< EUROPEAN STYLE >
` DESIGN BEYOND BORDERS
European cabinetry is rooted in a tradition of craftsmanship and practicality. With clean lines, smart use of space, and a focus on function without sacrificing style, it embodies simple, efficient, and elegant design. Explore why it remains a standard for modern living and why it is the Euroselect standard.
WHAT IS A "EUROPEAN STYLE"?
Euroselect prides itself on bringing the Best of the West with American muscle manufacturing and elegant European Style. But what is a “European style” when it comes to cabinetry?
The primary characteristics of European cabinetry, especially when compared to traditional American styles, can be broken down to:
- A frameless case construction
- Concealed hardware
- Substrate cores and laminate finishes
- Full overlay doors
- Minimalist aesthetic
WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?:
This European style began, unsurprisingly, in Europe, particularly in Germany, Italy, Scandinavian after the second world war. At this time in history, access to resources and economic stability was weak and inconsistent. One resource that was harder to get was solid hardwoods, which is traditionally the primary building material for cabinets. Pushed by a necessity to rebuild after the war, innovation was required.
Places like Germany had seen an increase in its industrial manufacturing capacity, and even before the war, artistic movements like Bauhaus became widely influential on many design decisions at the time. All these circumstances culminated in a paradigm shift with how cabinetry was approached.
FRAMELESS CONSTRUCTION:
Frameless construction gained prominence for many reasons, but the shift was an ultimately practical and aesthetic choice. Without a face frame, cabinet doors were able to be attached to the cabinet case itself which increased the amount of usable space and allowed for the doors to have more of a full-overlay design, allowing for a more cohesive, clean spread of cabinets across a space.
CONCEALED HARDWARE:
Due to increasing industrial precision, complex hardware was able to be produced. this allowed for more flexibility in construction which lent itself to a minimal style with concealed hinges that were attached on the inside of the door, fully concealing them when closed. This as well as the introduction of soft-close and touch-to-open systems meant cabinet construction could be much more flexible to fit the needs of the time or culture.
SUBSTRATES AND FINISHES:
With the economy so unstable and resources scarce post WWII, many cabinets moved from hardwoods to substitute substrates like plywood, particleboard and M.D.F (medium density fiberboard) for cabinet cores. These materials were much more affordable, easily accessed and easier to work with than solid hardwood.
Paired with laminates, melamine, and veneers, builders were able to produce cabinets that emulated solid wood cabinets at a fraction of the price and greater flexibility. With these new finishes, you were able to have decorative expressive textures and colors for your cabinets. Solid colors and textured synthetic wood patters were able to be used to create dynamic and ever evolving stylized spaces with your cabinets that wouldn’t be possible with stained or painted hardwoods.
FULL OVERLAY DOORS:
Along with the increased storage space created by the frameless construction, full overlay doors become popular. Full overlay doors and drawers covered the front of the cabinet case completely. This created a uniform appearance that made use of the space and upheld the minimal aesthetic.
` OUR GUARENTEE
Our guarantee goes beyond craftsmanship—it’s about delivering the perfect balance of form and function. We ensure that every detail, from sleek finishes to clean lines, lives up to the high standards of European design. Behind the aesthetic elegance is the same unwavering commitment to material quality and precision engineering that defines our work. With Euroselect, you can trust that your project will look as stunning as it performs, elevating any space with lasting beauty and flawless style.