European kitchens are frequently recognized by their clean lines, integrated appliances, restrained material palettes, and highly organized cabinetry. Yet the term “European kitchen” is often used so broadly that it can be difficult for homeowners to determine what it actually means. Is European cabinetry simply modern cabinetry? Does it need to be manufactured in Europe?

When homeowners begin comparing kitchen cabinetry, the terminology can be surprisingly unclear. Cabinets may be described as stock, semi-custom, custom, made-to-order, European, bespoke, or premium, yet those descriptions do not always explain what is actually different about the product. The distinction between custom and semi-custom kitchen cabinets is particularly important because both can produce attractive