What is a Shaker Kitchen?

One of our most popular kitchen styles, the shaker-style kitchen is a timeless design characterised by its minimalism, functionality and high-quality craftsmanship. Shaker kitchens are instantly recognisable, featuring simple cabinetry with classically proportioned, five-piece doors that have distinctive square frames, an inset flat panel centre and very little detail or ornamentation.

The shaker design has a centuries-old origin. A religious sect founded in the mid-1700s, the Shakers were an offshoot of the Quakers. Initially called the ‘Shaking Quakers’ because of their practices of shaking and trembling during worship, the Shakers were also known for their very simple lifestyle and minimalist surroundings. Shaker communities built much of their own furniture, and that furniture was only made for its intended use – Shaker crafters believed that ‘beauty rests in utility’. Their style of simple, functional and beautifully crafted cabinetry, featuring the signature five-piece doors, caught on and was adopted by others – resulting in what we know as shaker kitchens today.

Are shaker kitchens outdated?

In a word ‘no’! The appeal of the shaker style lies not only in its practicality, minimalist design and impeccable craftsmanship but also in its incredible versatility. Shaker cabinets work with so many tastes and styles and suit a broad range of homes and spaces – from classic country-style kitchens to modern open-plan spaces in city apartments.

The shaker style continues to so popular that we’ve recently introduced ten brand-new designs. Click through to our website to find out more about these latest additions: Wentworth, Almeda, Madeline, Warrick, Kalena, Jarrett, Geneva, Finola, Dortha and Brienne.

Create your individual look

The beauty of a shaker kitchen is that it gives you a blank canvas upon which you can add your own individual design touches, allowing you to create a kitchen that will work within your home for years to come and complement the décor of the surrounding rooms. Our shaker ranges are available in a variety of different materials and finishes – from gloss to wood grain to painted. There is also an extensive palette of colours to choose from (or speak to us about bespoke colour matching) as well as a number of wood finishes. You can then play around with all the other elements of the kitchen to create your own individual look, from the handles and worktops to the flooring, decoration and lighting.

If you’re working with a compact area or a room with little light, consider a paler tone. An ivory shaker kitchen or cashmere shaker kitchen will create a spacious feel. If you have a larger space or are looking to make a big impact with your interior design, dark shades could be a great choice, such as a charcoal shaker kitchen.

A natural oak shaker kitchen is more reflective of the traditional shaker style and gives a warm, cosy look upon which you can add your own design touches. Alternatively, for a contemporary twist, choose a gloss finish, perhaps pairing with glossy worktops, such as granite, and metallic handles – or go for a handleless shaker kitchen to inject even more modernity into the look.

Are shaker kitchens worth it?

Our shaker kitchens are a versatile and hard-wearing choice for any home, offering incredible value in terms of style, cost and durability. We’ll work with you to create a bespoke kitchen designed to optimise your space perfectly, providing practical storage, understated style, and attractive feature cabinetry that is built to last.