This style of kitchen, also known as a framed kitchen or inset kitchen, is named for the design feature of setting cabinet doors and drawers within a frame. The frame is fixed to the front of the carcass, and the doors fit perfectly in the frame.

This provides a border around the doors, which also means that the doors are smaller than they would be if they were attached directly to the face of the carcass, where they conceal the frame. In some cases, the in-frame doors will sit just on top of the frame face, partially concealing the frame but still revealing a border around the edge.

The inset look provides a unique visual feature, achieving a more stately appearance than modern frameless kitchens. While frameless kitchens are popular for their affordability, as they use less material and are faster to produce, framed kitchen cabinets are often more hardwearing.

Many people prefer the in-frame look because of its elegant simplicity. You can see the craftmanship more easily, and appreciate the attention to detail that goes into creating in-frame kitchens. While they often have an association with country-style kitchens, the in-frame design is an enduring option that works well with a variety of contemporary interior styles.

Since the doors and drawers must be custom-made to fit the frame, you can be sure that they’re well-made. They’re usually crafted using solid timber, though the frame face and door fronts may have veneers, depending on the desired finish. The classic, rigid construction guarantees durability, so you know that your new kitchen will last a long time.

Additionally, the firm frame and perfectly fitted doors use strong hinges and joins, so they’re less likely to sag. Mass-produced frameless doors don’t have the same level of support, so they might begin to drop over time as the joins weaken, requiring re-adjustment. Even with everyday use, in-frame kitchen doors are inclined to endure for many years.

As more work goes into crafting an in-frame kitchen, it’s understandable that you might think the installation requires more effort, too. You don’t need to worry though, because when your new kitchen arrives, the hardest part will already be done. All the pieces will be perfectly cut and finished, ready for assembly.

An in-frame kitchen installation follows the same format as any regular kitchen installation, just with a few added steps. You install the carcasses in their desired positions first, followed by fitting the doors with hinges and the drawers with runners. Though the hinge style is different, it’s no more complicated than installing frameless cabinet doors.

As with any kitchen, the difficulty of installation and the time it will take depends on the structures and features you’ve chosen. For example, curved cupboards, integrated appliances, and smart storage solutions will take longer to set up than standard ones regardless of the cabinetry style.