Handleless or in frame kitchen?

[namechangedtoday15]

Sorry it's probably been done a million times but I can't make a decision.

Had a DIY Kitchen fitted about 18 months ago as a stop gap before extension. Extension starting in a month and can potentially order new kitchen (or could add to current kitchen).

I have a white matt handleless kitchen. I like it but I don't love it. I'm contemplating going for in frame painted kitchen (probably dark grey with white / light worktops). Handleless is great because it's a slab door, very easy to clean, no ridges or dust traps, looks sleek and contemporary. Am thinking painted would look slightly more "upmarket" ??

Question is this - house is 1930s semi, rest of decor fairly contemporary but recognising period features (have original doors / picture rails). But kitchen will be in new open plan space (7m x 7m) so can decorate based on kitchen. Got a kind of clean slate.

Other issue is budget - we are likely to go DIY Kitchens again (or similar) so I'm not talking massively expensive. Will an in frame kitchen from this sort of retailer (compared to the Tom Howley or Martin Moore type kitchens) look cheap?

This is the last time (hopefully) we're doing any work so don't want to get it wrong. Also not planning to move for at least 10-15 years.

Any advice?

I would recommend you do not order any kitchen just yet.

We are 4 months into a 6 months build project and we committed to kitchen design at the beginning. This has meant that due to issues with steels etc we have had to compromise on a lot of stuff. i.e. moving extractor from ceiling to a downdraft/moving boiler upstairs - it all cost additional money.

If you are not going 'bespoke' then wait a little and take your time looking for the right kitchen.

In answer to your question, I have no knowledge of DIY kitchens but to me a shaker style with good quality fittings/worktop is easier to look high end than an entry level priced modern look. We considered modern and even with a decent budget the look I truly wanted would have cost over 40k just for the units. What swung it for us was the ability to paint the kitchen whenever we wanted a change.

Thank you. Good advice!