7 Kitchen Cabinet Styles Designers Recommend And 5 They Say To Avoid

Your kitchen cabinets aren’t just storage units – they’re the face of your cooking space!

When planning a kitchen renovation, cabinet style choices can make or break your design. I’ve consulted with top designers to bring you the ultimate guide on which cabinet styles are worth your investment and which ones might leave you with remodeling regrets.

Ready to transform your kitchen with confidence?

1. Shaker Style – Timeless Elegance

Clean lines and simple frames give Shaker cabinets their enduring appeal. I absolutely love how these versatile beauties work in almost any kitchen design, from farmhouse to modern minimalist.

The recessed panel doors offer just enough visual interest without overwhelming your space. Plus, they’re typically more affordable than ornate styles, giving you serious bang for your buck!

2. Glass-Front Cabinets – Display Your Treasures

Showing off your beautiful dishware has never been more stylish! Glass-front cabinets break up solid walls of cabinetry and add depth to your kitchen design. I recommend using them strategically as accent pieces rather than for all storage.

The transparency creates visual breathing room while still providing protection for your items. For a designer twist, try frosted or seeded glass that hints at what’s inside without revealing everything!

3. Two-Tone Cabinets – Best of Both Worlds

Why choose just one color when you can have two? I’m seeing more clients fall in love with contrasting upper and lower cabinets. Navy bases with white uppers or wood islands with painted perimeter cabinets create dynamic, designer-approved spaces.

This approach lets you incorporate trends in moderation. The visual interest draws the eye around the room, making your kitchen feel thoughtfully designed rather than cookie-cutter boring!

4. Flat Panel Cabinets – Modern Minimalism

Sleek and handleless, flat panel cabinets create that streamlined look I’m always recommending for contemporary spaces. Their smooth surfaces reflect light beautifully, making even smaller kitchens feel more spacious and airy.

You’ll appreciate how easy these cabinets are to clean – no nooks or crannies for dust and grease to hide! They pair wonderfully with bold hardware if you want to add a touch of personality.

5. Natural Wood Cabinets – Warmth and Character

Nothing beats the organic warmth of real wood grain! Oak is making a huge comeback, but in lighter, more natural finishes than the orange-toned versions from decades past. Walnut and cherry remain designer favorites for their rich character.

Wood cabinets age beautifully and develop a patina over time. They bring that perfect touch of nature indoors, especially when paired with stone countertops for a material mix that feels both timeless and fresh.

6. Inset Cabinets – Craftsman Quality

Considered the gold standard in cabinetry, inset doors sit flush with the face frame rather than overlapping it. The precision craftsmanship required makes these a premium option that screams quality.

I love how the visible hinges become part of the design statement. While they cost more upfront, inset cabinets maintain their appeal for decades, making them a smart investment for your forever home. They’re particularly stunning in traditional and transitional kitchens!

7. Open Shelving – Airy and Accessible

Floating shelves create that coveted airy feeling while keeping everyday items within easy reach. I recommend mixing open shelving with traditional cabinets for the perfect balance of display and hidden storage.

The key to success is curating what you display – stick to items you use regularly so dust doesn’t become an issue. Wood shelves against a tile backsplash or metal shelving in industrial spaces create that magazine-worthy look designers love.

8. Raised Panel Cabinets – Dated Formality

Once the hallmark of upscale kitchens, these ornate cabinet doors with their cathedral arches now read as stuffy and outdated. The heavy profiles collect dust and grease, making them a cleaning nightmare in busy kitchens.

Most designers steer clients away from this traditional style unless you’re committed to a very formal, traditional aesthetic. Even in classic homes, there are more current options that honor architectural heritage without feeling stuck in the 1990s.

9. Distressed Finishes – Farmhouse Fatigue

The artificially aged, chippy paint look has reached peak saturation. What felt charming five years ago now appears contrived and trendy rather than timeless. Designers are unanimously moving away from heavily distressed finishes.

If you love rustic warmth, consider cabinets with natural wood texture instead. They provide character without the fake aging that will date your kitchen faster than almost any other design choice. Authentic materials always outlast manufactured imperfections!

10. Thermofoil Cabinets – Budget Beware

That perfect white cabinet finish might seem like a bargain, but thermofoil (vinyl wrapped over MDF) has serious durability issues. Heat from appliances can cause peeling and bubbling near dishwashers and ovens.

The smooth plastic surface initially looks clean and modern. Unfortunately, once damaged, these cabinets can’t be easily repaired. Most designers recommend spending a bit more for painted MDF or wood if budget is tight – your future self will thank you!

11. Mismatched Cabinet Heights – Awkward Proportions

Those awkward soffits and staggered cabinet heights popular in the early 2000s create visual chaos. Designers now prefer clean lines that extend to the ceiling, maximizing storage and creating a cohesive look.

Varying cabinet heights without purpose interrupts the eye’s natural flow. If you want visual interest, try contrasting colors or materials instead. For small kitchens especially, consistent cabinet heights make the space feel larger and more intentionally designed.

12. High-Gloss Lacquered Cabinets – Maintenance Nightmare

Those mirror-like, super glossy cabinet finishes might look stunning in showrooms, but they’re fingerprint magnets that show every smudge and scratch. Unless you enjoy constant wiping, most designers suggest saving high gloss for accent pieces only.

The reflective surfaces can create glare issues in sunny kitchens. If you love that sleek contemporary look, consider satin or matte finishes in similar colors – they deliver modern appeal with much more practical upkeep requirements.