If you’re planning on redesigning your kitchen to go for a shaker kitchen style then you probably can’t wait to get started but as you will know it’s not all excitement, lots of thought has to go into the design process so you can be truly happy with your finished kitchen.
With so many choices to make from the choice of worktop materials to the colour of your cabinets and what sink will suit with your design, there’s lots to consider when creating a kitchen that is both appealing & practical.
What is a shaker kitchen?
A shaker kitchen is a simple functional design which is somewhere between a traditional and contemporary design. The shaker style originally started back in the 18th century and was created from fine craftsmanship with practicality & simplicity in mind. The lack of ornamentation & modern aspects makes it quite contemporary however once placed with a variety of textures and other traditional aspects such as finished wood & rich colours it creates this beautiful design to facilitate a space that’s not “too much,” in terms of one style or another.
Shaker kitchen doors
Traditionally, in a shaker kitchen design the cabinets are all made of locally sourced wood which can be painted for the best effect. The wooden cabinet doors usually have timber knobs which can be painted or stained to match the units however has time has gone on lots of shaker kitchen designs now incorporate nickel handles as an alternative to follow the design of traditional/contemporary kitchen. Adding nickel elements can also make the design look slightly rustic depending on the colour scheme & décor. The doors themselves typically hold a country appearance with classically proportioned doors that have a frame and inset panel.
Which sink works best with a shaker kitchen?
When aiming for a shaker kitchen design it’s worthwhile considering a ceramic apron sink, although they’re a little more expensive than a standard steel sink they also compliment the country appearance of the wooden cabinets. If you want to go for something a little different you could consider choosing a copper apron sink, paired with nickel knobs for your cabinets this will stand out a little more and create a slight rustic theme that runs throughout the design. The only con to apron sinks is that most won’t have a drainage area which may be a little impractical for busier homes.
Décor & Colour Schemes
Generally, the primary colour scheme of a shaker kitchen will be blue, green or white alongside natural elements. If you’re trying to keep to the traditional design of a shaker kitchen then you’re best off choosing a shade of either blue or green for your cupboards then choosing neutral colours for the other aspects. Remember when choosing your main colour that blues are better when paired with pinks, greys and whites whereas shades of green tend to suit softer pastel hues. Some traditional shaker kitchens will also have the walls to match the colour of the cabinets for a bolder, more colourful kitchen. However, if you want your shaker kitchen to look more modern & contemporary then sticking with whites and woods are your best option.
One of the stereotypical aspects of a shaker kitchen is the peg rail which is often used as shelving placed quite high along one of the kitchen walls which may be filled with decorations such as plain ceramics & storage that’s made with natural materials like wood, cork and wicker. Shaker kitchens don’t usually have a lot of decorations because that would go against the minimalist appearance.
Cabinets
Shaker kitchens usually have farmhouse style cabinets which may be painted to appear more traditional. Adding a centre island to your kitchen design is a great way to ensure that your kitchen looks like a truly original shaker design. One instantly recognisable feature of a Shaker kitchen is a centre island with open shelving, a trademark aspect for shaker kitchens, they also make great storage for any cookery books or extra decorations if you don’t have any wall space for shelving.
Flooring
Flooring is a great place to add some texture if you feel like your shaker design might be lacking some characteristics and looking a little too minimalistic. Rustic floor tiles are a popular option and are quite versatile too; almost any colour will fit in with your shaker design because it gives that realistic feel to the room. Wooden floorings look equally as great in a shaker design but will create a more modern/country appearance rather than traditional/rustic look but that’s all part of the fun in designing a shaker kitchen, it can be truly unique to your preference.
Worktops
Worktops would’ve traditionally been wooden back in the 18th century however in the modern day there are many more options to choose from such as granite or quartz. Considering that the true definition of a shaker kitchen is all about practicality, granite and quartz have become a popular option thanks to their durability. Laminate is also a great way forward still if you’re looking for a cheaper option and you could even go for a wood texture to make it look like the real deal.
