Shaker Kitchen

Design trends come and go, but the Shaker kitchen trend is one which has remained popular with interior designers for generations. And for good reason! Whilst questionable design fads such as woodchip wallpaper and beaded curtains have come and (thankfully) gone, the Shaker kitchen looks set to stay. But what is a Shaker kitchen? And what exactly makes this kitchen design trend so unshakeable? (Pun intended!). Let us unravel that question for you with our guide to Shaker kitchens…

Since the mid-18th century, Shaker kitchens have proved a popular design choice. This simple, pared-back style of kitchen celebrates simplicity and tradition by combining faultless craftsmanship, functionality and sustainability. The artistry afforded by the Shaker-style of kitchen means that it is supremely versatile and can adapt to all manner of interior design styles. From traditional farmhouses to modern city pads, scandi-inspired homes and contemporary dwellings by the sea…the standout feature which makes a Shaker kitchen so sought-after is its simplicity. The distinct lack of intricate carvings or ornamentation gives way to an effortlessly chic kitchen that can be adapted to any style of home.

The Shaker kitchen is defined by symmetrical cabinetry that features a flat centre panel and square edges, with minimal detailing or profiling. The functionality and versatility of this simple design has made this the most sought-after kitchen design on the market.

The Best Shaker Kitchen Doors: Ideas For Your Own Home

In a nutshell: functionality. Performance has always been the main philosophy behind the design of every Shaker kitchen. Shaker cabinets are designed to make everything easier by giving a place for everything to be stored and accessed simply and efficiently. From drawers to cupboards and everything in between; every element is designed with precision and the kitchen-owner’s lifestyle in mind.

So many of our clients have asked us to hide their appliances behind cabinet doors or chosen to add our clever chopping board and tray storage options to enable a larger, clearer work space. Shaker kitchens are about looking at every nook, cranny, corner and space with careful consideration to make sure every aspect of the kitchen is used to the maximum in a way the homeowner can enjoy.

Another defining feature of the popular Shaker style is handles which were traditionally crafted from the same wood as the cabinet or drawers to embody the minimalist principles which underpins the Shaker design. Nowadays kitchen designers incorporate chrome or steel handles for a more modern look, but the defining principle formed 200 years ago still remains.

Contemporary Shaker Kitchen Door (create)

Who invented the Shaker kitchen and why is it named so? Every design trend has a story, and the Shaker kitchen is no different. But to better understand the origins of the Shaker design concept, we need to head back 200 years to the mid-18th Century, when a small group of Quakers split to create their own religious sect. Based in Manchester, this newly-formed religious group was officially known as The United Society of Believers, but because of the way they used dancing and shaking in their worship, they became known as “the Shakers” — a name they took with them when they emigrated to America.

Having settled in New England, it was here that they became known for producing artisan furniture of such high-quality that they developed a reputation and prestige for their unrivalled craftsmanship — a craftsmanship that we still celebrate in our UK-based workshops today.

The other key characteristic of the Shaker culture was honesty, which is why they did away with unnecessary details and motifs — features that they believed to be misleading — and instead focussed on three new pillars of design: functionality, durability and simplicity.

Shaker Style Kitchen

“Beauty rests on utility” is the Shaker ethos upon which Shaker kitchens are based; an ethos which embodies the art of simplicity, functionality and fine craftsmanship. Whilst other trends come and go, the Shaker kitchen remains a steadfast favourite, boasting a longevity which outstrips all other passing kitchen design fads. Fuss-free simplicity, seamless functionality and unrivalled timelessness are the elements which make the Shaker kitchen one of the most popular styles of kitchens in the UK today.

“For the 25 years I have been in the industry, never has there been a time when shaker kitchens have gone out of fashion. Their simple design means they can adapt to changing tastes and styles making them utterly timeless.” Al Bruce – Olive & Barr Founder – Shaker Kitchen Expert Are Shaker Kitchens Old-Fashioned?

Whilst the guiding philosophy which underpins Shaker kitchen design is rooted in the past, this ever-popular style of kitchen remains admired by those who consider quality craftsmanship and simple functionality to be vital elements for the heart of the home. The timeless versatility of the Shaker kitchen means that its ongoing popularity outstrips that of other fads which ebb and flow, remaining a steadfast cornerstone of home design which isn’t going anywhere. We lavish an abundance of care and thought into every single design because we want your new handmade Shaker kitchen to exceed your expectations. Why change perfection?

Blue Shaker Kitchens

There are two main differences between Shaker and traditional kitchens: functionality and look. A shaker-style kitchen is more about function with the design focus being on practicality and efficiency. Traditional kitchens tend to be more elaborate with ornate details and focus more on the look. Shaker kitchens boast a sleek, minimalist look, whilst the classic traditional kitchen is often more fussy with decorative details which don’t necessarily add to the function of the final kitchen.  Shaker kitchens are also characterised by clever storage, thanks to the age-old Shaker principle of utility. With built-in, hidden away appliances and minimalist design, Shaker kitchens boast clean lines and do away with clutter.

Traditionally, Shaker kitchens were painted or stained, and popular colours were blue, green and red. Depending on whether you’re going for a traditional look or more modern feel, there are a number of colours that work well in a Shaker kitchen.

Ivory Shaker kitchens look crisp, clean, modern and stylish. The neutral colour scheme creates a blank canvas to which you can add your own style of worktop, handles and accessories. Ivory adds comfortable elegance to your kitchen and is an ideal colour to brighten up a space that lacks natural light.

Bespoke Shaker Kitchens In Timeless Design — Nordiska Kök

Grey Shaker kitchens are hugely popular and very much on-trend for 2023. Grey adds a contemporary flair to the classic Shaker style. Whether you opt for a smart dark tone or a warm and inviting light hue, grey works well in most Shaker kitchen spaces.

Green Shaker kitchens are beautifully bold. If you want to make a statement, while keeping a peaceful and uplifting feel, green is an excellent colour choice for your Shaker kitchen.

Blue Shaker kitchens ooze class. Dramatically different, deep blue tones create the ideal backdrop for stylish kitchens that are made for entertaining. This up-and-coming colour is warm, homely and deeply luxurious.

Classic Shaker Kitchen In Green — Nordiska Kök

At Olive & Barr, we meticulously hand paint all our Shaker kitchens with high-quality durable paint that adds lustre and a subtle sheen. We offer Shaker kitchens in a range of colours or we can finish in the colour of your choice (for a small charge). And if you want to change the colour of your kitchen in the future, we can do that for you too.

Shaker cabinets are here to stay for 2023, but they’ll get an update from being stark white to flaunting deeper hues which give a nod to the Shaker heritage. Expect to see an abundance of dark greens inspired by nature, warm neutrals, and a flush of soft pink.

Exposed hinges, minimalist knobs and exposed latches offer a rustic look, whilst a matte finish and wide border can give a more contemporary feel. There’s good news for those who prefer natural surfaces over manmade materials; 2023 will see a trend for the warm reassurance of solid wood and classic natural stone reappear so give your Shaker kitchen an update with a natural kitchen worktop which works hard for you and your family.

Shaker Base Cabinets In White

Where more traditional craftsfolk would opt for imported woods such as mahogany, Shakers preferred to use locally-sourced timbers everywhere they could, like pine, cherry wood and maple wood — and that is exactly what we still do today. Preferring to use natural materials that celebrate a more sustainable lifestyle, we use carefully-sourced materials from local-suppliers that are traceable, accountable and accredited by the FSC (the international organisation that’s dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world’s forests).

The simple style of a Shaker kitchen means it lends itself well to most types of handles from wood to metal, cups to knobs. With a Shaker kitchen, you have the versatility to choose handles that work with your personal taste, the style of your home and your practical needs.

Here at Olive & Barr, a recent kitchen design trend we have spotted is the growing popularity of brass and antique brass handles due to their ability to add warmth and character to a kitchen. The unique patina that develops over time on brass and antique brass handles gives them a sense of history and sophistication, making them a great choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance

Westbury Shaker Kitchen