I think that frameless cabinets can still used some kind of raised or recessed panel, correct? I think you could do it in a mission style and rich stain and attain the functionality you want at a style that goes with the house.

You could also do frameless on the lower and inset on the upper in the same door style. Some people in the kitchen forum have mixed constructions for functionality. The uppers are seen more than the lowers because they are at eye level and you can balance the design more on the upper because there are not as many things with fixed dimensions like there is in a lower cabinet run (DW=24", range usually =30", sink base usually has a minimum desirable width, etc.)

Thank you for the suggestions. We won't have any uppers save a full height 8' wide section that will house a paneled refrigerator and pantry. We will keep your thoughts in mind when designing the doors in this section.

Maybe make the full height area as vintage looking as possible and go for practicality on the base cabinets. In the thirties or forties you would have started to see metal cabinets which were full overlay in all sorts of houses

We didnt have the money or the zip code that would support a period correct kitchen so we did a complementary kitchen to our taste. It was new space added (the original kitchen, which was actually a 90's era cheap remodel is now a bedroom) so we did it the way we want. Vintage Spanish Eclectic creates lots of options, but our focus was on muted colors and shapes.

Our contractor has moved on, but his blog is still up with more pics. Good luck with your project

http://goodhomeconstruction.blogspot.com/2012/11/1929-spanish-bungalow-full-kitchen-and.html?m=1

edited to add: Hi! I was just passing through tonight. Avoiding the rest of my laundry. You can find me more on Home Decorating. We're also in So Cal, but not on the beach.