Designer-Approved Alternatives To Shaker Cabinetry - bandddesign.com (2024)

Is it just me, or does it feel like everyone is trying to remodel their kitchen right now? We’ve had tons of requests from clients lately regarding what cabinetry they should use in their kitchen instead of shaker-style cabinets to have it feel more updated and custom. Of course, there is nothing wrong with shaker cabinetry, as it gives a timeless, simple feel and works with many design styles. However, this style of cabinetry is commonly used in most builder-grade homes and we’ve seen it used over and over. It’s time for something a bit more unique to come into the mix when designing kitchens or bathrooms!

For those of you who don’t know what shaker-style cabinetry is, here’s the low-down. Shaker cabinets have a flat panel with four edges, each a few inches wide, that frame the center panel. This is the most popular style of cabinetry and has been a staple in kitchen and bathroom design for decades. We’ve used shaker cabinets in several of our projects and they always provide a classic, clean look in the space.

Design by BANDD Design | Photography by Molly Culver

If you’re looking to shake things up in your kitchen, you’re friends here at BANDD are here to help! Here are our designer-approved alternatives to shaker-style cabinetry.

Raised-Panel Cabinets

Raised-panel cabinets are a great option if you like the classic look that shaker-style has but want to bring in a little more detail and character. This cabinetry style consist of a raised framing or overlay trim with a center panel that is raised slightly more than the door. This is a beautiful style that is timeless and adds depth to your space.

Flat Panel/ Slab Cabinets

For those of you going for a more modern or minimalist look, flat panel or slab cabinetry is a perfect option for you. This style of cabinetry is very simple in its design, as it only consists of one panel. Not only does flat panel give a polished and sleek look a space, its also extremely easy to clean and is budget friendly!

Designer-Approved Alternatives To Shaker Cabinetry - bandddesign.com (3)

Design by Black Lacquer Design | Photography by Jessica Alexander

Inset Cabinets

Similarly to raised-panel, inset cabinets provide a classic and timeless look, but have a more modern touch to them. Inset cabinetry is crafted so that the door frame fits inside of the cabinet for a smooth, sleek appearance; while the center panel is tucked behind to add some depth. I personally think that this style of cabinetry looks best when the hinges are a hidden mount so that they can’t be seen when the cabinet door is closed.

Design by BANDD Design | Photography by Molly Culver

Beveled Edge Cabinets

My personal favorite cabinet style is one with a slight beveled edge. Commonly, cabinet doors are cut with a straight 90 degree angel between the center panel and the framing or stile. Beveled cabinets instead use a 30 or 45 degree cut to create more visual interest. This is a gorgeous style to bring a softer, contemporary twist to a standard cabinet design.

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Design by Ryan Saghian

Glass Cabinets

Let your kitchen be on display with glass front cabinetry! This cabinet style can really make the space feel open and fresh. I recommend pairing glass cabinets with another style of cabinetry, such as a raised-panel or slab, and using them as the higher cabinetry to balance out the room and make a subtle statement. These cabinets look especially stunning when used in a kitchen that has a coffee bar or dry/wet bar.

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Design by Drew Lang of Lang Architecture | Photography by Ty Cole

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Design by Nicole Hollis Studio | Photography by Douglas Friedman

Mix & Match

Mix things up by using two different cabinetry styles to create visual interest! This is a look that I’ll always love and it sure will bust you out of the builder grade feeling. One gorgeous option is pairing flat panel or slab cabinetry with open shelving up top to open up your kitchen and create a more contemporary aesthetic.

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Design by Lindye Galloway | Photography by Chad Mellon

Mixing raised panel cabinets with a flat panel is also a beautiful choice if you’re looking to add a more unique touch. I’m absolutely obsessed with this kitchen design by Kate Marker Interiors and how she used different cabinet styles, as well as different colors for each to add contrast.

Designer-Approved Alternatives To Shaker Cabinetry - bandddesign.com (2024)

FAQs

Designer-Approved Alternatives To Shaker Cabinetry - bandddesign.com? ›

Sleek & modern

Well, typical shaker-style profiles are being replaced with smooth, flat doors – with full overlays creating a sleeker look without losing out on personality.

What is replacing shaker cabinets? ›

Sleek & modern

Well, typical shaker-style profiles are being replaced with smooth, flat doors – with full overlays creating a sleeker look without losing out on personality.

Are shaker cabinets in style in 2024? ›

Looking ahead into 2024, shaker cabinets still remain the most popular, but that isn't the only option. Flat-panel and inset styles are also making headlines. You can also mix-and-match styles for a truly custom look.

What cabinets does Joanna Gaines use? ›

It's worth noting that Gaines often works with a team of contractors and designers to create her kitchen designs, so it's not always clear which specific cabinets she has used in a given project. However, she tends to favor natural wood finishes and rustic, farmhouse-style cabinets in her designs.

What brand of cabinets does HGTV use? ›

What you may not know is the reason why RTA cabinets are the preferred choice for HGTV and DIY shows on TV (and probably for your kitchen renovation too). Here are the 5 reasons Home Renovation Shows use RTA cabinets (#4 – Air Quality – is something really important to homeowners).

Are Shaker-style cabinets outdated? ›

Shaker cabinets are versatile, durable, and have a timeless look that will never go out of style. If you are looking for high-quality cabinets that will last for years to come, shaker cabinets may be the right choice for you.

What is the opposite of Shaker-style cabinets? ›

Raised-Panel Cabinets

This cabinetry style consist of a raised framing or overlay trim with a center panel that is raised slightly more than the door. This is a beautiful style that is timeless and adds depth to your space.

What is the kitchen color for 2024? ›

In 2024, moody blues and greens are stealing the spotlight. Deep navy, forest green, and rich emerald are becoming go-to choices for those seeking a sophisticated and luxurious vibe in their culinary space. These deep hues create a sense of drama and depth while adding a touch of elegance to any kitchen.

What cabinets are out of style? ›

9 Outdated Kitchen Cabinet Trends To Avoid
  • Everything fully fitted.
  • Honey and orange wood tones.
  • Ultra-modern kitchens.
  • Handle-free doors.
  • Matte black hardware.
  • 50 shades of gray.
  • Excessive open shelving.
  • Trendy paint colors.
Apr 5, 2024

How to modernise a shaker kitchen? ›

5 ways to update a Shaker kitchen
  1. Update the hardware.
  2. Paint Shaker cabinets in a bold hue.
  3. Opt for thinner panels for a modern look.
  4. Create a contemporary look with sleek fixtures.
  5. Add natural materials for a rustic look.
Jan 20, 2024

What is the kitchen color trend for 2025? ›

They say bold colors, inset construction, and eye-catching details will provide a slight update to the trend. Bold cabinet colors like green, pink, and earth tones are becoming more popular. This kitchen from Evan's Cabinet and Door shows shaker cabinets with rich emerald color.

What brand of paint does Joanna Gaines use? ›

The Magnolia paint collection is owned by KILZ. What colors does Joanna Gaines use on "Fixer Upper?" The colors that Joanna Gaines repeatedly uses on "Fixer Upper" are Alabaster, Repose Gray, Blanched, Silos White, and Rainy Days.

What is Joanna Gaines design style called? ›

Fans of HGTV's "Fixer Upper" will know all about Joanna Gaines, the reigning queen of modern farmhouse style.

Are KraftMaid cabinets good quality? ›

As part of the several manufactures found under the MasterBrand umbrella, they rival well-known brands like American Woodmark, and Armstrong Cabinets in terms of quality and customer satisfaction. We've chosen KraftMade as a solid choice for kitchen cabinetry manufactures in the US.

Who makes KraftMaid cabinets? ›

KraftMaid® is the anchor brand of the Masco Retail Cabinet Group, a division of Masco Corporation of Taylor, Michigan and one of the world's largest manufacturers of brand-name consumer products for the home and family.

What are considered mid-grade cabinets? ›

Mid-grade cabinets typically fall into a price range that offers a good balance between quality and cost-effectiveness. Prices can vary depending on factors such as material, style, and brand, but generally, mid-grade cabinets can range from: Stock Cabinetry – $60 to $200 per linear foot.

What style of kitchen cabinets are most popular now? ›

The Shaker-style cabinet door is the most common door style in kitchens today. This five-piece flat-panel style has a frame made from four pieces and a single flat center panel for the fifth piece. Shaker gets its name from the distinctive Shaker furniture style, which uses simple, clean lines and emphasizes utility.

Are Shaker cabinets here to stay? ›

While trends may come and go, Shaker-style cabinets are here to stay. Crafted from sturdy, quality materials, they're built to withstand the test of time.

What is a modern shaker kitchen? ›

A modern shaker kitchen is very similar to a classic shaker kitchen, they retain the core traditions of simplicity and utility but with an even more minimal and contemporary aesthetic due to a slimmer frame.

How do you make shaker cabinets look more modern? ›

5 ways to update a Shaker kitchen
  1. Update the hardware. (Image credit: deVOL) ...
  2. Paint Shaker cabinets in a bold hue. (Image credit: Cohesively Curated, photography Carina Skrobecki) ...
  3. Opt for thinner panels for a modern look. ...
  4. Create a contemporary look with sleek fixtures. ...
  5. Add natural materials for a rustic look.
Jan 20, 2024

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