The modern cabinet style is defined by sleek, flat surfaces that eschew extra ornamentation like raised panels or crown molding. Flat slab doors are a popular choice that create clean horizontal lines across the space. If you love this look but need more detail, consider a shaker-style door with recessed paneling in a stile-and-rail frame.
Other contemporary cabinet styles include framed inset cabinets with beadboard details. The beading is made from a strip of solid medium-density fiberboard milled to resemble pieces of wood fitted together, and the grooves can be filled with a color or left clear for a less traditional look. This cottage-style cabinetry is usually painted in white to keep it looking fresh.
Traditional cabinetry is more opulent, with decorative carvings and raised paneling on the door or drawer front. The carved elements can be enhanced with a special antiquing or glazing effect. Ornate elements can also be applied to flat cabinet doors through cutouts and moldings, as with the bar-counter corbels that elevate this kitchen’s clean-line appearance.
Homeowners often choose to mix two-tone cabinetry in a modern kitchen, as seen in this Napa, California, room. The warm teak veneer on the upper cabinets adds texture to the room, while the lower cabinets’ dark coffee-stained finish combines rich traditional warmth and a popular updated palette. Brushed nickel pulls on the lower cabinets coordinate with the stainless steel appliances. The minimalist trend toward flat-front cabinetry, paired with sleek hardware that runs flush with the door surface, is growing in popularity. modern cabinet styles