What is a Shaker-style kitchen and is it right for me?

Full of warmth, character, steeped in tradition and yet still perfect in contemporary schemes – a Shaker kitchen is as versatile as it is beautiful. From period properties, farmhouse country-style set-ups to industrial spaces, it works in all types of homes – but what exactly is it?

Essentially, it’s a type of kitchen cabinetry. Shaker-style cupboard doors feature thick frames around their central panels, occasionally accessorised with beading, or other ornate detailing such as panelling, grooves, cornicing or mantels.

They’re more often than not made from real wood, and so are known for their strength and durability. However, they come in many, many different styles.

For instance, there’s the modern Shaker-style kitchen. This look features thinner frames, and more basic detailing. They work in a space that can have a mishmash of interior styles, with modern appliances or an industrial look – from concrete floors, exposed brick, to black brassware.

A modern shaker kitchen with exposed brick and matt black hardware.
Kitchen by The Main Company. Bespoke kitchens start from £25,000.

For something bang on trend, a Shaker-style kitchen door replacement idea is removing the central panel, and inserting fluted glass in its place – adding another layer of interest, and keeping the scheme light and airy.

A dark kitchen design with shaker cabinetry, a multi-functional island with seating, and tall windows.
Caesarstone 5100 Vanilla Noir in a kitchen by Kate Feather. Photography: Kate Davies. Styling: Susie Clegg. 

Shaker doors work in a more traditional kitchen as well – especially as the design is more than 300 years old. These suit a more neutral palette, such as creams, light blues and greys. They can also be left unpainted, showing off the natural wood.

A neutral design with tall cabinetry, a central island, and natural materials.
Shaker kitchen featuring the Cotswold hardware collection by Armac Martin.

This type of Shaker-style kitchens work well with stone or wooden floors, more traditional appliances, such as an Aga or large range cooker, and butler sinks.

A timeless shaker kitchen in teal with wood flooring, veiny worktops, and exposed brick wall.
The Summerville collection in Inky Sky, from £25,000, Tom Howley.

To add a fun twist to a more traditional look, why not paint the island a different colour to the rest of the units? Or, have the island on legs to help create a sense of space.

A light and bright design with off white cabinets, gold hardware, a timeless range cooker, and a pale pastel island.
Versailles Manoir Cabochon limestone tiles, £78 per sq m, Quorn Stone.
A shaker kitchen with a mix of cream and burnt orange cabinetry, a central island with a lower dining table next to it.
Rowan collection in Cashmere and bespoke Warm Orange, LochAnna Kitchen.

Need more inspiration? Scroll down…

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Not sure if a Shaker-style kitchen is right for you? Click here for more types of classic cabinets explained

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