In europe, built-in cabinets had also been pioneered in the 1920s. with improved materials, the frameless cabinet style, notable for its architectural minimalism reminiscent of bauhaus design, emerged in european kitchen design and was soon adopted worldwide. post-modern cabinet design trends.. Alternatives to wood kitchen cabinets include stainless steel, thermofoil and laminate. stainless steel is a durable and low-maintenance kitchen cabinet material. it can provide a more industrial, contemporary or modern feel to a kitchen, but the cost of stainless steel cabinets is significant.. Cabinet materials. in the cabinetry market, the sea of acronyms and options can be difficult to navigate. we�re here to help you understand common materials of construction and understand the properties and value they bring to you as a customer..