12 Shaker Kitchen Design Ideas
The shaker kitchen is an iconic style that has maintained popularity since its beginnings in the 1900s. In an earlier article, we covered the main design features of shaker kitchens and the benefits of shaker kitchen designs. This blog shares 12 shaker kitchen ideas to customise your shaker kitchen, with photos from real homes. Each of these kitchens has been thoughtfully designed and installed by KCA.
1. True Traditional
Although a shaker kitchen is inherently traditional, you can choose to lean into this style by opting for traditional features.
Embellished cornices, intricate pilasters and bullnose worktops add additional detail to your shaker kitchen cabinetry. In true traditional shaker kitchens, farmhouse sinks and ornate taps ensure that your fixtures don’t detract from the traditional kitchen style.
2. Get Creative, Go Contemporary
Shaker kitchens are incredibly versatile which means that you can go for a more modern shaker kitchen design. Make your shaker kitchen design more contemporary by adding modern features such as tiled flooring, stylish pendant lights and bar stools.
Linear design features in a shaker kitchen can further enhance the contemporary feel. The kitchen pictured below is a creative and modern take on a shaker kitchen. Featuring a chunky overhanging island worktop with minimalist stone leg support, two-tone cabinetry, stainless appliances and stylish breakfast bar seating.
Read our tips on how to make a shaker kitchen more modern.
3. Go Classic
A classic shaker kitchen sits somewhere between true traditional and contemporary interpretations. Intricate and more fussy details such as cornices and pilasters are pared back and combined with contemporary appliances. Accessories are modern renditions of heritage pieces finished in aged materials, such as the pendant lights pictured below.
4. Open Shelving
Break up runs of cabinets with exposed shelving. For a timeless, classic look, dress the shelves with neatly organised dinnerware. For a more homely and rustic look, fill your shelves with family photos, a mix of art and plants.
5. A Traditional Shaker Canopy or Mantel
For classic shaker kitchens, a traditional shaker canopy or mantel completes the look.
Modern extractor hoods can be integrated within a kitchen in a number of ways. Hoods can be made into a design feature or hidden out of sight in the ceiling or the hob itself. A shaker canopy or mantel is a great way to hide the extractor whilst creating a more traditional shaker design feature.
In the picture below, the area around the extractor hood was built out to create an opulent mantle that adds grandeur.
6. Butcher's Block
Originally intended for quartering, filleting, deboning and chopping meat, the butcher’s block is long associated with country shaker style kitchens.
Butcher’s blocks are now often more ornamental than functional, although they still have their place within a shaker kitchen design. A chunky butcher’s block crafted from organic timbers looks beautiful and adds country charm and natural texture.
7. Taking Storage To New Heights
In taller rooms, cabinets can be extended all the way up to the ceiling. Taking the cabinets to full height creates a sense of drama and provides additional much-needed storage space.
Full-height shaker cabinetry is perfect for storing less frequently used items. The perfect place for your finest dinnerware and glassware that you only use on special occasions. Adding full-height cabinetry can give your kitchen a more commanding presence and add a ‘wow factor’.
8. Feature Kitchen Islands
A contrasting kitchen island is a popular design feature, especially for shaker-style kitchens. Painting your kitchen island in a different colour helps to create visual separation and gives your design a more dynamic appearance.
Two-tone colour schemes work well with paler cabinetry paired with a complementary darker shade on the island. Painting your kitchen island in a shade of the same colour creates a refined statement best suited for more classic designs. For a more contemporary shaker kitchen, painting the island in an entirely different contrasting colour can make a bold and creative statement.
9. Reflective Finishes
Add a new dimension to your shaker kitchen with glass or mirror. Shaker kitchens often have a painted or natural timber finish, both of which are matte or low-sheen. Reflective materials reflect light around the room and add a sense of glamour.
A plain, clear or smoked mirror, such as the one pictured below, gives a shaker kitchen a more modern appearance. For a more rustic and vintage shaker kitchen design aged bronze mirror with a heavy patina works wonderfully.
10. Integrated Kitchen Dining
An integrated dining table can save space and maximise the functionality of your shaker kitchen. A casual, integrated dining area is great for multi-purpose family kitchens. Integrated kitchen tables can be tailored to how you and your family use the space.
11. Mix & Match Kitchen Worktops
Combining two or more worktop finishes helps create zones in your shaker kitchen. Consider how each area will be used when mixing and matching worktop materials. For example, in food prep areas, you may want to choose a modern, durable quartz or ceramic worktop. For more casual dining areas such as a breakfast bar, you may want a more tactile textured timber, marble or granite.
12. Complement or Contrast With Handles
Kitchen handles can transform the look of a shaker kitchen. Shaker cabinetry can be finished with handles in a variety of designs and materials.
Cup handles are one of the most popular choices for traditional and classic design schemes. Choose polished chrome for an authentic aesthetic or aged brass, bronze or copper to give your shaker a vintage, antique quality. Ornate ceramic or glass knobs are another perfect choice for a more vintage look. You could even use an eclectic mix of different handles sourced from antique stores.
For a more modern twist, simply choose a modern handle, such as a knob or bar pull, that complements your design. As a general rule, modern designs are less fussy or ornate, so look for handles with a simple, linear shape.
When it comes to your shaker kitchen, you can experiment with handles, so don’t be afraid to try something different.
Shaker kitchens are a timeless and iconic kitchen cabinetry style, that works for classic and modern interior looks. A sign of enduring quality, a shaker kitchen can be designed and customised to create your dream family kitchen.
To design your very own shaker kitchen, contact KCA to speak with a friendly Design Consultant.
Call us on 01344 883777 or book an appointment online.
