Trends in kitchen design are ever-changing, but the fundamentals—Traditional, Transitional, and Contemporary/Modern—never go out of style.

Traditional style often features a raised-panel wood door and can range from formal Colonial with rich stains to rustic, distressed, old world looks to casual Modern Farmhouse with cabinets painted grays, to whites and off-whites.

At the far other end of the spectrum is minimalist Modern style. Usually features an unadorned, slab-style door with a flat surface. Here the detail, or lack thereof, is in the finish and materials. Finishes include highly reflective gloss acrylics, light-absorbing ultra-mattes, textures, patterns, colors, and even exotic wood veneers.

Transitional style, blending elements of both past and future, is the most popular style with universal appeal. Look to a recessed-panel door, like Shaker, with quiet details. Stains, paints—even bold colors like navy and forest green—are at home here.

From these three basic platforms, any you-nique style is possible. Check out our Design Blog for the latest trends and inspiration.