When it comes to classic kitchen styles, you can’t look past the shaker-style kitchen. Beloved for its timeless aesthetic that suits every interior style you could possibly think of, shaker-style kitchen cabinets are the perfect choice for any home.
Originating from the US, shaker style furniture was created on the principles of precision, functionality and functionality, culminating in practical design that’s big on minimalism and quality craftsmanship. Wondering why it is called a shaker kitchen? The names comes from a specific sect of Quakers founded in the 18th century — the Shaking Quakers — who rejected flashy interiors, favouring humility instead.
WHAT IS A SHAKER-STYLE KITCHEN?
Chances are you’ve probably seen a shaker-style kitchen before without even realising it. But if you’re in need a quick refresher, here’s what you need to know. The beauty of a shaker-style kitchen lies in it’s simple and clean-cut design. Think: recessed panels, crisp lines and well-proportioned frames. But as they say, the devil is in the details (or there lack of), and this is especially true where the shaker-style look is concerned. There’s no intricate carvings or anything that will overstay its welcome here – just an elegant kitchen design guaranteed to stand the test of time.
MODERN SHAKER-STYLE
Stunning in its simplicity, a shaker kitchen is your best bet if you’re after something that’s just as elegant and chic as it is practical. In contemporary kitchens, shaker-style cabinets are one of the most popular styles of kitchen cabinetry thanks to their versatile and timeless appeal. In traditional homes, shaker style cabinets are usually painted in crisp whites and pale greys, with the shaker detail adding depth to the otherwise flat colours. More modern takes have seen shaker style cabinets painted in bolder colourways from deep blues to rich greens.
2.Advantages
STUNNING EXAMPLES OF SHAKER KITCHENS IN PICTURES
“We love open shelving as it’s more room to display treasures,” says homeowner Emma, of her eclectic shaker-style country kitchen. “For me, a kitchen has to have art, lamps and flowers. Everything I touch has to be really nice, whether it’s old wooden spoons or mismatched crockery,” she adds.
A soft colour palette of sage green and white feature in this spacious kitchen by Dylan and Jenny from The Block 2022. “We chose this cabinetry because the Dry Sage colour connects to the beautiful landscape outside,” says Jenny. “The Shaker profile also evokes the country aesthetic we wanted to achieve.”
In Bec and George Dourous’s family home rich eucalyptus green shaker style cabinets add a vibrant contrast to the white subway tile splashback and blonde timber flooring that runs throughout the space.
Kim, the homeowner, kept the 15-year-old cabinets in the kitchen of her beautiful beach house in Blairgowrie, Victoria but replaced the cupboard doors with new ones in Dulux Pre School. Painting the ceiling Dulux Guild Grey has made the space feel more intimate.
Inspired by French Provincial style, this Victorian farmhouse features weathered timber flooring throughout. In the kitchen, white panelled shaker style kitchen cabinetry adds a bright contrast, as does the copper rangehood.
This traditional Edwardian semi was given a revamp which extended to its open-plan kitchen living and dining space. In the kitchen, shaker style cabinetry in a bold blue was chosen to be the central feature, with sculptural gold pendant lights and tapware adding a glamourous contrast.
The generous kitchen of this family farmhouse in NSW features a mix of glass-fronted cabinet doors and shaker style cabinetry to create a dynamic look in the all-white space.
Embracing a rustic country aesthetic for their family family, this farmhouse in the Macedon Ranges features a rich mix of timber tones with a soaring cathedral ceiling taking pride of place. In the kitchen, dark grey shaker style cabinetry adds a dramatic contrast to the timber kitchen island.
The kitchen in this interior-designer’s renovated white weatherboard home had its storage radically enhanced with the addition of a butler’s pantry, which has made a huge difference to Terri Shannon, who’s a keen cook. Striking joinery in Dulux Black is counterbalanced by a white-tiled splashback and cover for the rangehood.
Soft grey shaker style kitchen cabinetry makes a charming statement in this Scandi-style family home. White kitchen appliances and brass tapware add a contemporary touch.
Opting for a regal and luxurious look in his country home, interior stylist Steve Cordony chose the classic shaker style look for his kitchen cabinetry, painted in Black Cockatoo from Porter’s Paints. The brass door pulls up the sophisticated glamour.
This Federation home in Sydney features a playful patterned tiled floor in the kitchen that is paired with light grey shaker style kitchen cabinetry. A generous farmhouse-style sink adds a rustic touch to the space.
Drawing inspiration from the classic Hamptons style look in the kitchen, this all-white Sydney home features stark white shaker style kitchen cabinets that are paired with gold cabinet pulls and handles for an added touch of luxury.
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In Chyka Keebaugh’s Mornington Peninsula weekender inspiration from both Hamptons style and French Provincial design come together in this relaxed kitchen space where shaker style kitchen cabinets surround a statement kitchen island.
In the renovation of this 1910’s Mornington Peninsula home the owners’ love of navy and white came to the forefront. Bold navy shaker style kitchen cabinets are paired with a striking white tiled splashback and benchtops. Brass tapware and door pulls tie the look together.
This historic Sydney home was lovingly restored, from the soaring exposed ceiling beams to the floorboards. In the kitchen, crisp white shaker style cabinetry adds to the sense of grandeur.
3.Conclusion
Opt for an easy-to-clean design
While a wooden worktop conjures up true Shaker kitchen ideas style, there’s nothing like a stone worktop for the simple and practical feel that this style demands. For a seamless look, fit a flush sink and have drainage grooves cut into the wood.
Accessorise with rustic materials
Classic, simple style extends to accessories too. Choose plain ceramics and storage that’s made with natural materials such as wood, cork and wicker. This is a good way to add colour, too.
Display your finest accessories
Functionality is king in with Shaker kitchen ideas so choose chunky chopping boards and display in stacks or hang from pegs above the worktop, like with country kitchen ideas. For a really authentic look, hunt through junk shops for antique cake trays and stoneware flour jars to display.
If your kitchen is big enough for a table and chair, you’ll find you’re spoilt for choice for spindle-back chairs – keep cushion-free for an authentic Shaker look.
Add texture with tile
Rustic kitchen tile ideas used on the floor brings that practical feel that you’re looking for. Go as dark or light as you like – the natural appearance will work whatever shade the tiles are.
