Inspiration gallery: Modern Shaker kitchens

People always ask me what my ideal style of kitchen is – and I tell them it’s impossible to choose. I write about so many gorgeous homes that are all completely different that I want a piece of them all. Industrial, traditional, contemporary, colourful, elegant… I hope one day I’ll achieve this cocktail of designs. What I do know, however, is that I would definitely go for modern Shaker style kitchen cabinets.

This contemporary look is a lot simpler than its traditional counterpart. It features thinner frames, clean lines, and more basic detailing – if any. So essentially, less fussy.

However, it’s thanks to this that the design works well in any type of home, from a converted warehouse or a barn to modern apartments. This is probably why I love them!

It can be mixed and matched with current trends, too, from industrial and classic-contemporary to minimalist. There are so many options for worktops, appliances, and paint to design a modern Shaker style kitchen.

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The role of the traditional Shaker style kitchen changed from a fairly standard style to one that can be easily adapted to suit a vast array of interiors.

modern shaker kitchen
Davonport’s Shoreditch kitchen painted in a lovely deep green.

You can go bolder with colours, too – think moody blues and greens or bright pinks and oranges – lush. If you opt for a painted scheme, select a finish where you can still see the natural grain to keep the authenticity of the wood.

This Harvey Jones kitchen has been painted in a bold blue with brass accessories adding a modern touch.
modern shaker kitchen
For a slightly more traditional feel, keep colours muted. This kitchen is from Kitchen Makers by Burbidge and features Alderley cabinetry in Bone.

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Other ideas to consider are cladding the sides of your cupboards to add texture. What’s more, you can leave storage drawers in natural tones to help bring in a contrast to the painted cabinets.

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In terms of appliances, these kitchens are often more suited to fixtures and fittings with wow factor. Go for standout designs from Sub Zero and Gaggenau. A contemporary Shaker is a statement style and it needs a bold appliance that is focused on aesthetics as well as function.

The bright blue shade on Herringbone Kitchens’ Rye kitchen cabinets are paired with large Sparkbrook handles from Herringbone Pantry. This design includes glass-fronted units to create this statement look. Herringbone Kitchens start at £25,000.
Modern shaker kitchen
Why not choose materials in the same tonal range? Here Marjoram-painted Shaker units are paired with a smoked wood island, while stainless-steel hardware ties the look together. The Butler Collection by Tom Howley, from £20,000.
This kitchen in a listed 14th- century cloth hall in Kent puts a modern spin on heritage. Shown is the Architectural range by Martin Moore in natural oak, Putty, and Soft Sage. Larders start from £6000, kitchens from £35,000.

Need a little more inspo?

For an industrial look, bring in black brassware, steel-framed glazing and concrete flooring or worktops. For something a bit more classic, include a butler’s sink and wood-effect floor tiles.

Featured image: This Roundhouse kitchen features a mixture of colours and finishes, from the marble splashback, brass handles, and sink to the parquet flooring. The modern appliances, the pendant lighting and artwork finish off the look. Bespoke kitchens from. Roundhouse start at £35,000.

Post updated on: 01/07/2021 

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