Searching for the perfect style touches to enliven your new kitchen can be an exciting and fun discovery process. Before meeting with clients and giving them a showroom tour, we always advise them to bring along a few design ideas, such as door style and color, that spark their interest. Our job as a designer is to guide you in making your unique vision a reality.

Finding a style that fits you

On the journey to creating your kitchen, one decision you'll need to make is what type of cabinet doors to install. Below are two of Hawaii's favorite styles that we offer here at HPM—the Shaker and Flat Panel (Slab) door styles. Both have been trending for years and offer a great mix of form and function, with slightly different aesthetic appeal.

Create a classic look with Shaker doors

If the tone you want to set in your kitchen leans toward clean and classic, Shaker doors help give rooms a traditional look with understated elegance. But don't worry about them being too plain; this cabinet door style integrates just enough detail to give it a bit of flair.

Constructed in a five-piece format with a recessed center panel, Shaker door brands can vary from very simplistic designs to more decorative detailing. Make them your own by choosing from several drawer-front options, painting the doors any color, or adding cherry, alder or maple wood stain finishes. Clients also love these doors because they're really easy to clean.

Go sleek with Flat-panel (Slab) doors

The more modern Flat-panel cabinet doors, also known as Slab doors, reflect the smooth and uncomplicated lines of contemporary design. Made with raised panels, these doors come in one solid "slab" and are constructed without frames.

Especially in demand on the island of Kauai, the Slab door consists of an MDF (medium-density fiberboard) core that can be painted, covered by a wood veneer, or finished with a high-gloss or matte laminate material. They're also a breeze to clean, since they lack detailing. You also have the option to custom-order solid hardwood Slab doors, which are incredibly sturdy and gorgeous.

Whatever door style you end up choosing for your brand-new kitchen or kitchen remodel, our team is always here to help answer any questions you may have about the design options available. 

About the Author Rose Keaweamahi-Hoovler Lead Home Design Consultant HPM Kauai’s kitchen and bath design expert grew up on the Garden Island, where she raised three wonderful boys with her husband, Gary. On her days off, she loves hitting the surf, relaxing at the beach, exploring the island, and having beach barbecues with her ohana. Inspired by meeting new people, Rose is energized to help customers with their kitchen and bath projects from start to finish and has worked with over 2,000 clients throughout her career. Her passion is getting to know her customers and guiding them to their perfect kitchen or bath.