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How to choose kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts

Cabinet doors and drawer fronts are key to setting the tone of your kitchen – adding personality, style, and function all at once. Whether you’re dreaming of a bright and energetic space, something classic and elegant, or a sleek, minimalistic look, the right fronts make all the difference. This quick guide will help you explore your options and choose a design that fits your vision, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Several kitchen fronts with different colours and expressions are placed together in a graphic pattern on a dark surface.

Choose a front with clean lines and few details for a streamlined look

If you love a design philosophy that’s straightforward, uncomplicated, and effortless, then modern doors with straight lines and smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces may just be perfect for you! Don’t be fooled by their simple appearance – there’s a great variety of finishes and materials to explore.

Glass doors, especially if you illuminate them with integrated lighting, add an extra dimension and turn the dinnerware placed on the shelves into an integral part of your kitchen décor. If you prefer a truly minimalistic and understated kitchen style, consider integrated handles for simplicity in its truest form.

Differently-coloured kitchen fronts with modern expressions are placed in a graphic pattern against a dark background.

Keep it smooth, keep it simple – go for modern fronts

Give your METOD kitchen a fresh new face with contemporary cabinet fronts. Sleek lines and timeless colours make it easy to create a space that feels both current and uniquely yours.

Go for a front with classic details for a warm and welcoming look

Are you dreaming of a cosy kitchen that’s full of warmth and character? Frame doors and drawer fronts are rich in details – such as inset panels and bevelled edges – and bring a crafted look and feel to your space, whether you’re going for farmhouse rustic, classic country, shaker-inspired, or something in between.

Add a few glass doors to open things up – your kitchen will feel brighter and more welcoming, and you’ll see what’s inside before you even reach for the handle. Speaking of handles – knobs and handles may be small details, but they play a big role in shaping the overall feel of a traditional kitchen. The right choice highlights the classic charm, adds character, and ties the whole look together.

Kitchen fronts with traditional expressions in different colours are placed in a graphic pattern against a grey background.

Pick the right kitchen look – colour and finish

Convey your personality, make a design statement and set the tone for your kitchen with your choice of colour. Before you decide, here are some general rules to guide you: Light colours, like white and light grey, open up the space, making it feel larger and airier. A darker colour palette in grey, black or brown makes your kitchen both elegant and cosy, and the same goes for fronts of solid wood or with a subtle grain structure. Earthy hues, such as beige and olive green, create an inviting feel and harmonise with natural materials in a country-style or rustic kitchen.

For a soft, modern look, matte fronts are a great choice, while a high-gloss finish brightens up your space (and don’t worry, any food stains can be wiped away easily, making them ideal for both perfectionists and busy families). You can also mix and match, with one design for the base cabinets and another for the wall cabinets, to break up the uniform look and add a personal touch.

Kitchen fronts in different colours and with different expressions are placed in rows that stretch beyond the image.

The little details that tie it all together – knobs and handles

The doors and drawer fronts set the tone – knobs and handles are icing on the cake. Finish your kitchen design by choosing the hardware that works with your front (consider that a more traditional front doesn’t feel complete without it).

Wondering whether to go for knobs, handles, or a mix of both? It really comes down to your personal preference, but here’s a general tip: Handles are better for pulling out a heavier drawer, while knobs are better for doors. The placement on the kitchen front can also create different expressions – play round with it before you attach them and see what you like. Do you prefer a sleek front without any knobs or handles at all? By adding push-openers you can open the door with a light touch.

Handles and knobs for kitchen fronts, in different colours and different expressions, are placed in rows on a grey surface.

A front for every style, a material for every need – guaranteed

There are many front materials to choose from, each with its own qualities. Sturdy wooden and wood veneer fronts bring warmth to your kitchen, with colours that deepen over time. Foil, lacquer, and melamine laminate come in a variety of hues and expressions and are easy to care for. Lacquered fronts bring a seamless look, while foil finishes keep their colour over time.

For a truly hard-working kitchen, stainless steel stands up to grease, water, heat, and chemicals like a champ! Want something that catches the eye? Tempered glass showcases your dinnerware, especially with integrated lighting. Regardless of material, our METOD fronts come with a 25-year guarantee, with a durability that’s designed to last through life’s changes. They also fit the METOD cabinets perfectly, hinges and all, making it a breeze to switch fronts, should you want a kitchen refresh without a full renovation.

Need a hand pulling it all together? Our kitchen experts are happy to help you!

Several kitchen fronts of different sizes, colours and expressions are leaning against a dark grey surface.