There is a wide variety of recessed panel doors out there. But, be aware that one of the reasons that shaker is so popular is that it is a budget friendly choice. It's not a very complicated doorstyle to create. When you get into applied moldings, or curved stiles and rails, or routed profiled stiles and rails, you start increasing the costs. Some of these KM doors shown below can easily be double the cost of a simple white painted shaker kitchen.

We are going to be building a new home soon (hopefully) and I often thought of the same worries you have. We are doing raised 2 panel doors (though I often thought I should do recessed instead) but for the cabinets in the entire house we are doing white shaker (some white beadboard shaker). I have such a huge inspirational gallery of photos and I have seen many people mix and match so I finally okayed myself to do this. I really wanted to do recessed interior doors to match the shaker style cabinets but my lumber yard can readily get the 2 panel raised at a better price so I just stopped double quessing myself. I love shaker kitchen cabinets and also like raised panel but I think the raised panel looks better in a more classy modern style home. For those of us trying to achieve an older vintage antique style shaker is the way to go! Please post when you have decided and show us pics!

Both will be dated at some point, so it's really almost become something nonsensical to worry about. People have asked the same about Shaker cabinets, but in the, what? 100 years since they were originally introduced by their creators? Have they disappeared? People who enjoy a more formal kitchen will continue to choose raised cabinets doors. They're shadow effects are beautiful and will continue to be lovely. IMHO, it's the white that carries this in some way. Not that wood cabinets aren't gorgeous, but the white keeps things fresh for me. just a thought.

bbstyx, Thank you for asking this Q- I've been pondering the same thing, too. I would go along with those who say that while both are classic, the shaker is a less formal style. I, personally, don't think they are too simple - (for instance I also happen to love the ultra contemporary flat slab look) - I think I worry more about ending up a little too country or rustic for my taste. And yet some of the most beautiful kitchens I've seen here are in this style - I think it's been growing on me! Also, though I can see the point of those who worry the painted Shaker/cup pull/ subway tile look could ultimately be seen as trendy - it's easy enough to replace hardware, backsplashes etc. to update, and white cabinets look pretty timeless, IMO. Also, I think you are right when you say that the arched top on the raised panels in your friend's house is what gave a more dated look to your eye - square raised panel would be my choice, too. Other things to consider - the treatment of the drawers. You can do them in raised panel, too or keep them simple . I've also seen curved, which to me is a more traditional look. Hardware, ie pulls and or knobs will make a big difference, too. Another thing I think about in conjunction with these two options is ceiling height. Either look, for example, would be great in a space with high ceilings. I'm still not sure the raised panel (which you commonly see done with lots of up and downs) would look as dramatic or great with my 8 foot ceilings, though! As other people have noted, overlay, partial overlay, inset makes a difference, too. I'm either doing full overlay or inset. If inset, I'm also considering doing concealed hinges for a more transitional (to me) look. I even saw a great kitchen in a showroom with inset uppers and full overlay lower cabinets - it looked great!