Raised panel doors convey a traditional style and can easily create a design theme that stands the test of time. The middle section of the door is raised, creating a groove between the door’s frame and the central panel. This groove creates a clear visual rectangle that defines each door and panel, and creates highlights and shadows that bring depth to the cabinetry. The style leans traditional because they harken back to the American colonial era, when raised panel cabinetry in the home was a sign of wealth since they were more costly to make.
Hardware for raised panel doors
Typically raised panel doors need more ornate and detailed hardware to counterbalance the heaviness of the door style. They need hardware that has visual weight as well.
Drops pulls
This style of hardware has a feminine touch. You might expect to see it on a piece of furniture rather than on a kitchen cabinet, which is why it works so well on a raised-panel kitchen cabinet. What they do for the kitchen: Add a furniture feel to fitted cabinetry.
Knobs with decorative back plates
Hardware such as this makes a strong unfitted, furniture-style statement. It’s ornate and decorative, and often a bit fussy. What they do for the kitchen: sets the tone of a kitchen the way jewellery sets the tone of an outfit.
Industrial style face mounted pulls
Going industrial on a traditional raised-panel door style everyone’s first instinct or cup of tea, but it’s a refreshing alternative. Mixing industrial pulls with more classic knobs and latches can help to balance out a look. What they do for the kitchen: Create contrast and a bit of aesthetic tension, in which everything doesn’t match. Industrial pulls can even be glamorous when they’re in a high-polish finish.
