Understanding the Design Lingo: Cabinets

New cabinets can be one of the most exciting things about a kitchen or bath renovation. Your cabinetry holds most of the visual weight of the room; it draws your eye and sets the tone for the space. Cabinetry layout and organization are tantamount to the functionality of the space. And, it’s one of the most costly parts of the kitchen or bath. Therefore, getting your cabinetry right makes all the difference in the world.

When we work with clients, we seek to meet all their needs for functionality and beauty in their cabinetry. Part of this mission is ensuring our clients understand the lingo. Here are a few of the key elements of cabinet design to help you understand the process.

Door Types

The type of door chosen is perhaps the most important when it comes to the aesthetic of your kitchen or bath. Do you want traditional, farmhouse, or modern? The door style sets the tone. The three main panel types are as follows:

  1. Recessed panel – Also known as flat panel, this is when the inset of the door panel is not raised. This is common in the shaker style but there are many varieties to choose from. This style goes well in most kitchens from farmhouse to transitional.

  2. Raised panel – This means that the inset of the cabinet door is raised. This was the common style for decades and is still used today. If done right, it can be timeless. It is common in traditional style kitchens and baths.

  3. Slab panel – This panel is completely flat (although it is not called flat panel). Slab panel is most often used in modern applications for its sleek look. It is easy to clean and wipe.

In addition to panel types, there are three settings for cabinet doors and drawers:

  1. Inset – Inset doors and drawers mean they are completely inset to the cabinet frame. This modern approach is more and more common and can be used for almost any door type. It gives the kitchen or bath a clean look.

  2. Standard overlay – In this setting, the doors and drawers sit on top of the frame and some of the frame is visible. This is often the most cost-effective setting and is seen in a lot of standard and builder-grade kitchens.

  3. Full overlay – Again in this setting the doors and drawers sit on top of the frame but little to no frame is visible. It is often used in new builds and renovations if inset is not chosen.  

Building Details

Other elements of cabinetry to look out for are in the construction. Some details are commonly known while others may be new to you.

  1. Dovetail construction – Dovetail is the gold standard in drawer and frame construction. This means each panel notches into the other. This style is hundreds of years old and contributes to the longevity of not just cabinets but all furniture.

  2. All-plywood construction – Cabinets made with all plywood (considered “solid wood”) are the most structurally sound compared to standard construction with particle board. If you value longevity, this is the route to go. These are the easiest to reface in the future as well.

Hardware

Hardware is like the jewelry on the cabinetry and can be both fun and overwhelming to choose. Here are somethings to know:

  1. Knobs – Standard, timeless, ageless; knobs are the easiest and can come in almost endless finishes. They work well on standard size cabinets but may not be best for large pantries.

  2. Cup pulls – Cup pulls have come back into favor in the last decade or so. They were often seen as traditional but have been commonly used in farmhouse and transitional kitchens. They work best on drawers.

  3. Pull or bar pull – The different ways you can get a bar pull seem to be endless. Like knobs, they can be used just about anywhere. They come in different lengths and finishes and can be both modern and traditional and everything in between.

  4. Edge pull – These sit on top of the door or drawer versus screwed into the face. These are more common on modern designs seeking the sleek look.

  5. Drop pull – Think dressers or pieces of furniture, the drop pull is an easy way to add character to any design. They can be traditional metals or recently they’ve been constructed with leather for an industrial or modern rustic look.

  6. Latch – These traditional pieces really elevate the look of a space with character and can make a new kitchen feel aged in a good way. They look great on pantries and for the doors under your sink.

So much more goes into making cabinet selections including color, wood type, glass, and accessories. Working with a designer helps you make the overwhelming amount of decisions that go into designing a new kitchen or bath. Our designers narrow down the options to fit your style and budget. Our cabinet partner, Bertch, offers one of the largest selections in wood types and finishes, paint colors, glass door styles, and accessory styling for maximum organization. Additionally, all Bertch cabinetry is made in the U.S.A. with local customer service. Before you start your next reno, give us a call.

Amy Kwallek