Ultimate Guide On European Style Kitchen Cabinets

Contemporary European-style kitchen cabinets will give your fresh kitchen the sleek, minimalist appearance you want if you like a more modern style. European kitchen cabinets are typically distinguished from their American equivalents by having a sleeker, more modern appearance. One of the key characteristics of the European kitchen cabinet style is that, unlike American cabinets, they typically lack a frame. This frameless construction enables a smooth appearance that hides the cabinet’s whole frame.

Starting with a gorgeous kitchen design is crucial for finishing a remodel successfully. Using the recommendations in this article, you can choose the precise European kitchen cabinets and other characteristics that suit your lifestyle and your budget.

What are European Style Kitchen Cabinets?

The American style significantly influenced European kitchen cabinets, yet they stand out for their extreme sleekness. Unlike other kitchen cabinets, European-style cabinets are distinguished by a more modern appearance and an industrialized vibe. European-style kitchen cabinets are renowned for their flat surfaces, sleek design, elegant decor, and seamless appearance. They are distinguished by being highly classy and highly stylish. European design kitchen cabinets are renowned for offering optimum convenience of use and minimal bother in complement to their great aesthetic value. 

It is crucial to note that the small home areas in England, Spain, and Italy were considered when designing the European kitchen. A tiny kitchen that could accommodate the everyday needs of its occupants was required because European apartments and homes were typically smaller in size than the typical American residence. European kitchens were created as dynamic environments that cater to the changing demands of the users, with a true emphasis on usefulness and efficiency rather than adornment. Everything was optimized, but aesthetics was never compromised. Since functionality was the primary focus of European design kitchens, every component of the room—including the kitchen cabinetry—was carefully chosen to maximize the kitchen’s potential.

Here are some of the crucial features of kitchen cabinets made in European style.

1. Frameless modern cabinetsThe cabinets, with their sleek, bare appearance that has come to be associated with the modern aesthetic, are the most defining feature of European kitchens. The flat doors (also known as slabs) and drawer fronts are visible in European kitchen cabinets because there isn’t a face frame linked towards the front of the cabinet structure. The outcome is a beautiful, sleek, and tidy cabinet. Additionally, because of how well these contemporary cabinets are constructed, they can be disassembled and transferred when the homeowners change homes, which happens frequently.
2. No decoration is present.European kitchen cabinetry adheres to basic design principles and prioritizes functionality above adornment. It lacks excessive ornamentation and frequently has flat surfaces without any detailing, including ornate trims, crown moldings, carvings, and elevated panels. This kitchen cabinet design also frequently uses straightforward cabinet door designs, such as the slab-type door and the flat kitchen panel door, much like contemporary and modern kitchen cabinet models.
3. Elegant and Sleek StyleBeyond the kitchen cabinets themselves, every element of a European-style kitchen is designed to produce the impression of an uninterrupted, light-filled area. European kitchens emphasize smooth texture, slab kitchen doors, flush-mounted devices, and depressed kitchen handle grips with minimal to no metal pulls to create their distinctive peace and aesthetic stillness. A modern kitchen designed in the European style lacks superfluous ornamentation. These rooms have an unadorned natural beauty that immediately makes you feel at peace. The design of European-style kitchen cabinets emphasizes straight lines, angular shapes, and linear patterns. In contrast to conventional designs, European-style kitchen cabinets are characterized by significant geometric features, including rectangles, beautiful lines, and arches. Colors for European-style kitchen cabinets can be neutral (such as white, gray, brown, and black) or striking (such as vivid reds, greens, and oranges).
   
   

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4. Modest and Simple Cabinet HardwareIf the European design kitchen cabinets have the hardware, use streamlined, modest, and simple cabinet hardware. Kitchen cabinets designed in the European style typically have basic, understated cabinet pulls, handles, and knobs to compliment their sleek appearance. Kitchen cabinet hardware in the European design is almost always silver in color and frequently has a brushed, polished, or satin finish. These kitchen cabinet accessory pieces are also intended to improve usability, comfort, and convenience.
5. Materials are Sourced SustainablyThe construction of cabinets in European design usually incorporates a dedication to sustainability. The utilization of natural resources like wood or stone and the best quality artificial materials created from repurposed wood products and environmentally friendly origins are prioritized in resource efficiency. Modern European kitchen cabinets often use synthetic materials like particle board, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, or manufactured wood for the cabinet frame or box instead of conventional materials like solid wood with natural finishes. The finishes are usually unique and incorporate manufactured materials, including laminates, plastics, high gloss paints, polyurethane, and glass. These items are made by professional artisans and designers who have extensive expertise in building contemporary and classic European kitchens built to last for generations.

What Are The Materials Used In European Style Kitchen Cabinets? 

Compared to conventional styles, which often use organic, solid hardwoods, most materials in kitchen cabinets designed in the European style are artificial. Engineered woods, steel, concrete mixtures, and glasses are some materials that have undergone extensive processing to help them look more smooth and more polished.

European kitchen cabinets commonly feature laminate. This thin material was formerly considered relatively frail, but modern manufacturing methods have greatly increased its strength and durability. It comes in various colors, such as vivid, striking shades that look well in contemporary kitchens.

The most frequently utilized material for European Style cabinet boxes is plywood. High-quality and durable cabinets are made using real plywood for the sides and backs. It maintains these boxes clean throughout setup and transportation. An all-plywood frame allows for easy handling of the weighty countertops. Additionally, it protects the cabinet frame from moisture. Kitchen cabinets in Europe are often composed of plywood. They become durable in every aspect as a result. A more affordable option, particleboard is also a common component in kitchen cabinets.

Moreover, the installation process for the center back panels mainly relies on the cabinet back construction. A central back panel is present on a sturdy cabinet. European cabinets are frequently a wise choice because their plywood is stable and reliable. 

Also, metal, vinyl, plastic, and stone are synthetic materials frequently utilized to complement the decor of European-style kitchen cabinets. Kitchen cabinet accessories and hardware are frequently made of metals, including stainless steel, chrome, and aluminum.

What Are The Usual Finishes For European Style Kitchen Cabinets? 

Instead of letting the natural beauty of real wood shine through, European-style kitchen cabinets typically use contemporary substitute materials to create a cohesive design and incredibly streamlined appeal. Material finishes are typically synthetic and highly processed, as was already mentioned. The finish is a distinguishing feature of kitchen cabinets with a European design. This surface that reflects light favorably is produced by applying several labor-intensive finishing techniques. Another common finish is wood, but instead of using real hardwoods in their raw, intricate forms, cabinet materials are usually treated with finishes such as veneers or laminates that approach and simulate the beauty of real wood. For kitchen cabinets with European style, a perfectly polished, glossy finish can be achieved using various materials. Some common high-gloss applications seen in European kitchen cabinet styles are seen here: 

• LacquerA protective finishing material known as lacquer is made of shellac and is available in various colors, from clear to wood-colored. Unfortunately, lacquer doesn’t add hue to kitchen cabinets; instead, it acts as a glossy finish or protective varnish. The materials for the kitchen cabinets still need to be coated or painted. One can employ lacquering to maintain the original design of the European kitchen cabinets while adding shine. When lacquer cures, it creates a tough and durable surface that enables European-style kitchen cabinets to endure for years without harm or break.
• LaminatesThese are a less expensive option than getting high-gloss finish kitchen cabinets. This is frequently utilized for European design kitchen cabinets since it is widely available and has a wide range of color options, allowing for the greatest customization. The most common modern finishing medium is laminate, and contemporary styles use it more frequently than traditional cabinet designs. Previously, this thin, light material was believed to be fragile and inflexible. However, new production techniques improved laminates’ composition and gave them a stronger, more durable character.
• Thermofoil This finish is a typical finish for flexible kitchen cabinet solutions and European-style kitchen cabinets. Foils, commonly referred to as Thermofoil, are primarily made of flexible vinyl and plastic coating. Thermofoils are frequently heated and bonded to engineered wood or medium-density material for cabinets. This procedure leads to a kitchen cabinet surface that is extremely durable and long-lasting but prone to flaking. 
• AcrylicSolid acrylic doors are completely completed with acrylic, giving them a more uniform color and a deeper look. However, they are also comparatively more expensive. Conversely, doors with acrylic faces are less expensive because they are just partially manufactured of the material rather than completely covered. Kitchen cabinet doors can have an acrylic finish applied to them by gluing a sheet of acrylic to a material like MDF, coating it with a protective coating, and caulking the corners.European-style kitchen cabinets with high gloss acrylic finishes offer a variety of benefits in addition to greater aesthetic value. Aside from producing an incredibly welcoming environment, the resilience of acrylic high gloss European cabinets allows them to withstand a significant amount of wear and tear from regular use. Additionally, the acrylic finish’s multi-layered finish offers a scratch-resistant layer superior to any other material. It is additionally scratch, UV, and moisture-proof. Due to how simple cleansing is and how little it needs, just basic soap and water, upkeep is the slightest of your concerns. More than anything, the mirror-like look, color, and brightness of acrylic high gloss European kitchen cabinets may be maintained over time without deteriorating.

Why Go For European Style Kitchen Cabinets?

An emphasis on elegance and clean lines characterizes European kitchen cabinetry. European-style kitchen cabinets are distinguished by having a completely accessible frameless structure. Full overlay doors are directly linked to a strong, substantial cabinet box without frames or unattractive center stiles. Increase storage capacity with flat cabinets and door lines, and bigger drawers. The efficiency, attractiveness, and storage capability of euro-style cabinets make them a preferred option.

Another advantage of European kitchen cabinets is their ease of use. European cabinets don’t have rails and stiles, which in American cabinets might make it difficult to reach the interior. European cabinets are much more likely to be seen in modern or contemporary kitchens. This allows a diverse range of material and color options, with a few certain choices sticking out. For kitchen cabinets, laminate is a fairly common material choice. This material, once weak, is now stronger and more durable thanks to new manufacturing procedures. This is a fantastic option if you are searching for a color that would look excellent in a modern kitchen. Most European kitchen cabinets typically have simple metal hardware with a clean, modern style which also opens up all amazing design opportunities. 

Many people have the misconception that European Kitchen type cabinets are much more susceptible to wear over time. However, European Kitchen Cabinets are exactly what you need for your space. They have a timeless, modern design that maintains their attractiveness for years after installation. European-style cabinets can increase a home’s resale value and offer a distinctive appearance for people who intend to sell it soon. In a crowded real estate market, even the smallest elements, like cabinetry, can have a significant impact. European-style cabinets have a very simple look and feel that may completely transform your area so that you can use them in a place with striking patterns, attention-grabbing themes, and other bold aesthetic decisions.

References: 

1. Best Online Cabinets. 2021. Latest Remodeling Trends with European Style Kitchen Cabinets. Retrieved from: https://www.bestonlinecabinets.com/blog/latest-remodeling-trends-with-european-style-kitchen-cabinets/. Retrieved on 27 November 2022. 
2. Designing Idea. 2021. European Kitchen Cabinets (Ultimate Design Guide). Retrieved from: https://designingidea.com/european-kitchen-cabinets/. Retrieved on 27 November 2022. 
3. HGTV. 2021. European Kitchen Cabinets. Retrieved from: https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/kitchen-remodel/european-kitchen-cabinets. Retrieved on 27 November 2022. 
4. Nolimodern. 2022. 3 Keys to Creating a European Style Kitchen. Retrieved from: https://nolimodern.com/3-keys-to-creating-a-european-style-kitchen/. Retrieved on 27 November 2022. 
5. T-Studio. 2020. What Are European Kitchen Cabinets? All you need to know!. Retrieved from: https://t-tstudio.com/european-kitchen-cabinets/. Retrieved on 27 November 2022.