Shaker-style cabinet doors are commonly full overlay, so the cabinet's face frame is fully covered by the doors and drawers. This creates a clean look that has become synonymous with modern kitchens.
Full overlay cabinet: This kitchen cabinet has no front panel but instead sits flush against the wall on both sides.
Full overlay cabinets have a sleek, modern look, but because they use slightly more wood, they can be a bit more expensive than partial overlay cabinets. Best for: Modern design style. Overall usable cabinet space.
Potential Outdated Appearance: for most clients who come in with the thought that partial overlay cabinets are outdated, we recommend these clients look at the cabinet face and make adjustments. A lot of times what they are truly saying is outdated is the cabinet face and not the overlay.
Overlays can come in a variety of sizes but in common applications we most often see a 1/2" overlay or 1/4" overlay. Although, where European Hinges are used there is a broader range of overlay sizes. When measuring your overlay, you will need to look on the hinged side of the door, to determine your overlay size.
Shaker Doors
The most timeless kitchen cabinet door style is also a staple in transitional kitchen design: the shaker door.
Experts agree that the primary thing making your cabinets look dated is their color — but those same experts are divided on what, exactly, that color is. Erica Lugbill of Chicago-based interior design firm Lugbill Designs says all-white cabinets are a dead giveaway that your kitchen is stuck in the stone ages.
Lower cabinets in dark tones are a bold and dramatic kitchen cabinet trends for 2025, bringing depth and richness to kitchen designs. Dark hues like navy blue, charcoal gray, and deep green are popular choices, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to the space.
Shaker cabinets come in three main box styles: full overlay, partial overlay, and inset box. Each style offers unique benefits and can change the overall look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom. Whether you prefer a more modern look or a classic, timeless design, there's a Shaker cabinet style that fits your needs.
Inset Cabinet Style
Although this style tends to be one of the most expensive on the market, it's a classic look that'll last for generations. The inset door gets its name because it is set inside of the cabinet frame – typical cabinet doors rest on the outside of the frame.
To make sure that your cabinets will age well, designers recommend avoiding yellowy whites, sage greens, bright colors, or even grays—all of which they say are either outdated or on their way out.
Designers say that white cabinets are bound to stand the test of time.
White kitchens are very trendy right now, but they offer more benefits than just being beautiful. Light colors are more reflective than dark colors and they will make your kitchen appear bigger as well as more open and airy.
Beige is emerging as the new go-to neutral, adding warm and inviting tones to interiors. In this article, we'll explore why beige is taking over and how to use it in your home. Beige is replacing gray as a popular interior color, offering warmth and versatility for various design styles.
Neutral shades, like black, white, beige, tan, and gray. Classic patterns and designs, like black and white checkerboard and herringbone. Natural stone or porcelain and ceramic lookalikes. Hexagon-shaped and other geometric tiles.
Thanks to a sophisticated all-white colour scheme and simple detailing, this luxurious modern Chichester kitchen will never look dated. White kitchens do a fantastic job of reflecting light throughout a room, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.
Grays, browns, whites, tans, olives, and other neutral colors are a great choice, helping the style of your kitchen outlast the trends and fads that come and go year in and year out.