Handcrafted Inset Cabinets: Should You Choose a Beaded or a Flush Door Design?
Roger Morph 
No kitchen renovation or redesign is complete without upgrading the cabinets. During these home improvement projects, you may want to replace the entire system to create more storage space and enhance the interior’s appeal. Replacement could mean opting for the same cabinet style or switching to a new design. The choice depends on your experience with the existing layout as well as your willingness to explore something different. Of course, your kitchen space and other factors must be considered, even if you choose standard stock cabinets. With custom options, such as inset cabinets, you need to pay closer attention to these details.
- Inset cabinets
Companies like StoneHill Cabinetry specialize in handcrafting designs like these. You can identify these cabinets by their distinctive appearance, such as a flush design with drawers and doors fitted into the frame. As a result, they look neat and high-end. You can equip them with door handles, knobs, and pulls for easy operation, since there is little or no edge to manipulate with your fingers. Typically, inset cabinets are styled in two ways: flush and beaded. Beaded frames, as the name suggests, have a decorative feel with a carefully crafted inner border. Flush frames are defined by their square edges, which give them an industrial vibe.
- Beaded vs. flush inset cabinets
Beaded inset cabinets include a decorative groove or inner border along the face frame. It looks quite intricate in appearance. However, flush inset cabinets feature a smooth surface. If you want to lend a vintage or traditional appeal to your kitchen interiors, beaded inset cabinets are an ideal choice. Flush cabinets pair well with modern aesthetics due to their smooth face frames. Beaded styles are typically crafted entirely from wood, while flush inset cabinets can be made from wood, glass, or other materials. In terms of color, traditional cabinet designs often feature darker shades, whereas flush styles can be finished in bold or neutral tones.
- More information about design elements
No matter whether you choose a flush or beaded design, each cabinet will need proper handles or pulls for smooth operation. You can add cup-style pulls for an easy grip; these suit transitional and traditional kitchens. Bar pulls, typically cylindrical, provide a modern vibe and are available in various finishes and lengths. Circular or ring pulls are also attractive, and their eclectic charm makes them a perfect match for vintage-themed kitchens. For door movement, you can select hinges. Some designs feature surface-mounted hinges. These can be visible on the outside in attractive finishes such as oil-rubbed bronze, nickel, or brass. Soft hinges can be a more functional option, though.
When exploring custom designs, you cannot afford to compromise on material quality. You’re already paying a premium for precisely what you want, and subpar materials cannot justify that cost. Fortunately, some cabinetmakers take these standards seriously and provide the best experience. They ensure your investment delivers full value. Their timely delivery and craftsmanship are also worth considering. Make sure to check their portfolio once. It will reveal their experience and expertise in this area.
