Inset Cabinets

Inset cabinets are a unique type of kitchen cabinet design where the cabinet doors and drawers are fitted within, or 'inset' into, the cabinet frame. This design creates a clean, seamless look as the door and frame are flush with each other. The result is a cabinet surface where one can run a hand over and not feel any significant difference or space between the cabinet frame and doors.

Distinct from full overlay cabinets, where the door rests on the exterior of the cabinet box, inset cabinets provide both a different visual appeal and functionality. The minimal gap between the door and frame gives these cabinets a refined, tailored look, contributing to an aesthetic of custom craftsmanship. The precise fitting and seamless integration of the doors and frame lend a unique, custom feeling to the space, evoking a sense of heritage, regardless of the age of the house.

Furthermore, inset cabinets offer practical benefits such as preventing the cabinet door corners from being damaged and conserving exterior space, an advantage particularly for smaller kitchens. Despite potentially higher costs and hardware requirements, inset cabinets are a timeless choice that balances charm, style, and functionality, adding significant value to any kitchen design.

Yes, inset cabinets typically come with a higher price tag when compared to other cabinet styles, such as full overlay doors. On average, the cost of inset cabinets can be approximately 15-30% more than their counterparts. The increased cost can largely be attributed to the advanced craftsmanship and meticulous precision required to make inset cabinets.

Inset cabinetry demands a higher degree of skill and time from craftsmen as the doors and drawers must be built to precise dimensions to fit seamlessly inside the cabinet frame. Any miscalculations or minor imperfections could result in poorly fitting doors and drawers, making the crafting process more complex and labor-intensive. Consequently, this high level of workmanship, along with the quality materials typically used in their construction, contribute to the higher cost.

Despite the higher cost, many homeowners and designers opt for inset cabinets because of their refined aesthetic, custom feel, and timeless appeal. They are seen as an investment in the home, elevating the overall look and feel of the kitchen. Furthermore, they are often associated with high-quality, bespoke kitchen design, making them a popular choice for those seeking a kitchen with a distinctive, personalized touch.

Installation of inset cabinet hinges is a meticulous process that calls for precision and attention to detail. The process begins with the hinge being fitted onto the cabinet door, with screw holes marked and pilot holes drilled to prevent any damage to the wood. Following this, the hinge is secured to the door using the provided screws

Next, the door, now with the attached hinge, is aligned within the cabinet frame. The screw holes for the face frame are marked, pilot holes are drilled, and the hinge is then fastened to the face frame using the remaining screws. This should allow the door to operate smoothly and sit flush with the cabinet frame.

Once the door is installed, it's critical to adjust the hinges to ensure proper functionality. This adjustment process ensures the door hangs straight, closes correctly, and aligns with other doors and drawers for a neat, uniform look. It's worth noting that the hinges may need slight adjustments over time due to regular use or changes in humidity levels.

HomeMark Cabinets' Princeton Inset door style utilizes the Blum Concealed hinge, which comes pre-installed. These hinges offer extensive adjustment capabilities, making it easier to achieve a perfect fit, while saving time and effort during installation.

Inset and overlay cabinets are distinct styles of cabinetry that play a substantial role in determining the overall look and functionality of a kitchen.

Inset cabinets, as implied by the name, are designed with doors and drawers that fit neatly inside the cabinet frame. This creates a smooth, seamless look, with the doors and drawers sitting flush with the frame. This style calls for meticulous precision in construction since any minor miscalculations can lead to ill-fitting components. Despite typically being more expensive due to the high-quality craftsmanship required, inset cabinets are admired for their timeless elegance and customized look.

Overlay cabinets, by contrast, feature doors and drawers that lie over and cover the cabinet frame. Full overlay designs cover the entire frame, creating a sleek, modern aesthetic with continuous lines. Partial overlay, a more conventional and frequently used style, leaves part of the frame visible, adding character and definition to the cabinetry.

HomeMark offers both inset and full overlay door options, accommodating varying aesthetic preferences, budgets, and design goals. Both styles, when well-crafted and properly installed, can add significant functionality and beauty to your kitchen space, making HomeMark a versatile choice for any kitchen design project.

When choosing inset cabinets for your kitchen, it's important to consider the slight loss of space due to the nature of the design. Inset cabinets have doors and drawers that are set inside the cabinet frame, rather than resting on top of the frame as with overlay cabinets. Because of this design feature, the space you lose with inset cabinets is generally the thickness of the door, which is typically 3/4".

While this may not sound like much, for kitchens where every inch of storage space counts, it's a factor worth considering. The space reduction becomes noticeable particularly when storing larger items, like pots and pans or larger plates. However, it's important to remember that the elegance, timeless style, and clean lines inset cabinets offer often make up for this minor compromise in space.

HomeMark offers a solution to this potential issue by providing increased depth modifications. This feature allows you to retain the aesthetic benefits of inset cabinets, while also providing the additional space usually associated with overlay cabinets. Therefore, with thoughtful design considerations, any space concerns associated with inset cabinets can be effectively addressed, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds.