Inframe kitchens: what are they, and what’s all the fuss about?
When I first started working with my husband Craig, a master cabinetmaker, I’d never heard of an inframe kitchen. To my untrained eye, an inframe kitchen didn’t seem an essential consideration when designing a kitchen. However, Craig explained that, in the world of quality, classical kitchens, it’s actually really important that our clients understand the design style when selecting the kitchen of their dreams.
What is an inframe kitchen?
Inframe Kitchens, sometimes referred to as ‘inset kitchens’, are a type of kitchen design where the cabinet door is set within a wooden frame. Their benefit is both structural and aesthetic; the frame provides strength to the front of a cabinet and also a visual feature. The style borrows from ancient cabinet furniture construction and conjures up images of traditional craftsmanship and long-term durability. This makes for a truly classical look, one that compliments French country homes beautifully.
But beware, there are a high number of kitchens in the ‘inframe style’ that aren’t truly inframe. This isn’t a problem if your needs dictate this selection - these cabinets can look great. In fact, Maison d’Aquitaine offer a range that offers this elegant, timeless feature without the associated price. This ‘inframe style range sits alongside our authentic inframe range but it is very different. It offers an effect that is clear when compared together.
How can I tell a truly inframe unit?
Below we can see three different door styles alongside a diagram of a geniune, inframe unit. Our entry-level beautiful Belsay range offers a door sitting against the carcass (a lay-on design). In contrast, our ‘inframe style’ Mornington Vale unit, again is a lay-on, but features a false inlay to make the door look inframe. And finally, we can see a genuine inframe unit in our simple 1909 Shaker style, with the door sitting flush within the carcass. All are beautifully classic, but you can see the subtle difference; with our Shaker inframe units offering a truly handcrafted effect.
What are the benefits of choosing an inframe kitchen?
In-frame kitchens are built to last: All Maison d’Aquitaine kitchens are built with quality in mind, however, in general, inframe kitchen are highly robust and built to stand the test of time. Crafted using age-old techniques and superior materials, their framed construction also adds strength while protecting the edges of the door, making them an exceptionally durable choice.
They are often made from timber: As so much time and effort goes into crafting an in-frame kitchen, it would be sacrilege to use poor-quality MDF or chipboard. Most in-frame kitchens are built from solid wood and high-end products. Maison d’Aquitaine inframe doors are constructed from sustainably harvested alder wood, which can easily be sanded back and repainted should you wish to refresh your kitchen over the years.
They look beautiful: Classic detailing and exquisite craftsmanship is at the heart of an in-frame kitchen. They create a breathtaking charm that cannot be achieved with any other design style.
What are the downsides of an inframe kitchen?
Inframe kitchens are usually more expensive: If you’re planing to keep costs to a minimum, an in-frame kitchen may not be the best choice. You pay for what you get and the pricing is usually due to the work and materials involved in crafting in-frame furniture. This is why it’s essential to work closely with your kitchen designer to create the right space to suit your needs and your budget, and this (consultancy) support will usually be factored into the price of your kitchen.
They offer slightly less storage space: Because the frame surrounding each cabinet slightly reduces the opening size, this gives you less clearance when taking items in and out of your cupboards. Kitchen drawers also have to be made smaller to fit inside the opening.
Dust can collect around the frame: There are often more edges where dust can collect due to the intricate nature of an in-frame kitchen.
Are inframe kitchens expensive?
Creating an in-frame kitchen requires a great deal of skill and experience. As a result, they are inevitably more expensive to make than simple, lay-on designs. Since so much time and craftsmanship goes into building an in-frame kitchen, it also makes sense to use the best quality materials; adding to the cost. However, in-frame kitchens are highly regarded for their exquisite quality and impressive longevity, and, as such, many see them as long-term investments and are willing to pay more.
About the author
Emma studied furniture and design history at university in Manchester and then spent time working at Sotherby’s and Bonhams as a trainee valuer, before pursuing a career spanning over 20 years in product design and communication.
She has a wide portfolio of articles and papers behind her, having ghostwritten for publications including The Times, Business Insider, The Banker and The Financial Times.
In 2024, she and her husband, Craig, founded Maison d'Aquitaine to provide sustainably made furniture for traditional French homes. They have lived in France since 2011 with their children. In her spare time, Emma works with the Dordogne-based animal charity, Phoenix Association and loves attending pottery classes.