Understanding Cabinetry Styles: A Guide to Choosing the Right Look and Fit
When it comes to kitchen or bath design, cabinetry is more than just storage—it’s the anchor of the entire space. From the door profile to the way the cabinet is constructed, your cabinetry style plays a major role in both the look and functionality of your home.
At G&G Architectural Interiors, we guide our clients through every detail—from finish to functionality—so you don’t have to choose between form and function. In this post, we break down the two key components of cabinetry design: construction style and aesthetic style.
1. Cabinet Construction Styles
This refers to how the cabinet is built and how the doors sit on the frame. The construction style impacts both the final look and the level of craftsmanship required.
Inset Cabinets – Precision and Timeless Elegance
Inset doors sit inside the cabinet frame, creating a flush, furniture-like appearance. This construction is known for its clean lines and high-end finish, often found in traditional and transitional kitchens. It pairs well with Shaker, beaded, or raised panel doors.
Full Overlay – Sleek and Modern
Full overlay doors cover nearly the entire cabinet face frame, leaving very minimal gaps. This creates a seamless, modern look, especially when paired with flat-panel (slab) doors.
Partial Overlay – Classic and Approachable
With partial overlay construction, the cabinet doors cover only part of the frame, leaving visible edges. It’s a familiar, cost-effective option often used in traditional homes and builder-grade applications.
2. Cabinet Door Styles
This refers to the design of the cabinet door and is what most people think of when describing their cabinetry style.
Shaker – Clean, Classic, and Versatile
Shaker cabinets have a five-piece door with a recessed center panel and square edges. Their simplicity makes them a go-to style for a wide range of interiors, from coastal to contemporary.
Slab (Flat Panel) – Minimalist and Streamlined
Slab doors are flat, with no panels or detailing. Popular in modern homes, they’re often used with full overlay construction to create a sleek, European-style kitchen.
Raised Panel – Traditional and Rich
Raised panel doors feature a center panel that projects outward, adding depth and detail. Often used with inset or partial overlay construction, this style suits more formal and traditional spaces.
Beadboard – Textured and Casual
Beadboard adds vertical lines to the center panel, giving a charming, cottage-style look. It’s a great choice for casual vacation homes or lakeside retreats.
Glass Front & Open Shelving – Light and Airy
Glass inserts or open shelves work across all cabinet types and are perfect for displaying curated pieces or breaking up solid runs of cabinetry.
Which Combination Is Right for You?
Love tailored, timeless design? Consider inset shaker or inset raised panel cabinetry.
Designing a sleek, modern kitchen? Go for slab doors with full overlay.
Want a classic look with budget in mind? Try partial overlay shaker.
Need a breezy, cottage vibe? Opt for beadboard with partial overlay.
Let G&G Bring It All Together
Choosing cabinetry involves hundreds of small decisions—but you don’t have to make them alone. At G&G Architectural Interiors, we specialize in both custom and semi-custom cabinetry, and we bring everything to you with our mobile showroom—samples, finishes, renderings, and expert guidance included.
Ready to explore cabinetry styles for your next project?
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