Framed Cabinetry Compare to Frameless Cabinetry

Remodeling a kitchen and deciding between Framed vs Frameless cabinetry can be nerve wrecking. Some cabinet makers will offer both types of cabinet construction, while other cabinet makers only make one type. What is best for your space?  Let’s discuss the pros and cons of each type.  

Framed Cabinetry is constructed with a face frame that consists of vertical styles and horizontal rails. The door is attached to the face frame. In larger size cabinets double doors will require a center style. The construction is structurally sound; and many people are familiar with this type of cabinet style.

This is how it gets fun. You can also choose different type of doors and door openings such as:

Full Overlay doors which cover most of the cabinet frame leaving no reveal

Half Overlay doors which reveal some of the cabinet frame

Flush Inset doors which display the entire cabinet face frame because the door will fit tight and flush to frame.

You will want to look into decorative hinges to match the cabinet hardware. If you are leaning towards traditional style cabinets, Framed Cabinets will be a good option.

You should also consider the design of your kitchen layout. When I’m working on a cozy size space storage is definitely a priority. These face frames are usually a 1 ¼” – 1 ½” size stiles and rails and these numbers add up. For instance expect to see the actual drawer box interior to be easily a 7 ½” space for a standard 12” drawer base. So in this case framed cabinets can be a challenge. Also measure your dishes I’ve heard of crazy cases of people not being to fit their dishes inside their wall cabinets. Avoid the trouble.

Here is a fun lighting fact: Framed cabinets allow space for under cabinet lights without any modifications. These lights can fit underneath between the frames of each cabinet. So get your tape measure and know your dimensions!

Frameless Cabinetry or sometimes known as European Style Cabinets were first introduced in the 80’s. Don’t be fooled by the misconceptions. They have come a long way!

Frameless cabinets are constructed in a box fashion with the back panel being the support of the box. The European hinges, as some call it, hidden. Panels are usually plywood, MDF or particle board. This will be another topic for another day.  

The doors will always be full overlay doors to cover the cabinet box.

This is how it gets fun. The combination of doors and drawers side by side will start to create interesting lines. The doors style will determine the style of your kitchen. There are hundreds of options for doors. So this cabinet choice is versatile.

Now moving on the topic of storage space and it all fits, frameless cabinetry will give you more space! The cabinet box consists of 3/4” side panels or 5/8” side panels. For a 12” standard drawer base cabinet you are looking at around 9 ½” of interior drawer space. Frameless cabinets come in a winner in smaller spaces.

You must also be aware that you will need additional pieces to complete your design such as a light rail and soffit rail to attach the crown moulding. This information varies depending on the cabinet line so all these details must be discussed with your kitchen & bath designer and / or cabinet maker.

Green Roof Living

What if the roof over your head became part of the ecological system? There is a high demand in sustainable living. Imagine living in New York City and having a garden style patio. Green roofs are now available. The company Furbish offers vegetation systems that become part of the structure of the home. These systems are low maintenance, have excellent storm water retention and air filtration. The roof becomes a serene space. You will want the collaboration of team of architects, engineers and contractors to plan and build this.

If you are impressed Furbish also offers wall applications. You can really see the building emulate a livings organism.  

   

50 shades of Gray Kitchens

Painted white kitchens sell like hot cakes. I want to change it up a bit and announce that gray kitchens will be the next big hit. Its a mutable color that can fit any style interior. 

This kitchen has a warmer tone of gray. The wall colors and the hue of gray make this space a warm and cozy effect.

 

This dark gray color adds contrast to the white marble tops. 

The cool stainless steel and flat panel gray cabinets makes this kitchen ultra modern.

If you are not ready to go all they a punch of gray can add some interest. Check out this gray kitchen island.  

This gray has a blue hue to it. The mahogany countertop keeps it warm. I love the oversize pendant. Don't be afraid of mixing metals. Oil rubbed bronze and stainless steel work great together.

This warm gray kitchen has a worn out rubbed detail in the cabinetry. The red in the interior wall cabinets and make this galley kitchen pop. 

The dark gray kitchen has the white island to lighten it up.

Something's Gotta Give In

I want to share my itty-bitty guilty pleasure for white kitchens. I daydream about the crispy white cabinetry, layered on shiny carrera marble and sprinkled with polished nickel hardware. It is subtle, elegant, casual and glamorous. I'm not alone on this millions of people are inspired by this type of kitchen. It all began with one movie “As good as it gets” 

There is something glamorous about the white on white. White inset cabinets have a custom look, and a cottage feel. The oversize pendants make the space fun and inviting. 

This is screaming luxury!

Black countertops add a little contrast to make it interesting.

Don't be afraid of oversize pendants.