• Contemporary/modern design features sleek, unadorned cabinets, plain panel doors and hardware that's hidden or unobtrusive.
• Traditional is more formal and elegant. Raised panel cabinet doors or clear glass panels separated by thin strips of wood are often seen. Rich wood finishes or painted white wood may be accented with sparkle from brass or brass-tone hardware.
• Country features light stain or distressed-color finish, simple cabinet and door styles and unpretentious wood or ceramic knobs and handles.

Cabinet types: There are two types of cabinet construction: face frame and frameless (also called European-style). Face frame cabinets, as their name implies, have a frame around the front of the cabinet. Frameless cabinets don't. You can usually tell the difference between the two types of cabinet construction by the way the doors and drawers fit against the front. Bathroom cabinets are made using these same techniques.

Check the drawers: One of the best clues to picking quality cabinets is a drawer. Pull one out and study the joinery, construction, and quality of drawer glides; this will give you a clear idea of the cabinet's overall workmanship.

-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com