What are European-Style Cabinets?

If you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen, you’ve probably contemplated your countertops, appliances, and maybe even your flooring. But, what about your cabinets? There are a lot of different styles out there, and one in particular is becoming increasingly popular in America: European-style cabinets. If you’re into interior design, you’ve probably seen kitchens with these cabinets on your favorite TV shows or in magazine spreads.

So, what are European-style cabinets? Read on to find out.

Characteristics of European-Style Cabinets

In the 1920s and 30s, there was a bit of a housing crunch throughout Europe. To make optimal use of the small homes and flats, an Austrian architect, Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, created a system of modular cabinets. These cabinets not only suited the difficult housing situation, they also became a staple in European homes for the next century and have recently become very popular on our side of the pond.

Here are some of the features that set European-style cabinets apart from their traditional American counterparts.

No Visible Hardware

The first thing you’ll notice about these cabinets is the flat, smooth facing on the doors and drawers. There is no visible hardware, and that includes the hinges. In fact, hidden hinges are sometimes referred to as “European hinges” because they’ve become synonymous with this style of cabinetry.

No Visible Framing

You also won’t see open spaces or center stiles between doors, as the cabinets are frameless. The lack of visible framing and hardware creates a very clean, sleek look for any kitchen. It also means there is minimal wasted space.

Versatile Modular Design

The modular design of European-style cabinets makes them easy to fit into just about any home. They are adaptable, so you can piece together the perfect number of drawers, cabinets, and other storage solutions to fit your needs.

Creative Use of Storage Space

European-style cabinets not only make use of nearly every inch of space, they are also designed with creative additions like sliding shelves, rotating drawers, and other features that make your items easily accessible. On the outside, they look extremely simple, but on the inside, there are many ways to get creative with the storage options. People who love to keep their countertops clean love these cabinets because they can create enough space for everything.

Modern Materials

You won’t find much natural wood in European cabinetry. Because the fit is so precise, any bending or warping of the materials can lead to trouble. For this reason, most of these cabinets are made with manufactured materials like plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Then, the outside of the cabinets is covered with a vinyl-like material that can come in nearly any color or pattern imaginable.

A Smart Choice

Adding European-style cabinetry to your home is an intelligent choice for anyone who loves simple, clean lines and a room free of clutter. In fact, we like to describe these cabinets as “smart simplicity.” The appearance is simple, but the design is very intentional, with a place and a purpose for everything.

European-style cabinets are not just limited to the kitchen, either. They can also be added to bathrooms, home offices, or any part of your home where you need to upgrade your storage options.

If you have questions about these cabinets or any aspect of interior home remodeling, please contact AlliKristé. We’d be happy to have one of our designers speak with you to learn more about your potential project.