Opt for thinner panels for a modern look
If you're looking to replace the cabinets in your Shaker kitchen, opting for a thinner frame can help achieve a more contemporary look, as Tyson Ness explains: 'For a more contemporary take on the classic Shaker, consider looking at styles with a thinner frame.
Shaker cabinets are considered timeless because they beautifully combine both modern and traditional influences. The stiles and rails nod to traditional cabinets, while the crisp 90-degree edge profile incorporates the clean lines of contemporary design.
In a cream Shaker kitchen, stainless steel appliances can provide a sleek and modern contrast against the warm tones of the cabinets and countertops. Appliances with clean lines and minimalist designs work particularly well in achieving a cohesive look.
White marble, black granite, and patinated gray soapstone all work beautifully, as do more colorful surfaces. You can choose brass cabinet knobs and pulls now, knowing that you can easily change them to any metal in the future. And you could add a kitchen island painted any other accent color if you want some contrast.
Looking ahead into 2024, shaker cabinets still remain the most popular, but that isn't the only option. Flat-panel and inset styles are also making headlines. You can also mix-and-match styles for a truly custom look.
Design Ideas for a Shaker Style Kitchen
Opting for matte black pulls and knobs can create an eye-catching focal point against the white cabinetry. Additionally, selecting stainless steel appliances complements the sleek and modern feel of the space, enhancing the aesthetic value of your kitchen remodel.
As with fashion, the revival of traditional and heritage styles came back around yet again. In the 1980s, Shaker kitchens were once again on trend and the appeal has now endured well into the 21st century.
White ceramic or porcelain subway tiles, as well as the white marble and quartzite backsplashes, are popularly used with cream cabinets to lighten up the space and for a sense of freshness!
Cons of Shaker Kitchen Cabinets
Here are a few things that might make you think twice about investing in them: Simple Design: Shaker kitchen cabinets can be a bit “plain vanilla” – classic but maybe too simple. If you want fancy, shaker cabinets are not for you. They don't have intricate designs, patterns, or styles.
Although the most widely chosen color is white, shaker kitchen cabinets come in a variety of different stains and paints. Stained shaker cabinets offer the ability to see the natural wood grains of the cabinet through the stain.
Paint Your Shaker Cabinets
If you want to add a pop of color to your kitchen, consider painting your shaker cabinet door in a bright color. You can also paint your shaker cabinets in a neutral color like white or gray to create a more subtle look. Want to see how gray shaker cabinets can transform your kitchen?
Shaker kitchen doors feature a flat centre panel and square raised outer stiles with minimal detailing. Shaker cabinetry design is typically symmetrical and doesn't tend to feature intricate carvings or ornamentation.
Bar Handles
T-bar and flat bar pulls are perfect for the simplicity of the shaker kitchen aesthetic. Their straight, clean lines compliment shaker recessed panelling, maintaining the understated elegance of shaker style.
Outdated Cabinetry
Granite countertops typically pair with natural wood cabinets, but pine or hickory cabinetry can date your kitchen's style back a few decades. Additionally, cabinetry with gold or brass fixtures shows that the kitchen hasn't had an update for a while.
Use bold colours
Traditional Shaker kitchens feature decorated furniture in shades of blue, green, red and yellow, while neutral shades like grey and cream are also popular. Bold colours will instantly modernise a Shaker kitchen and draw attention to the cabinetry, as seen in our green Shaker kitchen.
Trends in colour & finish
And while shaker style kitchens tended to favour painted surfaces, newer kitchen trends are focusing in on wood finishes. Natural grain patterns and deep rich wood tones add interest to flat doors, and give kitchens a warm, earthy and welcoming feel.
Flat slab cabinets, and to some extent, Shaker cabinets, are typically on the lower end of the price spectrum due to their simpler door design. In contrast, more intricate styles like glass panel cabinets, raised panels or mitered styles can be considerably more expensive.
Accessorize with Vibrant Accents
Even if your cabinets and large appliances are white, you can still inject some playful colors into your kitchen with your décor. In this space, bright red stove knobs, yellow pendant lights, and wood shelves lined with beautiful dishware brighten the white backsplash.
With sleek, clean lines, charcoal Shaker-style cabinets pair beautifully with modern or contemporary appliances and countertops to give the kitchen a modern minimalist feel. For a transitional style, you can pair the charcoal Shaker-style cabinets with brushed nickel hardware.