In 1989 CabinetMaker magazine published its first Cabinet Survey article. According to the original article, the survey was created, “With the goal of helping to discern cabinet trends as they evolve, CabinetMaker magazine offers cabinet styles, materials and construction at the 1989 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show.”

For the first survey, a total of 66 exhibiting companies were surveyed, which represented more than 95 percent of the kitchen cabinet manufacturers exhibiting at the 1989 K/BIS show.
In the original survey, manufacturers were asked how many lines they were showing, door composition, cabinet construction, what kind of hardware was used and the cabinet styles being shown.

Back then, Oak was the wood species of choice and traditional doors, defined as either raised panel or cathedral doors were in 59 percent of exhibits and contemporary, a combination of wood and white laminate were in 41 percent of displays.

Face frame construction was in 47 percent of exhibits and frameless was second at 39 percent. “As many cabinetmakers have discovered, U.S. consumers are influenced more and more by European trends. When it comes to kitchen cabinets that translates into frameless construction and laminate looks.”

While some of the original categories are gone, the current Cabinet Survey has grown to include countertop materials, door side materials and finishes.
The following graphs chart how three cabinet trends have changed over the past 20, 15 and 10 years.

Chart 1: 20 years of construction trends

Twenty years ago, face frame and frameless were the most popular cabinet construction styles. Face frame will full overlay has steadily grown in popularity over the past five years, because the cabinets seem roomier, no stile is needed down the middle of doors and they provide a more streamlined look. Inset doors are gaining in popularity as manufacturers add traditionally custom options to semi-custom lines. 

Chart 2: 15 years of finish trends

Back in 1994 manufacturers were predominately showing light and medium finishes. For the past few years, cabinet finishes have migrated to darker tones which work well with traditional and contemporary styles. Over the next few years, cabinetry looks to be trending back to lighter finishes as consumers grow tired of dark tones.

Chart 3: 10 years of countertop trends 

Laminate and solid surface were the hot countertop choices 10 years ago. As manufacturers formulate more natural stone-like options, some consumers are abandoning their dreams of high-maintenance stone countertops for low-maintenance engineered quartz and solid surface options.