What is a shaker kitchen?
A shaker kitchen refers to the door style, and in most cases, a shaker is a framed door. A lot have a raised edge panel, with a lowered centre panel, creating a frame.
Coming in different variations, the size of the frame can differ dependent on the design. Some can be wider. Some can be thinner. Below is an image of our bespoke SW19 kitchen, an ex-display in our Maida Vale showroom.
We believe that this is a more elegant version of the classic shaker style, painted in ‘Sulking Room’ pink by Farrow & Ball. It features a 40mm frame to make it more contemporary, with slightly taller doors to make it appear sleeker whilst having the timeless look of a shaker door.
How to style a shaker kitchen
Like any kitchen design, a shaker can be tailored to suit you.
Surfaces
Styling a kitchen is all about balance of materials and finishes. If you chose to have a wooden shaker kitchen, we wouldn’t recommend pairing it with a wooden floor. Instead, we would suggest choosing a material like limestone- something that is neutral and large format. If you want something more traditional, maybe opt for a brick bond with a rustic edge. Marble always looks great too!
Hardware
Choice of hardware can alter the style of the kitchen. If you want to go for a classic look, a traditional knob will work better over a cup handle. A bow handle is also a great option for someone who wants something more timeless and simplistic in design. To make it more contemporary and to add contrast, you can wrap around a squared profile door handle- completely changing the look. Finish wise, brass and antique brass work great, giving you a classic look. To make it more modern, consider introducing smoked bronze to provide a more ‘industrial’ look and feel.
The shaker style doesn’t just apply to kitchens- it can be applied to bathrooms and wardrobes too.
A few years ago, we introduced a range called the W9, which is our London take on the original shaker style. It simplifies the door profile, keeping the chunky frame, but pairing it with a flat panel rather than a raised or lower one. From the pictures below, you can see that we have kept the in-frame door, however the flat panel makes the design more contemporary.
This vanity in our Chelsea showroom has been paired with a Buster & Punch’s smoked bronze handle to give it a more industrial look, which is elegant and slightly more streamlined.
Take a look at our Pinterest page to see more of our Shaker’s
If you are thinking about renovating your kitchen, bathroom, or home, and would like to learn more about shaker styling, let’s talk.
