Framed or frameless refers to the way the front of the cabinet box is made.  “Framed” cabinets have the appearance of a picture frame around the opening that you see when you open the cabinet door. This is a traditional, and some say dressier, appearance than the “frameless”. Frameless cabinets are sometimes called “European style” because they are used frequently there. They are considered more contemporary, and do not have the picture frame look. They are also referred to as “full access” because there is no frame around the opening, thus giving you more access to the cabinet.