Originally Posted by
hwin708
I think there's a little confusion here.
There is frameless vs. framed cabinetry. Frameless is commonly called European cabinetry. If you are between standard framed cabinetry and frameless, then yes, frameless all the way. It is better constructed and gives you more room.
Inset, by its nature, is framed. However it is not an overlay door, but instead, obviously, an inset door. You definitely lose space inside the cabinet for this. The reason to choose inset is for the look, not for the practicality. Inset cabinetry is also more timeless, and less likely to look dated a decade from now. Inset cabinetry always costs more because it is a lot trickier to precisely build and install the door/drawer fronts to sit perfectly inside the frame.
When your designer says "everyone" is doing frameless now, I would agree with that statement in terms of traditional framed cabinetry vs frameless. Frameless is the superior product, and if you were planning something like a partial overlay door, a full overlay door with frameless cabinetry is definitely the higher end choice. I would not, however, agree that "everyone" is doing frameless over inset. This is pretty easily confirmed in any design magazine. High-end kitchens are still very likely to be inset, barring those with modern design (which are then full overlay frameless).
If you don't have a strong preference for the LOOK of inset cabinets, then go with frameless. It will net you a lot more storage space in your cabinets. If you like the look of inset, though, you will never replicate that feel with frameless. Note, there is the option to mix the two, with some people doing one style for their lower cabinets and the other for their uppers.
Euro hinges are a different discussion entirely. They are bulkier than traditional hinges, but sturdier, so your doors are less likely to sit crooked and need adjusting over time. They also have modern features like soft close. For the most part, people go with euro hinges these days, unless they seriously dislike the appearance or they want exposed hinges on the exterior.