My KD is doing a kind of faux inset where they build the frame out so the door sits in side and is flush but the interior space is not compromised. Not sure what the technical name for this is but I do know they have to build the frames on site and its not something you get purchase as is.

You won't lose much space in the cabinets, it's the drawers where you'll lose space, you can end up with some very tiny drawers. Since there's a frame, the drawer will have to fit inside the frame, as will the drawer front, Someone here, a few years ago, posted a photo of her very small top drawers in her inset cabinets. She hadn't expected that.

For example, if you have 12" wide cabinets, you'll still have all the inside space in the cabinets, since the space behind the frame is still available for storage. But the drawers will lose about 1" on each side because of the frame, as well as losing space equal to the depth of the wood on the sides of the drawer. Even if that's only 1/2" per side, you've already lost 3" of usable drawer space - which leaves you with about a 9" wide drawer.

They look great, but if you've got a small kitchen and you need every inch of cabinet and drawer space, you might not want to get inset cabinets.

Have you looked through the finished kitchen blog, you might get some good ideas, and certainly see some great kitchens.

Good luck.

Here is a link that might be useful: different cabinet types

I love inset cabinetry too, and I also have a small kitchen and I opted for inset. To me, it is worth purging and having the look you want. In my kitchen, I use the same things over and over and some things never get used. I haven't even moved half of my stuff back into the new kitchen yet... these things have been in storage for eight months and I don't miss them. We can probably all do with much less... I am more of a form over function person and thus would say get the inset cabinets if that is what you really like.

I have the frameless cabs in a small kitchen. Love the extra space. Yes, I did purge but use up practically every inch of what I have now. It is just layed out better and displayed better which makes it easier to use. Go with what you love, but I LOVE my frameless cabs!

I love the look of framless cabinets too, but if you love inset, then purge some of your stuff and get what you love! You will have to live with your kitchen too long to make compromises on what you want.

If you go with fewer and bigger cabinets, you'll lose less space. It's the frames that eat your space (especially drawers like momj47 said), so if you have fewer units, you have fewer frames. For me, I absolutely wanted inset cabinets. I didn't even miss the stuff I purged for the remodel.

I have a small kit and had to have inset cabs. I wanted very simple old fashion look so inset was the only way to go. They are custom and I have all drawer bases with no toe kick. (3 stacked, graduated depth drawers) and going without the toe kick adds a great deal of space. Even with a toe kick the loss of space is minimal and worth it to anyone that really likes inset look.

Very helpful comments and suggestions! Thanks to all who responded. I definitely learned a few things here.

One question for eandhl: No toe kick?? A revelation! I didn't know that was done. But I bet you really, really have to have level floors for that to work. Do the bottom drawers get scuffed?

And mamadadapaige: I wish you would have seen my eyes bug out when I read your comment about your kitchen being small--I'm pretty sure I giggled! :-) See, I've looked at your lovely kitchen photos many, many times, and often wished I had even part of your space! I know it's all relative, though. Somewhere out there is a kitchen even smaller than mine. Maybe!

Thanks again to all!

Nothing level in our 1870 the kit is a new addition but it had to be tied into the old so nothing is perfect. Lots of old cabs were built to the floor. The only toe kick I requested was at sink. I questioned if I might find it a problem where I prep but I do not. Only been in since early March and no scuffs yet, and I haven't chipped any paint yet either. The cabs need a final coat not sure when punch list will be completed.