Inset cabinetry has doors and drawer fronts that fit inside the cabinet’s face frame, sitting flush with the frame when closed. The surrounding frame remains visible, with a small gap around each door or drawer front. Overlay doors sit over the face of the cabinet instead. Inset describes this construction detail, rather than a particular colour or decorative door style.
When reviewing inset options during kitchen renovation planning, compare a complete cabinet sample with an overlay version. Look at the frame, hinges, handles and usable drawer space as well as the door itself. Ask the designer to identify the construction type on the cabinet specification. A photograph of a door style alone may not show how it will sit in the finished cabinet.