Are you planning a kitchen renovation but need help choosing a door style? To help you find your perfect type, we’ve put together an edit of classic cabinets…

Do you love an elegant look or perhaps the charm of a country chic design? Or maybe you’re drawn to the allure of a traditional English Shaker? To help you decide which look suits your space and personal taste best, KBB journo Charlotte Luxford has rounded up six classic kitchen cabinets that are as timeless yet popular as ever.

Classic Shaker kitchen cabinets

The classic Shaker look takes inspiration from wooden furniture made by members of the Shaker movement – a religious communal sect that began in the North of England, moving to New England in the early 19th century. Known for design simplicity, durable construction and practicality, Shaker kitchen designs ideally suit period properties and are perennially popular to this day.

“A classic Shaker kitchen features a high-level of bespoke craftsmanship and is handmade using in-frame timber cabinetry, usually oak or tulipwood, with most hand-painted,” explains Darren Taylor, managing director at Searle & Taylor.

While there are a fair few iterations of Shaker kitchens these days, for an ‘authentic’ look, Darren suggests opting for chamfer frames, tongue-and-groove end panels and a combination of ball knob handles for cupboards and pull-cup handles for drawers.

Apothecary-inspired

Want something that will help make your space a little less ‘kitchen-like’? This bespoke kitchen, by Fiona Duke Interiors, was installed in a large modern extension. The poured concrete flooring was the first confirmed element within the design concept.

The homeowner wanted a more traditional kitchen style to juxtapose with the industrial flooring. So, Fiona designed these apothecary-inspired cabinets to give it a bit of an eclectic, vintage-furniture feel within a contemporary extension. The cabinetry was designed with several deep drawers which serve as wonderfully functional storage.

“Apothecary-style cabinets are so versatile,” says Fiona. “They can be paired with a range of design styles which make them a perfect addition to any home.”

Raw timber

“The on-trend raw wood aesthetic blends rustic charm with contemporary sophistication,” says Rebecca Barker, designer at Grid Thirteen. Through finishing techniques such as smoking, oiling and staining, raw timber cabinetry can be tailored to suit a range of schemes – pronounced grain patterns create a bolder, rustic feel, while subtle grains with lighter oils result in a softer, Scandi-inspired look.

Timber works well in both modern and traditional kitchens, as it pairs with practically any other raw material. Think veined marble, textured concrete or unlacquered brass.

Here, smoked oak cabinets offer a striking backdrop, with slim-profile bevelled edges creating an elevated look. “Wood is durable and can be refinished over time, but exposure to direct sunlight may cause bleaching,” advises Rebecca. “Regular maintenance, like oiling, helps preserve its timeless appeal.”

Heavy moulding

Heavily moulded cabinetry is destined to replace the popular Shaker style, according to Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport. He says the real bonus about this design evolution is that it’s highly customisable – introducing mouldings and trims will instantly inject personality into your kitchen and add a ‘layered look’ to the cabinetry.

This option can also be more cost-effective than a traditional Shaker kitchen. Plus, it’s a simple way to update existing slab door fronts. “The beauty of this cabinet style is that it can work in pared-back or more opulent-style kitchens, depending on the aesthetic you’d prefer,” says Richard. “In this kitchen, the moulded details have been paired with a heavily veined porcelain splashback in complementing tones and a neutral scheme to keep it understated.”

Glazed kitchen cabinets

Glazed cabinets had fallen out of favour since their ‘90s heyday, replaced by more minimalist options. Fast-forward a few decades, and glass-fronted cabinetry is back, as homeowners are seeking timeless, characterful designs. “Glazed cabinets work in various kitchen styles; sleek and modern to warm and traditional,” explains Louisa Eggleston, creative director at Humphrey Munson.

While reeded styles are suited to contemporary kitchens, providing an element of concealment and a modern edge, mullion cabinet doors like these sit well in traditional spaces, paired with natural materials including wood, marble, brass and linen. Louisa suggests a matt finish to emphasise the glass’s reflective quality.

“These cabinets expand the perception of space, being suited to smaller or darker kitchens,” she adds. “However, they require mindful curation and regular cleaning.”

Country-chic

“This bespoke kitchen is a contemporary take on a 19th-century Flemish farmhouse style,” explains Bruce Hodgson, founder of Artichoke. Solid and chunky with hard-edged details, the success of this kitchen lies in the quality of the craftsmanship and high-calibre materials. To achieve a similar look, less is certainly more.

“Natural materials, such as the solid oak used in this kitchen, are totally timeless and beautifully tactile, offering a quiet luxury,” adds Bruce. “This kitchen speaks to a combined vision that connects past and present – crafted to endure as a modern classic for generations.”

The carved tongue and groove detail is subtle, while delivering a tactile dimension and a nod to the rustic country style. A delicate whitewash finish allows the back units to blend into the walls while letting the oak’s natural grain shine through. Brass knuckle pivot hinges, metal ties and slender handles all add a final flourish.

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