Combining simple detailing and classic elegance, shaker kitchens are one of the most popular and timeless kitchen styles on the market today. Though they have a decidedly traditional heritage, their understated looks make them a wonderfully versatile choice, whether you’re looking for something sleek and sophisticated or charming and cosy. To help you find a shaker kitchen style that’s perfect for you and your home, we’ve put together a range of great ideas and design inspiration.
What is a Shaker Kitchen?
The shaker kitchen is an iconic kitchen style that can be recognised by its framed edges and central panel. Shaker-style kitchens were developed in the late 1700s, as the name suggests, by a religious group known as the Shakers. Their handcrafted furniture referenced their humble lifestyle and was designed with practicality at its heart. A 4-piece timber frame strengthens the edges of the main door panel giving the shaker kitchen its distinctive and elegant look. This signature design is the same today as it was over 250 years ago, and the shaker style remains just as popular.
Traditional Shaker Kitchen Design Ideas
With their rich history, shaker-style kitchens provide a wonderful starting point for a charming classic design. Continue reading for some great tips on how to achieve an inviting traditional shaker kitchen…
Pair Warm Colours With Classic Detailing
Colour can have a dramatic effect on the mood of a room. If you’re looking to create a timeless cosy interior, subtle warm tones are a perfect choice. A soft sage green makes for an inviting and characterful backdrop. Neutral beiges, creams and dusky pinks can bring a more sophisticated edge to a homely space. For something truly elegant and luxurious, why not consider a beautiful and graceful grey.
Another way to add a touch of character to your design is by introducing a selection of classic features and details. A bespoke mantle creates an impressive traditional focal point while opting for decorative coving above your cabinetry adds an intricate finishing touch. Features such as plate racks, cup hooks and pantry cupboards all bring wonderful charm to a classically inspired shaker kitchen. You can also transform the look of your shaker kitchen and add personality through your choice of handles. Traditional cup handles or knobs can add a real sense of classic character whereas modern bar handles create a much more contemporary finish.
Bring Country Charm To Your Space With Wood Finishes
Shaker cabinet designs are very popular with those looking to create a country kitchen style interior. Their simplicity, durability and classic features make them ideal for capturing a cosy farmhouse feel. Natural oak and wood accents can bring real warmth and character to a space, making them great for introducing a more rustic quality to your design. Wood textures can be introduced through your choice of worktops, cabinet finish and flooring, or through details such as shelves, drawers and bar stools.
Embrace Elegant Storage Solutions
The Shakers were big on practicality and often incorporated ingenious storage solutions into their designs. While storage plays a vital role in ensuring your kitchen is easy to use, it can also affect the look and feel of your space.
At Mike Hughes Fitted Interiors, we love a wonderfully stylish and spacious pantry cupboard. With a bespoke internal layout, pantry cupboards can be tailored to store whatever you need, whether you want to create a dedicated breakfast area or a convenient spot for all your cooking ingredients. Our beautiful shaker pantries look gorgeous inside and out.
Another elegant storage feature that cleverly combines style and practicality is the glass-fronted cupboard. Luxurious glass-fronted cupboards offer an ideal location to display your favourite crockery, ornaments, or glassware. They can even incorporate internal lighting to create a really chic and sophisticated feature.
Modern Shaker Kitchen Style
Though based on a traditional design, the simplicity and versatility of the shaker kitchen style makes it an equally wonderful choice for those looking to establish a more trendy, modern interior. From colour schemes to kitchen islands, there are a variety of opportunities to give your beloved shaker kitchen a contemporary twist.
Choose A Contemporary Shaker Kitchen Colour Scheme
One of the biggest kitchen trends in the last few years has been the navy-blue shaker kitchen. Often paired with sleek white quartz worktops and on-trend tile splashbacks, a dramatic deep blue kitchen makes a bold and stylish statement. Featuring beautiful depth, subtle warmth, and wonderful elegance, the dark blue kitchen is sure to stand the test of time for many years to come. Since this striking new colour has gained popularity, other bold tones have discovered a new lease of life, including rich plum purples and daring forest greens.
Though a striking contemporary colour scheme can look stunning paired with a shaker kitchen, such a distinctive look isn’t for everyone. If you’d like to bring an element of drama to your interior without overwhelming your space, why not consider a sophisticated two-tone scheme. Adding a darker tone to your kitchen island is a great way to create a sense of depth and character while bringing a modern twist to a classic style.
Introduce Luxurious Modern Accents
From antique brass to rose gold and blackened copper, contemporary metallic details make a stylish addition to a shaker kitchen. The sleek black and chrome finish of modern built-in appliances will also lend a contemporary look to your space. Elegant modern appliances don’t just look sophisticated; they are also fantastically easy to use and keep clean.
You can also bring a modern touch to your shaker kitchen design by introducing a trio of eye-catching pendant lights. Positioning pendant lights above a kitchen island or dining area will give your interior a trendy edge.
Include Stylish Breakfast Bar Seating
Kitchens have evolved alongside our changing lifestyles. These days, the kitchen is the heart of the home, making it a popular spot for relaxing with a cup of tea, hosting casual meals and throwing family celebrations. A great way to add to the practicality of a modern kitchen is to include stylish bar stool seating. Whether you’re cooking a midweek family meal or serving guests drinks and nibbles, a kitchen island with a breakfast bar makes a wonderful place for friends and family to perch while chatting and enjoying your kitchen at its most homely.
With their diverse looks, amazing practical capabilities and elegant style, it’s clear to see why the shaker kitchen has stood the test of time for so many years. To explore our collection of beautiful shaker kitchens, please click here, or for more advice on creating your perfect bespoke interior, please get in touch with our friendly team by calling 01229 871122 or email [email protected].
