Dreaming of a Shaker Style Kitchen? Waratah Can Help You Create the Look.
Waratah Kitchens design and build beautiful shaker style kitchens in Sydney. Our kitchen designers create elegant and functional kitchen spaces that reflect the timeless appeal of this design style. With years of experience and a passion for perfection, Waratah Kitchens can transform your kitchen dreams into reality. From choosing the right materials to incorporating the key design elements, they take care of every detail to create a beautiful and functional space that you will love for years to come.
What do Shaker Kitchens Look Like?
Shaker kitchens are a super versatile aesthetic and come in a wide range of looks and feels. Browse the Shaker Kitchen gallery below to see how this popular style can be customised for both modern and traditional tastes.
What is a Shaker Style Kitchen?
A shaker style kitchen is a type of kitchen design that is inspired by the principles of simplicity, functionality, and craftsmanship of the religious group called the Shakers. It is characterized by flat-panel doors with rail frames, clean lines and minimal ornamentation. White or light-colored cabinetry is often used in shaker style kitchens, along with natural wood finishes. The focus is on practicality and quality, with an emphasis on durability and longevity.
What is a shaker style kitchen?
A shaker style kitchen is a type of kitchen design characterized by its clean lines, simplicity, and timeless appeal. It typically features recessed panel cabinet doors with a frame surrounding the center panel, often made of solid wood. Shaker kitchens emphasize functionality, craftsmanship, and minimal ornamentation, reflecting the aesthetic principles of the Shaker movement from the 18th century.
Why is it called Shaker style?
Although most people today think of shaker style cabinets as a modern kitchen aesthetic, perhaps oddly enough, the term “shaker style” originates from the Shakers, a religious group that emerged in 18th century England and later settled in America.
So why, you might ask, is this popular kitchen style named after the a religious group?
As people who believed in living a simple, communal live, the Shakers became skilled craftsmen and artisans who believed in creating functional and well-made furniture and household items that would be practical and long-lasting (a bit like how the Amish today are known for quality craftsmanship).
Their design aesthetic was guided by the principles of honesty, simplicity, and practicality. They avoided unnecessary ornamentation and decorative elements, focusing instead on clean lines, sturdy construction, and efficient use of materials.
Hence, the type of cabinets they built do not waste materials with curved, carved or ornamental details. The straight lines and edges meant no timber was wasted in their construction. Also the distinctive Shaker framing on each panel served a very practical purpose of reinforcing and strengthening the doors, making them super robust.
In the realm of kitchen design, the term “shaker style” came to refer to cabinetry and furniture that embodied the principles of Shaker design. Shaker style kitchens are characterized by their clean lines, recessed panel cabinet doors, and understated hardware. The emphasis is on functionality, quality craftsmanship, and timeless elegance.
What is the difference between a shaker kitchen and a traditional kitchen?
The main difference between a shaker kitchen and a traditional kitchen lies in the design aesthetic and details. While both styles may feature classic elements, traditional kitchens often incorporate more ornate detailing, decorative accents, and embellishments such as raised panel cabinet doors, intricate moldings, and ornate hardware – overall it might be characterised as a bit more “fussy”. In contrast, shaker kitchens prioritize simplicity, clean lines, and minimal ornamentation, with recessed panel cabinet doors and understated hardware.
Are shaker style cabinets outdated?
Not even close! Shaker style cabinets are far from being considered outdated. In fact, they remain one of the most popular choices for kitchen design due to their timeless appeal, versatility, and ability to blend seamlessly with various interior styles.
Classic Design – One of the reasons why shaker style cabinets have stood the test of time is their classic and enduring design. With their clean lines, simple profiles, and understated elegance, shaker cabinets offer a timeless aesthetic that transcends passing trends. Unlike more ornate or heavily stylized cabinet designs that may fall out of fashion, shaker cabinets maintain their relevance and appeal year after year.
Versatility – Another factor contributing to the longevity of shaker style cabinets is their versatility. Shaker cabinets can adapt to a wide range of design aesthetics, from traditional to modern and everything in between. Whether paired with sleek, contemporary finishes or rustic, farmhouse-inspired accents, shaker cabinets have a chameleon-like quality that allows them to complement virtually any interior style. You can find them looking equally stunning both in a seaside-inspired Hamptons kitchen, a modern two-tone kitchen or a rustic farmhouse design.
Durability – Additionally, shaker style cabinets are prized for their quality craftsmanship and durability. Traditionally constructed from solid wood with meticulous attention to detail, shaker cabinets are built to last. Their sturdy construction and timeless design make them a sound investment for homeowners looking for kitchen cabinetry that will withstand the test of time.
Tonnes of Customisation Options – Furthermore, shaker style cabinets offer a blank canvas for personalization and customization. While the basic design of shaker cabinets remains consistent, homeowners have the flexibility to choose from a variety of finishes, hardware options, and accessories to suit their individual taste and preferences. Whether opting for a classic white paint finish, a rich stained wood, or a trendy matte color, shaker cabinets can be customized to reflect the homeowner’s unique style and personality.
What is the best handle for a shaker style kitchen?
The ideal handle for a shaker style kitchen often hinges on individual taste and the desired overall aesthetic. However, there are a few popular options that beautifully complement the clean lines and timeless appeal of shaker cabinets:
Sleek Bar Pulls: With their straight, understated design, bar handles or pulls offer a modern touch that seamlessly integrates with the simplicity of shaker cabinets. These handles imbue a sleek and contemporary feel without detracting from the clean and minimalist aesthetic.
Timeless Bin Pulls: Bin pulls, also referred to as cup pulls, exude a charm that harkens back to a bygone era. These handles boast a rounded or cup-shaped construction, typically in metal, and are available in a variety of finishes, such as brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or antique brass.
Knobs with Backplates: Adding visual appeal and sophistication to shaker cabinets, knobs paired with backplates make for a classic choice. Opt for knobs with a tasteful and unobtrusive design that complements the clean lines of the cabinets. Backplates not only provide a decorative accent but also shield the cabinet surfaces.
Inset Handles: Embedded directly into the cabinet door or drawer front, inset handles offer a seamless and seamless appearance, ideal for achieving a minimalist or modern shaker kitchen. This handle option is well-suited for those seeking an uncluttered and streamlined look.
Charming Cup Handles: Similar to bin pulls in function, cup handles infuse a traditional vibe with a slightly altered form. These handles feature a cup-shaped design that offers a comfortable grip while accentuating the allure of shaker cabinets. Available in various sizes and finishes, cup handles cater to diverse design tastes.
When deciding on handles for your shaker style kitchen, it’s crucial to consider the overall design scheme, cabinet finish, and desired level of functionality. Moreover, selecting appropriately sized handles that complement the dimensions of your cabinets and drawers is key to achieving a harmonious and coherent look. Ultimately, the perfect handle for your shaker style kitchen is one that seamlessly harmonizes with the design aesthetic and reflects your personal style preferences.
How do you Modernise a Shaker kitchen?
To bring a Shaker kitchen into the modern era, it is important to update its design while still showcasing the timeless charm and expert craftsmanship that define the style. Here are some ways to achieve a modern look while retaining the essence of Shaker style:
Revamp the Cabinet Finishes: Opt for contemporary finishes like matte or high-gloss lacquer to add a sleek and modern touch to the Shaker cabinets. Bold colors such as navy blue, charcoal gray, or sage green can give a modern twist, while classic white or black can maintain a timeless appeal.
Simplify the Hardware: Replace traditional hardware with minimalistic handles or sleek bar pulls in finishes like brushed nickel, matte black, or chrome. Look for handles with clean lines and geometric shapes to complement the simplicity of Shaker cabinets and add a modern touch.
Introduce Contrasting Elements: Incorporate materials or textures that create a contrast and add depth to the kitchen’s design. For example, pair Shaker cabinets with quartz or marble countertops with subtle veins for a modern yet timeless look. Consider a statement backsplash in a geometric or textured tile for added drama.
Upgrade Lighting Fixtures: Replace outdated lighting fixtures with contemporary designs that complement the clean lines of Shaker cabinets. Opt for pendant lights with sleek and minimalistic profiles or recessed LED lighting for a modern and streamlined look. Under-cabinet lighting can also enhance functionality and set the mood.
Modernize with Appliances: Swap out old kitchen appliances with modern and energy-efficient models that offer sleek designs and advanced features. Choose appliances with stainless steel or matte finishes for a cohesive and contemporary look that complements Shaker cabinets.
Embrace Open Shelving: Replace some upper cabinet doors with open shelves to create an open and airy feel in the kitchen. Displaying stylish dinnerware, glassware, or decorative items on open shelves adds a modern touch while showcasing your personal style.
Minimalistic Accents: Decorate the kitchen with minimalistic accents and decor items to enhance the modern aesthetic. Consider choosing clean-lined bar stools, pendant lights, and kitchen accessories in muted tones or metallic finishes to complement the simplicity of Shaker cabinets.
Upgrade Flooring and Backsplash: Consider updating the flooring and backsplash with modern materials and designs. Opt for large-format tiles or wood-look porcelain tiles for the flooring and choose a sleek subway tile or geometric pattern for the backsplash to add a contemporary flair.
Incorporate Smart Technology: Integrate smart home technology into the kitchen design, such as touchless faucets, smart appliances, and voice-activated lighting systems. Not only do these features add convenience and efficiency, but they also give a modern edge to the space.
By incorporating these modern design elements while preserving the classic appeal of Shaker cabinets, you can create a stylish and contemporary kitchen that effortlessly blends timeless elegance with modern sophistication.
What are the Rules of Shaker Design for Kitchens?
Shaker Style Kitchen Cabinets
The defining feature of a Shaker style kitchen is without doubt Shaker style kitchen cabinets. They feature flat-panel doors with rail frames. This design element was originally created to make sturdy, durable doors that wasted minimal timber. The rails also add visual interest and a sense of craftsmanship while still maintaining the minimalist aesthetic that is characteristic of shaker style design.
Minimal Ornamentation
Another key feature of shaker style kitchen design is minimal ornamentation. This means that the cabinetry and other elements of the kitchen are free from excessive decoration such as carved corbels, which allows the beauty of the natural materials to shine through.
Clean, Straight Lines
Shaker style kitchens are characterized by clean, classic lines, which help to create a sense of simplicity and order. The focus is on functionality and practicality, rather than on ornate details and embellishments.
Emphasis on Practicality
As a craftsman style, Shaker style kitchen design places a strong emphasis on practicality, quality, durability, and longevity. The focus is on creating a timeless design that will stand the test of time and serve the needs of the homeowner for years to come.
White Cabinetry
Shaker style kitchens often feature white or light-colored cabinetry. This classic colour scheme comes from the emphasis on practicality with this design style, as these colours tend to stay in fashion over the long term and they also help create a feeling of openness and brightness which make it a more practical, well-lit work space.
Natural Wood Finishes
Although these days shaker style cabinets are featured in many different designs and colours, another key feature of classic shaker style kitchen design is the use of natural wood finishes. A nod to the craftsman heritage of this style, the use of timber highlights the beauty of the wood grain and adds warmth to the space.
Planning Your Own Shaker Style Kitchen in Sydney? Waratah Kitchens Can Help.
If you’re looking to create a Shaker style kitchen in Sydney, book a free design consultation with our kitchen designers or call us on (02) 9630 4111. We’d love to help.
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What is the Shaker Style Today?
1. Start With The Classic Cabinet Doors
Shaker kitchen cabinets are still defined by their signature flat panel doors that have a simple, clean design and a recessed panel. The doors were traditionally made from solid wood, however, these days it's most common to see them constructed as painted 2 pack or polyurethane cabinet doors or as thermolaminated doors, which offer many benefits.
2. Dress it Up or Down With Hardware
Traditional Shaker style kitchens often feature metal shell handles or small knobs in a contrasting colour to the cabinetry. Because the Shaker style is simple and classic, you can make a design statement with the handles you choose. Modern Shaker style kitchens feature a wide range of simple and clean hardware. The most common hardware finish is brushed nickel or stainless steel. Handles and knobs are typically simple and unadorned with a basic design that complements the cabinet doors.
3. A More Adventurous Color Palette
Traditional Shaker-style kitchens are known for their neutral color palettes. White, cream, and muted colors like gray, blue, or green have always been popular choices. The colors are chosen to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere in the kitchen. However, modern shaker style kitchens come in a huge variety of colours, both muted and bold. In fact deep green and rick blue shaker cabinetry has been on trend in recent years.
4. Countertops
Traditional Shaker-style kitchens typically feature natural stone countertops, such as granite or marble. These materials have a timeless appeal and are durable enough to last for years. These days we are seeing alot more variety here too. You can really dress up or dress down your shaker kitchen by opting for more casual benchtops such as butcher block or use engineered stone or even stone overlay, which can cut the cost a bunch.
5. Backsplash
A simple and classic tile backsplash is a popular choice for shaker-style kitchens. Subway tiles are a popular choice, as they are simple and timeless.
6. Flooring
Hardwood flooring is still a popular choice for shaker-style kitchens. The flooring is typically left in its natural state or finished with a clear varnish. Alternatively, stone or tile flooring can be used to create a classic and timeless look.
More Kitchen Style Guides
If you’re planning your dream kitchen renovation, check out our other kitchens style guides to see which one is the right fit for you. You can also checkout our kitchen gallery for more inspiration.
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