the three cabinet styles you need to know
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When designing a kitchen, intentionality while choosing a cabinet style is often overlooked. Many homeowners simply don’t realize there are three major styles to choose from and each style brings its own, unique aesthetic to the overall design. Learning about these styles and arming yourself with questions when meeting with your cabinet maker will result in a kitchen you’ll be happy with for years. Any major investment when remodeling is worth the extra effort on the front end. Trust us on that one and read on.
Source: Stoffer Home Cabinetry
As seen below, the full overlay cabinet style is a popular choice for a really clean look, yet typically without the higher price tag of inset. I say typically, because I have worked with certain cabinet makers who charge more for full overlay than inset but in my experience, this is uncommon. The full overlay cabinet doors actually go in front of the entire cabinet box and frame. Because this style requires more materials than the partial style, they are more expensive than partial. To sum up, full is a good choice for you if you desire a streamlined, higher-end look while saving a few dollars.
Source: Patrick Maziarski
Source: Becca Interiors
Source: Light and Dwell
The partial overlay cabinet door style is the most commonly used and least expensive option of the three we’re highlighting here. This door style is one where the door is attached to the front of the cabinet frame and the frame is visible. Less materials required and less precision required means this is a cost-saving alternative to full overlay or flush inset cabinets. As you can see below, the end result can still be beautiful while being affordable.
Source: Kelsey Leigh Design
Source: Oakstone Homes Iowa
Source: 25:40 Love & Co
Inset is our style of choice. We think it brings minimalistic sophistication to custom cabinetry. In fact, we’ve chosen it not only for our current kitchen remodel, but our back foyer storage and our walk-in closet cabinets as well. It is generally the priciest of the three options because it requires more precision and is more time-consuming for the cabinet maker. Stoffer Home Cabinetry (below) is a showstopper when it comes to inset. I mean, just look at those ultra clean lines!
source: Stoffer Home Cabinetry
Source: Devol Kitchens
Source: Unique Kitchens and Baths
In my experience, cabinet makers don’t even ask which style you would like—they just assume you want partial if you don’t specify. But is that what you really want? This is a major design decision you’ll be living with for years. Taking a little time to educate yourself and ask your cabinet maker questions will benefit you in the long run.
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