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Shaker kitchens designs


10 ways to embrace modern Shaker style |

(Image credit: Quorn Stone/Future/Martin Moore)

Shaker kitchen ideas are universally loved for their clean lines, timeless style and beautiful utilitarian design. Instantly recognizable by their wooden cabinetry, recessed paneled doors and modest style, the timeless beauty of Shaker kitchens stems from the fact their designs were born out of necessity and a desire for usefulness and practicality over fads and trends.

Shaker kitchens are one of the most versatile kitchen ideas and can be found in nearly every style of home from the most modern apartments to the grandest of period homes. 

'The clean lines, simplicity and use of natural materials in Shaker-style kitchens is very appealing to homeowners and evokes a sense of calm and order in this hectic, busy world we live in,' says Gail E. Jamentz, principal at Soul Interiors Design .

What are Shaker kitchen ideas?

Shaker kitchen ideas originate from the Shakers in the 18th-century.  

The Shakers are a Protestant religious group who came to America from England in 1774 and practised a belief that God was at the center of everything, nothing was beyond his reach or his eye. Shaker aesthetics were orientated around that thought, everything they created followed the philosophy of form, function and proportion. In fact it was a Shaker belief that simplicity and beautiful craftsmanship were both forms of prayer. 

Shaker kitchen ideas are defined by the tenets which this religious group lived by. 'The guiding Shaker principles of honesty, utility, and simplicity found expression in various crafts,' says Nicholas C. Vincent from The Metropolitan Museum of Art .

'Rejecting excessive ornament because it ostensibly encouraged the sin of pride, Shaker furniture makers focused on form, developing creative solutions such as asymmetrical drawer arrangements and multipurpose forms to add visual interest without resorting to pure decoration,' continues Nicholas.

Of course, the majority of modern Shaker kitchen styles take inspiration from these aesthetic designs, rather than prescriptively following the tenets behind then. Modern kitchen ideas see the beautiful Shaker-style cabinetry paired with bright colors, patterns or decorative details to create an individual style that reflects your own personality. These painted kitchens are often matched up with freestanding kitchen ideas, too, such as dressers and freestanding islands.

1. Embrace classic Shaker kitchen ideas

(Image credit: Devol)

Epitomizing quintessential Shaker style, this Real Shaker kitchen from Devol brings to life the key tenents of Shaker design. Each piece is beautifully crafted, both inside and out, exuding simplicity and sophistication in equal measure. Nothing in the space is there for purely decorative reasons, everything has a purpose, from the large glass bottle on the counter to the herbs growing on the windowsill. 

Pale cream cabinetry, with the classic fielded doors, emphasizes the character of the kitchen's original features, instantly drawing the eye to the rustic ceiling beams and the worn original wooden floor. It is through these natural and architectural elements that the character of the space is achieved, rather than through ostentatious cabinetry.

2. Opt for unpainted cabinetry for an authentic Shaker look

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

While the majority of Shaker kitchen ideas seen in homes today feature characterfully painted cabinetry, traditional Shaker kitchen ideas would have embraced the natural patina of the wood; seeing the grain was an essential part of their beautiful furniture.

Unpainted kitchen cabinet ideas have fallen out of favor in recent years, but, when used correctly, it can bring warmth and character to a space that may otherwise feel cold and clinical. Keep your natural wooden elements to a minimum, and if having more than one ensure there is contrast between tones and textures to prevent the space looking homogenized.

In this kitchen, honey-toned wooden Shaker cabinetry has been set against a white shiplap paneled wall and ceiling, which brighten the space, and has been topped with a bright marble countertop – though there are plenty of other kitchen countertop ideas that would also work well in this kitchen. The kitchen island features the same paneled look as the walls but has been painted in a dark shade which provides depth.

'Consider ways to bring interest to the kitchen with light fixtures, knobs and countertops. This way you will still have some personality in your space but keep true to the core of the Shaker aesthetic of clean lines and flat surfaces,' says Georgia Zikas, founder of Georgia Zikas Design.

(Image credit: Colin Poole)

The secret to a minimalist look, which is essential for achieving your Shaker kitchen ideas, is organization. Shaker design was informed by the belief that every item should have a place, so it is vital to factor storage in when designing a kitchen. 

Make a list of all the things you need to store in your kitchen, from the obvious plates, cutlery, pots and pans, through to food, gadgets, kitchen linens and white goods. Then ensure each element has a place to go. There are plenty of good kitchen storage ideas that will be able to help you out.

This kitchen combines an island with cupboards and drawers in various sizes to store the essentials, while base cabinets house pan drawers, spice racks and an undersink cupboard. A plate rack and wooden mantelpiece adds functional decoration, drawing the eye while also offering space to store both plates and bowls. 

4. Opt for Shaker cabinetry to instantly imbue your kitchen with charm

(Image credit: Sustainable Kitchens)

Shaker kitchen ideas are instantly recognizable for their iconic cabinetry. Featuring clean lines and a simple recessed panel, the cabinetry's simple aesthetic creates the perfect backdrop to define your own kitchens style.  

'My best tips for designing an impactful Shaker kitchen would be to play with color and hardware. Consider painting your lowers one color and your uppers another, so that you create some interest and contrast,' says Jennifer Markowitz, founder of JNR Designs 'Also, play with hardware. The flat surface of a Shaker cabinet is the perfect canvas for intricate or interesting kitchen hardware that brings some design "wow" into the kitchen'.

However, the beauty of Shaker cabinetry was not just superficial. The Shakers believed that God was everywhere and could see everything, therefore the back of the cupboard should be as beautiful as the front. This is something to keep in mind when deciding on pieces to comprise your Shaker kitchen ideas. Look for solid wood kitchen cabinet ideas, constructed with strong dovetail joints for pieces that exude the Shaker ethos. 

5. Use patterned wallpaper and color to add character

(Image credit: Sanderson)

While authentic Shaker kitchens would have been minimalist and exuding rustic kitchen ideas, modern Shaker kitchen ideas give you the opportunity to add your own personality to your space. Wallpaper and color are great ways to give this classic style a new lease on life.

'The great thing about a Shaker kitchen is how clean and minimal the look is, which gives you a lot more flexibility in bringing different design elements, like color, texture and pattern, into the kitchen and not crowding the space in the process,' says Georgia Zikas.

Opting for a heritage-inspired print imbues your home with classic charm, which you can use to define the palette of your Shaker kitchen ideas. Pull the prominent shades to paint your cabinetry. Consider painting your island in a contrasting tone from the same palette to create visual interest without overwhelming the space. This blue and yellow scheme creates a buoyant atmosphere that oozes the joys of spring.

6.  Make the most of awkward spaces with fitted cabinetry

(Image credit: Martin Moore)

Pantries, and other kitchen storage ideas, are essential for maintaining a sense of calm within your shaker kitchen ideas. Pantries would have been an essential part of every Shaker kitchen, a space to store food and perishables, and while, today they are becoming increasingly popular, whether as a dedicated room or a pantry cupboard, not every kitchen has space to incorporate one into their Shaker kitchen ideas. 

Tall cabinets, that reach ceiling height, can operate in the same way as a pantry offering plenty of storage space that will help you to achieve the same organized sanctuary as you realize your Shaker kitchen ideas.

Regardless of how you decide to incorporate pantry ideas into your kitchen style, it is vital that you consider pantry organization ideas too, as this will help you to keep an ordered space.

7. Embrace natural materials from ceiling to floor

(Image credit: Quorn Stone)

There is nothing more beautiful than the natural world, and as such natural elements were a favored material in Shaker kitchen style. Handcrafted wooden cabinetry was designed to be beautiful both inside and out. Traditionally made from fruit trees, it would have been unpainted and unadorned. 

However, the use of natural materials did not end there. Incorporate the natural materials that are used to construct your home, like beams or stonework, into your kitchen design and celebrate them, then pair with other natural, or naturally inspired materials.

There are countless stone flooring types that will complement Shaker kitchen ideas. However, if you're wary about using stone flooring in your kitchen, porcelain stone-effect tiles, like these from Quorn Stone , look just as great and will help to bring your Shaker kitchen to life.

The timeless style of Shaker kitchen ideas paired with the prioritising of natural materials makes this a great style of kitchen if you are hoping to incorporate more sustainable kitchen ideas into your space.

8. Factor in quintessential Shaker elements

(Image credit: Future/Kasia Fiszer)

Nothing more than a length of wood featuring a series of hand-turned rounded wooden pegs, a peg rail was an essential element of a shaker home. They featured in nearly every room of the house, including the kitchen. 

Peg rails work as great small kitchen storage ideas, especially in spaces that embrace more rustic kitchen ideas. They offered the perfect place to hang pots and pans, keeping them on hand while also adding interest to the room. The peg rail itself would have been expertly created, handcrafted and each element would be individually beautiful in its own right.

Of course, this look only works if the things you are displaying themselves are beautiful too. Opt for stainless steel or copper pans alongside drying herbs and pretty shopper bags. The key is minimalism, the peg rail should be visible, or else it will simply look like a cluttered corner of your kitchen which will stand at odds with your other Shaker kitchen ideas.

9. Incorporated Shaker kitchen ideas with other looks to create a unique space

(Image credit: Future/Paul Massey)

Make your Shaker kitchen ideas your own by combining with different cultures and styles. Shaker kitchen ideas are highly versatile and, as such, elements can be incorporated with other looks to create a sophisticated and characterful kitchen design.

The fundamentals of this vibrant yellow kitchen are routed in Shaker kitchen ideas. The recessed paneled cabinets, the shiplap wall and the tall open shelving all exude Shaker-style. However, the cheery yellow shade of the Shaker cabinetry and the darker shade which frames the recessed panels introduce a French farmhouse vibe, drawing the eye without compromising the cabinetry's simplicity.  There are plenty of French country decor ideas that you could combine with Shaker kitchen ideas to create your own characterful space.

The extractor fan, which while practical is not beautiful, is covered with a similar styled box to mirror the effect of the base cabinetry. Rustic pots hang above the range cooker, a practical yet characterful addition, while a more inherently French wall sconce completes the look. 

10. Add a timeless sink to bring continued charm 

(Image credit: Devol)

Continue the ethos of Shaker kitchen ideas into the other areas of your kitchen design. ‘There is an increasing appreciation that a sink can make a huge difference to the overall look of the kitchen, so it's important to get it right,' says Jonathon Britton, brand manager at House Of Rohl . Belfast sinks are the perfect companion to a Shaker style kitchen. With their practical, spacious interior and their simple glazed ceramic exterior, Belfast sinks combine beauty with usefulness. This pretty fluted Bowland design from Shaws of Darwen fits seamlessly into deVOL 's Shaker kitchen design.

Thinking about craftsmanship when making these design ideas will ensure that your kitchen is practical as well as beautiful. 'When it comes to your taps, look for quality, first and foremost,' continues Jonathon 'It is the most used object in the kitchen, and the true test of a tap is how it works after two or three years – it should look and feel as good as new.' 

Are Shaker kitchens old fashioned?

No, Shaker kitchens are not old fashioned, in fact they are timeless. Despite originating in the 19th-century. They are an enduring look that are just as stunning in a modern apartment as it does as part of in a rustic cottage.

How do you make a Shaker kitchen look modern?

Adding color and pattern are great ways to make a Shaker kitchen look modern. Pairing contemporary elements with traditional cabinetry keeps the character of the Shaker kitchen but updates it to work seamlessly in a modern home.

'Run your subway tile in a stack bond (more modern) layout, as opposed to the ubiquitous running bond layout. Also, the room’s lighting can be upgraded to include an eye-catching, modern design in a pop color, as opposed to a period light fixture,' advises Gail E. Jamentz. 

'Colorful artwork framed in a modern way can add interest to the kitchen, as well as changing out the cabinet hardware to a more modern look. And lastly, selecting an unexpected style for bar stools or dining furniture will create some juxtaposition and interest in the room and make it feel fresh.'

Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature four years ago, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature. 

15 Kitchens With Shaker-Style Cabinets

By

Deirdre Sullivan

Deirdre Sullivan

Deirdre Sullivan is an interior design expert and features writer who specializes in home improvement as well as design. She began her career as an assistant editor at Elle magazine and has more than a decade of experience. Deirdre contributes content for brands including The Spruce and Realtor.com, and has been a featured speaker at various conferences.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 03/29/22

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

When it comes to kitchens, Shaker cabinet doors are arguably the most popular. If you are not sure what they are, here is a quick explainer. The fronts consist of five flat pieces—a recessed center slab surrounded by a four piece frame. It is an incredibly simple design that works beautifully in any style cooking space from farmhouse modern to traditional. To prove our point we selected 15 different kitchens that all feature Shaker style cabinetry.

10 Kitchen Cabinet Styles to Know

Beautiful kitchens with shaker facades - 135 best kitchen interior design photos wooden countertop, multi-colored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, gray floor and beige countertop without island


Apartment in Red Side residential complex

ANDdesign / Aleksandra Dashkevich

A fresh design idea: medium-sized straight neoclassical (modern classic) kitchen-living room with sink sink, turquoise fronts, quartz agglomerate countertops, white backsplash, cabinetry appliances, porcelain stoneware flooring, white flooring, white countertops, shaker-style facades and a stone slab apron without an island - excellent interior photo

Tatyanin Park. Realization

KEEPARIS interior bar

Between the kitchen and the living room there is a 180-degree swivel television structure. TV on one side, panel on the other.
In the photo: a modern style kitchen with shaker-style facades, white facades and an island

Brutal Scandi style apartment in Moscow

Irina Kryuchkova

Design idea: loft-style corner kitchen with dining table, sink (with front edge), shaker fronts, black fronts, wood top, black appliances, medium parquet flooring, brown flooring and brown worktop without island

Apartment interior furniture

Artem Ivanov

Fresh design idea: medium-sized neoclassical (modern classic) corner kitchen with dining table, shaker fronts, gray fronts, gray backsplash and gray worktops without island - great interior photo

Three-room apartment in the residential complex "River Park"

Bureau IVA

Source of inspiration for home comfort: U-shaped, bright kitchen in a modern style with an inset sink, shaker-style fronts, white fronts, multi-colored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, peninsula, gray floor and gray worktop

House in the Leningrad region

Interior studio AI

Inspiration for home comfort: a large Scandinavian-style corner kitchen with a dining table, a sink sink, shaker-style fronts, blue fronts, a gray splashback, appliances under the furniture front, floor from porcelain stoneware, gray floors, gray countertops and beams on the ceiling without an island

Apartment 124 sq. m. monolithic sink, shaker fronts, beige fronts, gray backsplash, porcelain stoneware backsplash, furniture-like appliances, porcelain stoneware flooring, brown flooring and black worktop without island

House by the lake

Dvoe Design Studio

Pictured: Rustic kitchen-living room with shaker fronts, black fronts, colored appliances, an island, beige countertops, beamed ceilings, vaulted ceilings and wood ceiling with

city apartment on Minskaya street

Angelina Askeri / Angelina Askeri Interiors

In the photo: a medium-sized corner, light neoclassical (modern classic) kitchen with a monolithic sink, shaker-style facades, white facades, blue splashback , porcelain tile backsplash, furniture-look appliances, light-colored parquet floors, an island, beige flooring and a white worktop with

A whisper of luxury. Refurbished

Golden Section

Photo of a neoclassical (modern classic) kitchen with an overhead sink, green cabinets, beige flooring, black worktops, a dining table, shaker cabinets and a colorful backsplash without an island from

Waterfront House Klyazma reservoir. Kitchen-dining room

O Deco Studio

Original design example: U-shaped, bright Mediterranean style kitchen with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, yellow splashback, brown floors, beige worktops and sink

Guest house in the forest

Tatyana Trofimova I Design of wooden houses

Pictured: country-style corner kitchen with a semi-recessed sink (with a front edge), shaker-style fronts, medium-tone wood-colored fronts, wooden worktops, brown apron, wooden apron, stainless steel appliances, peninsula, gray floor and brown worktop

Kitchen-living room in a three-room apartment

Anna Krutolevich

Stylish design: medium sized scandinavian style corner kitchen with gray cabinets, wood worktops, gray splashback, glass splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic tile floors, beige floors, brown worktops, countertop sink, dining table, style cabinets shaker, peninsula and curtains on the windows - the latest trend

Loft apartment in Lefort residential complex

4arts

Source of inspiration for home comfort: a small bright loft-style kitchen with a dining table, a monolithic sink, shaker-style facades, white facades, stainless steel worktop, red splashback, brick splashback, colored appliances and light parquet flooring

Scandinavian-style attic duplex

ointerior

Attic duplex kitchen
Original design example of a medium-sized modern parallel kitchen-living room with sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, wood countertops, white splashback , ceramic tile backsplash, black appliances, porcelain stoneware flooring, gray flooring and brown worktop

Blue agate and artwork

Bureau "ArchOsnova"

Photo: neoclassical (modern classic) corner kitchen with a dining table, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, multicolor splashback, stainless steel appliances, beige floors, black worktops and wallpaper on the walls without Islands

Lots of Sky

Irina Krasheninnikova

Original design example of a contemporary style kitchen with shaker cabinets, turquoise cabinets, multi-colour splashback, stone slab splashback, medium parquet floors, island, multi-coloured worktops and tiered ceiling

Copper Lake House

CasaRosa

kitchen
Stylish design: corner, bright Mediterranean-style kitchen with a monolithic sink, shaker-style cabinets, beige cabinets, blue backsplash, cabinetry appliances, a peninsula, brown floors and brown worktop - the latest trend

LOFT WITH A FRENCH ACCENT

D-SAV. RU DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE

Design idea: medium-sized loft-style straight kitchen with a monolithic sink, shaker-style fronts, gray fronts, gray splashback, splashback made of brick, brown floor and black countertop without island

timeless home interior design - Aunman

You may have heard of shakers before. This is a Christian religious sect that originated in England in the 1700s, the core of which later emigrated to colonial America. The Shakers believed in conscientious work and a strong community - excessive materialism was a rather undesirable phenomenon.

Shakers are best known today for their timeless kitchen furniture design – it turns out that their style has a lot of ideas that are used in interiors today. Shaker style and minimalism are very similar, but the former offers a much more natural vibe than ultramodern can. Shaker style helps to plan a house so that it remains modern even after many years.

There is probably no complete correspondence in our language. Rather, the shaker style can be called traditional, with a slight touch of rustic, especially in cases where the doors of kitchen cabinets are made using planks. This style of kitchen is great for:
* Rustic style homes,
* Scandinavian style homes,
* Classic style homes. DeVOL Kitchens They attract with their modest, timeless beauty. You can safely follow this trend without fear that in five years your kitchen will seem outdated to someone.

Photo: Frida Ramstedt Trendenserile

Shape: just the way it should be

The basic message that defines Shaker style design is practicality above all else.

The above kitchen hanger shows how much attention has been paid to organization. On the hanger there is a place for cutting boards, pots and pans - everything is at hand, but nothing gets in the way. The smaller the space you intend to live and cook in, the more important it is to maximize storage space. At the same time, design elements must also be functional from a practical point of view.

Photo: RealLiving / Homes to Love

Miracle Wall

Continuing the theme of the rational use of small spaces, it is worth noting that the shaker style has been making the most of vertical spaces for hundreds of years. Among the shakers, it was popular to hang utensils, aprons and even chairs on the walls - an example of the latter in the photo above.

Photo: Sustainable Kitchens

Neutral Zone

Without a doubt, the neutral color palette characteristic of shakers is at least one of the reasons why the style is still relevant today. We can complain about completely white kitchens as much as we like, but we have to admit that they do not go out of fashion. It’s just that in the shaker style, preference is given not to black and white contrast, but to neutral tones: faded blue or green, beige, gray and other light colors.

In the case of neutral colors, it is extremely important to follow the 10-30-60 rule so that the room does not become boring. Choose one tone that will cover 60% of the room (usually the walls). The second tone can occupy 30% of the room (furniture) and the third tone - 10% (accessories).

High Quality Materials

Shakers believed in simplicity, but the design elements they used were incredibly high quality. In accordance with their beliefs, the shakers made most of the things themselves and, of course, so that they could last a long time.

Although today almost no one is engaged in the manufacture of interior items and furniture for their home, it would be useful to follow this shaker principle by investing in high-quality natural materials. For example, choosing a natural wooden floor covering: cherry, maple or pine. And this principle can also be observed when choosing textiles: wool, cotton and silk can be excellent choices.

Photo: Old House Online

Clean lines and simplicity

One of the important ways that shaker-style houses and furniture don't look old is the rejection of specific decorative elements associated with a particular period of time.

Learn more