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Design Dilemma Before & After Kitchens

Will Shaker Style cabinet doors ruin my contemporary look?

6 years ago

Hello,

I will be replacing my cabinet doors. My kitchen is only 3 years old however the mdf doors in flat style did not work well as the stain faded from the edges. My designer recommended flat doors due to our contemporary style. The cabinet maker cannot do wood doors in flat style therefore recommended a shaker door over a flat mdf. We want to keep the home contemporary looking. What style wood door should we do?

Featured Answer

Chessie

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

MDF does not absorb stain well so it is not a very long-lasting finish. Paint is preferable.

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Comments (17)

PRO
Filipe Custom Woodwork
6 years ago
Shaker style is fine to use to create a contemporary look....this style can transform from Farm Style to the contemporary style with the pairing of cabinet hardware...You can keep the existing hardware depending upon if they will still fit once the new doors are fabricated...if they do not fit then pick another contemporary pull that will fit......shaker is very versatile.....
Matt Man
6 years ago
Another year of the shaker trend and every home in the country will have the same kitchen.
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The pulls weren't too hard to match. My cabinet pulls were through my cabinet installer, but I found the matching appliance pulls on Top Knobs. You will definitely need specific appliance pulls for these awesome and heavy doors ;) If you're really interested in paneling, maybe you could start your hardware search that way. Love, love the range. Are you looking at the steam option? Either way, It is a joy to cook with.
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Peter Roehrich
6 years ago
Shaker will look great in your kitchen. Are you keeping the espresso color? If so, it'll be even less obvious that they're Shaker.
miss lindsey (She/Her)
6 years ago
Why can't the cabinet maker do a flat door, and is this the only cabinet maker available to you?
PRO
Filipe Custom Woodwork
6 years ago
lindsey our thought exactly, they should be able to fabricate cherry wood doors and stain them whatever color she chooses.......for Paint definitely MDF....
Rita / Bring Back Sophie 4 Real
6 years ago
I would not allow the cabinet maker to dictate the cabinet style.
maharaj4126
Original Author
6 years ago
Should we keep the current doors and just have them refinished?
User
6 years ago
Is your cabinet maker the same one that made the doors originally?
Rita / Bring Back Sophie 4 Real
6 years ago
If refinishing is a good option- great (I know nothing about such things.)

If that is not an option, how about one of those companies that just makes doors? Scherr's makes doors for IKEA boxes. Maybe your size boxes would be compatible.
Chessie
6 years ago
"Should we keep the current doors and just have them refinished?"

As long as they are painted, sure.
hummingalong2
6 years ago
Why not have your present cabinets professionally painted..
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
6 years ago
If you are keeping the espresso IMO that is already a dated color . There is no reason that shaker will not suit contempoary but honestly rethink the color and get MDF painted doors
maharaj4126
Original Author
6 years ago
if I get them painted what color should I paint them if I want them to be timeless and suit the current Style?
functionthenlook
6 years ago
I like the flat panel look in your kitchen. I think painting them a dark (almost black) charcoal would look sharp. Shaker is fine for some kitchens that want to play it safe, but I'm with Matt Man. They are way overused. I would agree with your designer over a cabinet maker and keep them flat panel.
Chessie
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
"Timeless" is a subjective perspective. You can google "timeless kitchen" and see what images come up. Pick one that you like and go with it.

Hint: Most of them will be white.
PRO
JAN MOYER
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Find someone who can do a slab front MDF. You my dear, are NOT suited to shaker, sorry. Or paint YOUR doors deep dark satiny charcoal. Fabulous.

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