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Can You Mix Cabinet Front Styles In The Same Kitchen?
While I myself have yet to remodel a kitchen, I have been privy to many other people remodeling theirs. And especially if you don’t have a design background or a hired designer, all of the basic decisions and budget balancing can be A LOT to manage. Then all of that decision fatigue doesn’t always leave enough space for the more custom or creative things you could implement. One of those creative (and potentially, budget-friendly) decisions is mixing cabinet front styles. I’m of course not suggesting that every other door is a different style. But if you have uppers, a little cabinet nook, etc., you might be able to switch it up a little, making your kitchen that much more unique to you. Let me show you what I really mean.
Recently, I wrote about this house above and all its amazing uses of large-scale art. I did also happen to mention the mixing of cabinet front styles. The island and main cooking counter both have a thinly beaded cabinet front, while the tall cabinets (probably fridges?) on either side of the kitchen have flat panels. It’s kinda subtle until you clock it, and then it just makes the kitchen all the more interesting. This kitchen is what inspired this whole post! Here are some more examples/options if you are in the kitchen remodel idea market:)
I feel that this is the most common/classic “style mixing” combo – Shaker cabinets + flat drawer fronts. It’s classic, a little fun for the eye, and I wonder if it’s an “easy” way to save money. Flat panel cabinet fronts are generally more affordable than any of the other, more decorative options. Of course, it depends on the material you want to use:)
It’s actually what Emily did in her kitchen!
Next, we have this really beautiful example of painted beadboard cabinet fronts and natural wood flat panel drawer fronts. It’s in the same “traditional” world as the shaker cabinets/flat panel drawers, but a little more noticeable. It’s a really warm and inviting version of “modern traditional”.
Guess who is also a fan of a similar combo, the kitchen cabinet front lover and designer, Sarah Sherman Samuel! In two separate kitchens, she implemented this delightful beadboard and mini shaker combo. Beadboard for the upper cabinets and the mini shaker for the lower cabinets and drawers. She also played with a totally different style for the island, but that’s not what we are currently focusing on:) Also, how sweet are those little cutout holes on the uppers in the kitchen on the left? Another little idea to remind you is an option.
Another very common option is that the island cabinetry is different than the wall cabinetry. It’s also an easy way to bring in another cabinet color or wood tone…also like Em did in her farmhouse kitchen:)
Oh, I love this example. The fronts of “most” of the wall cabinets and the island are the same. But those top cabinets along the wall are so stunning and balance the whole design. The brass talks to the hardware, and the darker tones talk to the darker island. I mean, Zoe Feldman Design never misses. I doubt this “saved” any money, but it’s special and also draws your eye up.
If you are someone who wants to get a little more decorative with your fronts but are afraid of your kitchen looking “too much”, go simple on some of them like Meta did! Similar to the flat drawer/shaker cabinet combo, but instead going for plain raised panel drawers/decorative raised panel cabinet fronts.
I love the subtle mix of this one since at first you think it’s just the two-toned wall of flat panel cabinets (so beautiful), but then you look at the island (in the same wood as the wall’s lowers) and they have a modern raised panel. It’s so simple but makes this space feel so intentional and special.
Maybe you just love a singular type of front (like a flat panel), but you really mix up the hardware and color so the uppers and lowers feel very different, but still cohesive. I know a color this bold is too much for some, but wow, is it beautiful to at least just look at. The addition of that rich tiled backsplash is amazing. The before, if you scroll to the next slide is WILD.
Such an elegant example of mixing modern and a more traditional/rustic vibe. The paneled wall cabinetry is warm yet fresh, and then that amazing modern island creates the perfect tension. However, the handles are the same, so that also blends them together effortlessly.
This post isn’t meant to put any pressure on an already high-pressure project. But if you are looking for ideas and inspiration that don’t necessarily require a super custom job, I hope this is helpful…and fun.
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credits: Design by Shane & Pierce | Photo by Michael P.H. Clifford | From: Why You Should Choose Bigger Art (As Proven By A Beautiful Italian-Inspired New Build)
One thing I notice about all of these examples is that the kitchens are HUGE. I think mixing cabinets front could help make a large kitchen look more approachable, but I’m not convinced about its look in my smaller (more normal-sized?) kitchen.