Cabinet Style Spotlight: Essex vs. Dover
When shopping for kitchen cabinets, it’s easy to get caught up in color and layout—but door style plays a big role in the overall look of your kitchen. At Cabinet Design and Outlet, two of our most popular JSI styles are Essex and Dover. While they may look nearly identical at first glance, there’s one subtle but important difference between them.
Let’s break it down.
What’s the Difference Between Essex and Dover?
Both Essex and Dover feature a clean, recessed panel door design that works well in traditional, transitional, or modern kitchens. The construction, quality, and finish options are the same—but the top drawer head is what sets them apart.
- Essex features a recessed panel drawer front, offering a cohesive, furniture-style look across all doors and drawers.
- Dover has a slab-style top drawer, giving it a more modern, streamlined appearance.
That’s the only difference—just one detail that can help you fine-tune your overall kitchen style.
Available Finishes for Essex and Dover
Both cabinet styles are offered in a versatile range of finishes to suit a variety of design preferences. These finishes are available in assembled or ready-to-assemble (RTA) options:
- White – clean, bright, and timeless
- Castle – a soft, warm off-white with a subtle grey undertone
- Lunar – a cool, mid-tone grey with a modern edge
- Norwich – a rich, dark brown wood tone
- Truffle – a warm taupe-brown stain with natural wood grain
- Driftwood – a trending weathered wood look with grey undertones
Whether you want something classic or something with a bit more warmth and texture, these finishes offer flexibility for any space.
Looking for a Pop of Color? Explore the Accent Line
In addition to Essex and Dover, JSI offers an Accent Line featuring bolder, statement-making cabinet colors that pair beautifully with neutral bases or stand alone as full kitchens.
Accent Line Color Options:
- Augusta – a muted, soft green with a timeless farmhouse feel
- Greige – a warm grey-beige hybrid that works in almost any setting
- Charcoal – a deep, moody grey that adds contrast and depth
- Navy – a classic, nautical blue perfect for coastal or traditional kitchens
- Royal Blue – bold and bright for a more vibrant statement
- Sage – a calming, earthy green that’s right on trend
These accent colors can be used on an island, pantry wall, or as full cabinetry for a custom, designer-inspired look.
Need Help Choosing the Right Style and Finish?
At Cabinet Design and Outlet, we offer free kitchen design services to help you visualize your layout and explore all finish options in person or with a 3D design. Whether you’re updating your home or managing a renovation project, we’re here to make the selection process simple.
Stop by our showroom or contact us to get started. And don’t forget—we carry both assembled and unassembled cabinets, including outlet specials on discontinued styles.
