If sleek, spacious cabinets sound like your speed, you might want to look into a style known as frameless or European-style cabinetry. 

For kitchen or bathroom remodels, or brand-new home builds, it's a fun and functional design choice that impresses on several fronts. Unlike the more traditional framed cabinetry that features a picture-frame-like door or drawer overlay, frameless cabinets are constructed differently, with the doors attached right to the cabinet's side walls.

This cabinet trend isn't a new thing; frameless originated in Europe shortly after World War II as a practical alternative. Check out some of the benefits frameless cabinetry can offer as part of a thoughtful kitchen or bathroom redo:

1. More storage space

Doing away with frames gives you more functional interior space within a certain cabinet box size. More space means a broader range of organizing options, plus enough room for all your bathroom or kitchen essentials—and then some. Brad Iseri, Senior Kitchen and Bath Designer for HPM Hilo, often encourages clients to go frameless—especially when space is an issue: "Installing frameless cabinets increases drawer storage space by 20%, compared to framed models," he says.

2. Easy access

Also called "full access cabinets," frameless kitchen and bath cabinetry solves the issue of frames blocking access to your stored goods. Sans frame, there's no need for that center plank that typically sits between two neighboring cabinet doors.

3. Strength and durability

Many frameless cabinet brands feature quality construction for a sturdy finished product that provides exceptional value. As opposed to face-frame cabinets where the frame adds support, frameless ones are self-supporting and feature thicker walls to promote greater stability in the absence of a frame. Plus, there's less wood to swell and stick as temperatures climb. 

4. Clean look

The flat doors and drawer fronts of frameless cabinets present a simple, modern aesthetic that embodies subtle sophistication and goes well in many different types of kitchens and bathrooms.

5. Broad design possibilities

With no frame to accentuate the design, there's more emphasis on cabinet door/drawer-front style. Depending on the brand, you can choose from a variety of styles and features such as soft-close, handles or handleless, and material/finish options. 

HPM's new Akamai Cabinets Collection, Pakalana Series features 4 finish options on a modern, frameless door style.

Go for a sleek and clean look with the Glossy White or Dark Wood finish, or if you're looking for a warm and homey vibe, the Rustic Oak or Walnut finish will fit perfectly.

Contact an HPM Kitchen & Bath Designer

Shop frameless or learn more about our comprehensive cabinetry options.