A Shaker kitchen is a timeless choice for homeowners, renowned for its understated elegance and emphasis on functionality and durability. This kitchen style can be traced back to the middle of the eighteenth century, and continues to be one of the most popular options for renovations. Whether you live in a classic cottage, a listed building, a modern townhouse or even a newbuild property, a Shaker style kitchen can easily be customised to suit your property and reflect your personality, transforming the heart of your home into an inviting living space.
At Ashford Kitchens & Interiors, we’re proud to offer a wide range of kitchen collections, all of which can be tailored to suit individual homes and lifestyles. From warm and traditional to sleek and contemporary, Shaker kitchens can be styled in several ways. Below, we have explored some of our previous projects to show just how versatile this iconic design can be.
Different Styles of Shaker Kitchens
One of the best things about Shaker kitchens is their adaptability. While the core design remains practical and simplistic, with a lack of excessive decoration, even subtle changes in colour, materials and finishing touches can transform the overall look entirely. There really is a Shaker style to suit every home.
Traditional Shaker Kitchen
Traditional Shaker kitchens embrace warmth and comfort, making them perfect for family homes. By combining natural materials with soft lighting and subtle modern features, you can create a cosy yet sophisticated atmosphere that feels instantly welcoming. In one of our recent projects, we used sand oak wood cabinetry to highlight the beauty of natural finishes and incorporated modern design elements for everyday practicality. The result was a timeless kitchen that meets the demands of modern living.
Minimalist Shaker Kitchen
If you prefer a more minimalist design, a Shaker kitchen can still be adapted to meet your needs. Using graceful lines, soft colour palettes and uncluttered layouts, you can create a bright and airy space that can be used for various daily activities. In one renovation, we painted the cabinets in a limestone finish, bringing a fresh feel to the room. Similarly, we installed a painted white Shaker design in another home, pairing traditional Shaker cabinets with top-of-the-line appliances to ensure everyday convenience without losing the traditional charm. These examples show how a stripped-back design can be calming and elegant.
Contemporary Shaker Kitchen
Shaker kitchens can also have a modern edge when paired with bold colours and sleek details. Contemporary styles often use rich colour palettes and statement lighting to create a more dramatic look. For instance, projects where Shaker kitchen cabinets are painted in graphite and anthracite show how darker shades can add a contemporary feel while keeping the enduring appeal of the classic Shaker style. These designs are clear examples of how Shaker kitchens can evolve, making them a natural fit for today’s stylish homes.
Playful Shaker Kitchen
Not every Shaker kitchen needs to stick with neutrals, and using bright colours can completely transform the space, proving just how versatile the Shaker style can be. By experimenting with colour, you can create a unique and expressive design that prioritises personality as much as functionality. Using a painted steel blue finish in one project made the kitchen eye-catching with a serene feel. This style works particularly well in open-plan spaces where the kitchen is used for both cooking and socialising, making it a central part of the home.
Two-Tone Shaker Kitchen
For homeowners who want something more distinctive, two-tone designs provide a balance between tradition and individuality. Using two complementary, yet contrasting colours, adds depth to the kitchen design and creates a layered effect. In a recent project, we paired limestone with racing green to create a visually appealing two-tone kitchen. This approach not only creates an original Shaker kitchen that’s highly functional, but the attention to detail also makes it a statement feature within the home.
Choosing the Right Shaker Kitchen Style for Your Home
When designing a Shaker kitchen, you should think about how you want the space to feel and how it will work for your lifestyle. Do you prefer the warmth of timber finishes, the simplicity of white cabinetry, or the impact of bold colours? Consider the overall interior style of your home too; your new kitchen shouldn’t look out of place.
One of the best things about Shaker kitchens is that there are no strict rules. From layouts and colour palettes to hardware and lighting, every element of the design can be tailored to bring your dream kitchen to life. With the help of an experienced kitchen designer, you can create a space that reflects your taste while still benefiting from the timeless, understated style that Shaker kitchens are known for.
Design a Shaker Kitchen with Ashford Kitchens & Interiors
At Ashford Kitchens & Interiors, we know that every home is unique, and our expert team is here to help you design your perfect kitchen. We specialise in creating bespoke fitted kitchens using high-quality materials, and our wide range of kitchen collections makes it easy to find a style that feels just right for your space.
For some more inspiration, visit one of our showrooms where you can explore our displays and speak to a member of our team about the different design options available. You can also get in touch today to arrange an initial design consultation. Let us help you create a Shaker kitchen that’s as individual as your family and your home.