As a home renovation expert who has designed dozens of beautiful, modern kitchens, I’m often asked if raised panel cabinets feel outdated. This classic style brings ornate elegance with its decorative trim and intricately framed doors. But some homeowners wonder if the traditional look fits with contemporary kitchen aesthetics.
The answer is raised panels can absolutely look modern and timeless when thoughtfully integrated into the design. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share insider tips to help you determine if raised panels could work in your kitchen, and how to style them for a fresh, updated look.
An Introduction to Raised Panel Cabinets
Before discussing whether raised panels are outdated, let’s quickly cover what defines this style:
Raised panel cabinets feature door and drawer fronts constructed with a decorative central panel that sits higher than the surrounding frame. The panel raises out from the face, creating a dimensional, convex shape.
Traditionally, the entire perimeter of the center panel is raised. The frames also incorporate ornate trim pieces like beads, grooves, chamfers and small profile moldings. This provides beautiful contrast with flat slab cabinet door designs.
Authentic raised panels are crafted using frame and panel construction. The central panel floats within the frame, allowing the wood to naturally expand and contract. This quality construction prevents cracking.
Raised panels have historically been built from quality hardwoods like oak, maple, cherry and mahogany. Today you can also find veneered plywood panels achieving a similar raised effect.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the question at hand:
Have Raised Panels Gone Out of Style?
In my experience designing kitchens for clients with varied tastes, this style still resonates in both traditional and contemporary spaces. Here are a few key perspectives to consider:
“It’s all about balance” according to leading designers. Mixing raised panels with other finishes prevents the kitchen from feeling too old fashioned. The key is blending with modern elements like streamlined hardware and stainless steel appliances.
“They‘re timeless classics” say advocates who appreciate the texture, dimension and craftsmanship of quality raised panels. The molded frames provide visual interest to any kitchen.
Looking at data, traditional kitchen styles remain just as popular as contemporary ones in most markets. This demonstrates raised panels still have a place in today’s homes.
In my experience, clients are often drawn to the sense of elegance, durability and quality conveyed by real wood raised panel cabinets. While trends come and go, this traditional style endures.
So in summary – no, raised panels are not inherently dated or obsolete. With thoughtful design choices, they can absolutely look contemporary and fresh!
5 Tips for Making Raised Panels Look Modern
If you’re interested in using raised panels but don’t want a dated look, here are my top tips for modernizing this style:
1. Lighten It Up
Dark stained cabinets can make a kitchen feel heavy and dated. Instead, opt for light, airy colors like white, light gray or taupe. The lighter background helps modern elements pop.
White painted cabinets with stainless accents are an easy way to modernize the look. Or combine painted upper cabinets with lightly stained lower cabinets for contrast.
2. Keep Lines Simple
Skip the ornately curved edges and deeply recessed panels. A more streamlined, shallow panel feels current while retaining the raised dimension.
Clean lines and simple framing keep the look light. I recommend this approach for a versatile, contemporary style.
3. Add Glass
Incorporating glass inserts into cabinet doors and drawers adds modern style while allowing light to shine through. The glass provides alluring contrast against solid wood.
Aim for clean lines rather than ornate etched designs for an updated look. Glass upper cabinets also create openness.
4. Sleek Hardware
Replace ornate knobs and pulls with minimalist hardware. Streamlined bar pulls in matte black, chrome or brushed nickel have an ultra-modern vibe.
Matching cabinet hardware finishes creates a unified, seamless look. I love mixing metals too for subtle contrast.
5. Crisp Countertops
Granite can feel weighty and dated. For a lighter look, pair raised panels with crisp white quartz or classic white marble countertops. The contrast is stunning.
I recommend clean-lined stone slabs rather than heavily veined or colored varieties. This keeps the palette fresh.
Current Cabinet Trends to Consider
Incorporating elements of current cabinet trends is another way to modernize raised panel cabinets. Here are some of the most popular styles right now:
- Two-toned cabinets: Mixing stains, paints or materials on upper and lower cabinets
- Shaker style: Defined by recessed center panel and clean lines
- Slab cabinetry: Flat, minimalist, without ornamentation
- Open shelving: Less formal alternative to upper cabinets
- Matte finishes: Soft muted finishes like matte black or navy
- Mixed metals: Combining finishes like brass, bronze and nickel
Blending raised panels with some of these modern styles can create an alluring balance. The key is exercising restraint. Using raised panels sparingly helps them feel like an intentional accent rather than overwhelming the space.
Raised Panel vs. Shaker Cabinets
Along with raised panels, shaker style cabinets are a versatile traditional option. So what’s the difference between these two styles?
Raised panel cabinets feature decorative trim and ornate molding that shaker cabinets lack. The handcrafted details create an elegant, upscale effect.
Shaker cabinets also have recessed center panels but in a much more understated way. The simple straight lines suit a variety of kitchen aesthetics.
Here’s a quick comparison of the pros for each style:
| Raised Panel Cabinets | Shaker Cabinets |
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There’s definitely overlap in the charm and utility of these two styles. Choosing between them involves assessing your existing architecture, budget, and overall vision for the kitchen.
6 Key Factors To Evaluate
Speaking of which, here are the main considerations I advise clients to carefully evaluate when deciding on cabinet styles:
Existing Architecture and Finishes
Look at existing elements like flooring, windows, and architectural details. Do they feel traditional or contemporary? The cabinet style should complement what’s already there.
Personal Style
Be honest about your aesthetic taste. Do you lean traditional or contemporary? In between? This will steer the cabinet direction. There’s no right or wrong!
Budget
Custom raised panels are an investment. Semi-custom provides cost savings. Knowing budget helps determine what’s realistic.
Kitchen Layout
A few ornate raised panel cabinets mixed into a contemporary space can work beautifully. But if the cabinets dominate, the look may feel overly traditional.
Resale Value
In most markets, potential home buyers are still drawn to classic styles like raised panels. It’s a safe choice if thinking about resale.
Quality Craftsmanship
Authentic solid wood raised panels represent meticulous craftsmanship and enduring beauty. However, quality also comes at a price.
Carefully weighing these factors will guide you to make the optimal cabinet decision for your space and lifestyle. Don’t rush the process!
Designer Tips for Styling Raised Panels
If you decide to move forward with raised panels, the key to modernizing them is all in the styling details. Follow these designer-approved recommendations:
– Complement with lighter countertops. Dark or heavily veined granite can feel imposing. Crisp white quartz or marble keeps the palette fresh.
– Incorporate glass inserts. This allows light to filter through and breaks up all the solid wood. Opt for clean lines rather than ornate etchings.
– Use minimalist hardware. Sleek metal bar pulls have an ultra-modern vibe. Pass on elaborate wrought iron handles.
– Paint or stain panels white or light gray. It’s amazing how light colors transform dark traditional cabinets.
– Add unique pendant or sconce lighting. This punctuates the cabinets with an unexpected modern element.
– Mix some shaker-style doors. Alternating door styles adds appealing dimension while retaining the warmth of wood panels.
– Keep counters and backsplash simple. Busy tile patterns compete. Opt for streamlined stone or marble slab.
Following these tips will help integrate ornate raised panels into a fresh, contemporary kitchen design.
Cost-Effective Ways to Update Existing Raised Panels
I often work with clients who already have raised panel cabinets but want to modernize them. Here are budget-friendly ways to breathe new life into existing cabinetry:
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Paint or stain – Transform the look with trendy light or dark modern colors
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Replace doors/drawers – Just switching out fronts can make a dramatic difference
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New hardware – Sleek bar pulls easily update old-fashioned hardware
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Add glass – Cut out panel shapes and add glass for a modern twist
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Improve lighting – New fixtures illuminate and accentuate details
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Change backsplash/counters – Crisp materials lighten up the space
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Freshen trim – A bold color on ornate exterior trim packs a punch
With some creativity and elbow grease, existing cabinets can be affordably refashioned into a contemporary showstopper.
The Bottom Line
Traditional raised panel cabinets should not be ruled out as outdated relics. Their classic elegance and craftsmanship remain timeless. With thoughtful integration of modern elements, finishes and lighting, they can feel fresh and current.
The key is exercising restraint. When used sparingly and styled appropriately, raised panels add character and dimension without overwhelming a space. With the right approach, this versatile style can suit kitchens across the design spectrum.
So don’t write off raised panels as outdated! With the tips provided, you can confidently integrate this enduring style into a kitchen design that feels both timeless and on-trend.
I hope this comprehensive guide provides clarity and direction on making raised panel cabinets work beautifully in your modern kitchen. Wishing you success with your project! Let me know if any other questions come up.
