While flat-panel cabinet styles can be considered contemporary, not all flat-panels are contemporary. Truly contemporary cabinets use sleek materials like metal and melamine, ...

Also, certain cabinet styles lend themselves better than others to glass uppers. A flat panel cabinet, for example, is too simple for this effect. There is no sculpted edge for the glass.

White oak flat-panel cabinets offer “a clean look behind the black wood shaker profile glass doors,” the Ontario, Canada—based designer states. 30. Liven up original cabinetry with new hardware.

DesignerJoe Wilkerson’s M21 Flat Panel shows the influence of 1950s television sets -- with, he adds, “maybe a little Jetsons mixed in.” The handsomely retro console is a welcome antidote to ...

"For boring flat panel cabinets, add oversized architectural pulls in a contrasting finish for a more elevated look," she says. Anwar also praises the benefits of brand-new hardware.

It’s expensive to remodel a kitchen, and cabinets can make up 30% of the costs, so make sure you or an owner five to 10 years in the future won’t think the look has gone out of style, she says.