabinets in a transitional kitchen can include a frame or be frameless. Since transitional design borrows from both traditional and contemporary design, the cabinet construction can go either way. In our work, we most often see transitional kitchens as full overlay or semi-overlay framed construction.
Crystal Cabinets has a helpful graphic depicting the difference between framed and frameless, which you can view here.
DOOR STYLE
Transitional kitchen design can include either flat panel or raised panel doors, however, it is common to see raised panel doors used. Shaker style doors are very popular in transitional kitchens. The drawers can be flat planel, marrying the traditional and contemporary looks.This design maintains its roots in traditional cabinet design, but stays away from the more ornate options.
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
Cabinets in a transitional kitchen can be natural wood or colored (by paint, laminate or thermofoil). It is very common to see them painted in whites, grays, neutrals and muted color tones. Mixing cabinet color is typical too. The color change can be between the lower cabinets and uppers or between the wall cabinets and the island.
