May we have your attention, please? Slim Shaker kitchens are on the rise! We find out how this design trend stands up against the more classic cabinetry styles…
For some, finding the right cabinetry for a kitchen project can be a real problem during the design stage. If your decision pendulum keeps swaying from traditional to modern and you can’t bring yourself to commit to one style, focus your attention on the slim Shaker (no, I won’t reference Eminem’s ‘The Real Slim Shady’ again, no matter how much you want me to) – it’s where classic meets new.
When my editor, Georgina, showed me an image of a double-door larder adorned with the thinnest frames and slim gunmetal handles, I was hooked. “Is this the new Shaker?” we mused, debated – then finally decided to find out.
A quick recap: a Shaker door has thick frames around a central panel, occasionally accessorised with beading or other ornate detailing such as panelling, grooves, cornicing or mantels, and it’s often found in more traditional or country-style kitchens. However, a major trend of late is to include a more contemporary version of this door in kitchen design, one that’s usually more pared back. (This style is often what we refer to as the ‘classic-contemporary’ look.)
Benefits
But now, it appears the timeless design has been given a further upgrade; a slim or skinny Shaker is the latest take on it. Boasting extremely sleek door frames and narrow profiles, the look offers versatility, clean lines and function. It’s also a great alternative to minimalist designs without feeling too traditional, delivering the best of both worlds.
“This style works well with handles as well as handleless designs, painted or stained wood, and with a range of surface finishes and details,” Adrian Graves, owner and designer at kitchen brand Piqu, tells me.
What’s more, you can use these slim profiles on curved door fronts, thus adding charm and uniqueness to your design, says Kate Feather, founder of the eponymous kitchen company.
Slim Shaker doors thrive just as well in grand, open-plan schemes as in smaller rooms. “The slim design allows for more flexibility in compact spaces, providing a stylish solution without overwhelming the room,” says Francois Damseaux, director at Wood Works Brighton. “Additionally, the simplicity of a slim Shaker door makes it easier to clean and maintain, ensuring it remains a sophisticated and practical choice for years to come.”
Design ideas
Thanks to its modern allure, you can mix and match various door or drawer sizes for your cabinet runs, wall-mounted units, or even kitchen island to gain as much storage as possible. “However, it’s essential to consider the horizontal alignment to maintain cohesion; otherwise, the design may appear disjointed,” advises Kate.
To highlight the beauty of your slim Shaker doors, Charlie Draper, designer at Sustainable Kitchens, recommends leaning into minimalistic schemes and blending in warm Scandinavian details, such as natural materials. “In terms of colours, a softer shade works best to really capture the elegance of the framed door.
The colour options for this style are vast, but my favourite shades at the moment include a terracotta-inspired red for a pop of colour, or a buttermilk white for a mellow neutral shade,” she says. As for your choice of kitchen handles, inject a touch of intrigue by combining different styles – from knurled knobs to sleek T-bars. However, ensure the finishes match, for a cohesive look.
Will this style date?
There is no doubt that slim Shaker doors come with a host of benefits, both in terms of aesthetics and practicality, but will this modern cabinet style last the test of time? “Absolutely,” says Adrian, “because it is based on a classic, old favourite, which has been brought up to date to give it a modern, minimalistic look. The style blends the best bits of classic and contemporary, resulting in an aesthetic that is as timeless as its traditional counterpart.”
Slim Shaker kitchens: inspiration gallery
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