The Shaker Shift: Why It’s Time for a Cabinet Upgrade
September 11, 2025
For years, shaker-style cabinets have been the default choice in kitchens across the country, including homes throughout Akron and beyond. Their simple lines, clean profiles, and timeless look made them the go-to for everyone from builders to designers. But in 2025, design tastes are shifting, and homeowners planning a kitchen update are leaning into bolder, more expressive cabinetry styles.
If you’re considering kitchen remodeling in Akron, OH, or anywhere in Northeast Ohio, now’s the time to rethink your cabinets. This blog explores the growing movement toward less shaker style, the rise of more cabinet profiling, and how a smart cabinet upgrade can transform your space into something truly custom and current.
Explore our full kitchen remodeling service: Custom Kitchens by Clazak.
There’s no denying the versatility of shaker cabinets. Their clean, five-piece frame fits into nearly any aesthetic from farmhouse to transitional. But that’s also part of the problem: shaker has become so universal, it’s started to feel generic.
Homeowners today are looking for ways to personalize their kitchens. The goal isn’t just function. It’s character. And while shaker doors are practical, they don’t always deliver the personality or design depth that many people want in their custom remodels.
Design trends now point toward richer materials, nuanced detailing, and cabinets that act as furniture, not just storage. Want a broader look at what's in? Check out our recent roundup of 2025 Kitchen Design Trends for Ohio Homeowners.
So what does more cabinet profiling mean in 2025?
It’s about going beyond the flat frame. It’s about adding subtle curves, stepped edges, or intricate contours that elevate the door style. These profiles bring texture and depth to your cabinetry and make the kitchen feel designed, not just installed.
Here are a few of the emerging cabinet profiles that are taking over where shaker is stepping back:
Still clean but with a twist. This style adds subtle edgework around the center panel, giving it more dimension and a tailored feel.
This style introduces decorative beading or grooves to the inner frame, offering a handcrafted look that feels elevated.
From soft arch uppers to slightly rounded corners, curved cabinet doors bring a bit of tradition and warmth into the mix, which is perfect for homeowners wanting a kitchen that feels inviting, not sterile.
Sleek and modern, slab doors with mitered or beveled edges strike the perfect balance between contemporary and classic.
These profiles offer a design-forward alternative to shaker while still feeling timeless and livable.
Deep dive here: Top Kitchen Cabinet Profiles for 2025.
Choosing a new cabinet profile opens the door (literally) to new finishes and textures. Many homeowners making the shift away from shaker are also opting for materials that showcase craftsmanship.
Here’s what’s trending:
These choices pair beautifully with modern hardware and countertops, creating a layered, custom look that stands out.
Want to se these ideas in real homes? Browse our Kitchen Portfolio.
If your kitchen still features standard shaker doors, or if you’re building new and want to get ahead of the curve, now is the perfect time to explore a cabinet upgrade.
Beyond aesthetics, cabinet upgrades offer benefits like:
And if you’re working with Clazak’s team, you get cabinets that are built to your exact dimensions and style, not just off-the-shelf options. Budget questions? Review our Financing Options.
At Clazak Kitchen & Bathroom, we’ve seen design trends come and go, but one thing remains: our commitment to quality, beauty, and functionality in every remodel. For clients seeking custom remodels in the Akron area and beyond, we offer cabinetry solutions that reflect the current moment while standing the test of time.
Our designers work with you to explore your style preferences, evaluate layout needs, and select door profiles, materials, and finishes that elevate your home. Meet the people behind the process: Meet the Team. Want to learn more about who we are? Visit About Us.
And yes, if you're ready to move beyond the shaker style but don't know where to begin, we've got you covered.
Shaker style had its moment. But if you’re dreaming of a kitchen with richer details, deeper textures, and more visual appeal, it may be time to make the shift. The next generation of cabinetry isn’t about one-size-fits-all. It’s about thoughtful profiles, personalized finishes, and design that reflects you.
Ready to upgrade? Contact Us and let Clazak Kitchen & Bathroom bring your vision to life with a cabinet design that speaks to today’s trends and tomorrow’s longevity.
