How do you modernize white shaker cabinets?

Author: Gretchen McGlynn  |  Last update: Sunday, November 16, 2025

While white is the classic choice for Shaker cabinets, embracing colours like navy blue, grey, or even black can add a contemporary twist. Pairing darker cabinet colours with lighter countertops and backsplashes creates a beautiful contrast that enhances the modern feel of the space.

How to make white shaker cabinets look modern?

Combine Shaker Cabinets With Other Styles

Shaker cabinet doors can also be combined with other styles to create a unique look. For example, you could pair shaker cabinets with glass doors to create a modern look. Or you could combine shaker cabinets with raised panel doors to create a traditional look.

How to make a shaker kitchen look modern?

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.

Can shaker cabinets be modern?

Joiners typically make modern Shaker cabinets of hardwoods like maple and cherry. The essence of the modern shaker style is mostly the design and not the wood used for building cabinets. Nearly all styles of wood, including oak, pine, or poplar are used to create kitchen cabinets and other shaker doors.

How can I make my shaker cabinets look better?

Use a good primer and use a brush for the ``inside'' of the cabinet first to get the inside edges. Then use a small roller to do the rest. Once that is dry on all the cabinets, go back with an enamel paint. Make sure to use a ventilated place or open windows! That is strong stuff!

Just Like Magic Your Golden Oak Color Will Disappear

Are shaker cabinets still in style in 2024?

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.

How to update old kitchen cabinets without replacing them?

Let's Begin!
  1. 9 Ways to Update Kitchen Cabinets without Replacing Them. Paint Kitchen Cabinets. ...
  2. Distress the Cabinets. ...
  3. Whitewash. ...
  4. Two-Tone. ...
  5. Change the Cabinet Handles. ...
  6. Add Molding. ...
  7. Change the Kitchen Door Fronts. ...
  8. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting.

Are white shaker cabinets out?

With white cabinetry, you won't have to worry about the style becoming outdated in a few years. Instead, you can count on the design to be classic and enduring. No matter the color of your countertops, you can rest assured that white kitchen cabinets are a great choice.

What are the disadvantages of shaker cabinets?

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.

Can shaker cabinets be transitional?

On the other hand, Shaker cabinets work as transitional kitchen cabinets too because they look right at home (pardon the pun) in a contemporary kitchen, when the colors, hardware and other details are contemporary.

How do I update a shaker kitchen?

Redefining Shaker: 7 Ways to Make Your Shaker Kitchen More Modern
  1. Combine Shaker & Flat-Panel Cabinetry. For a more contemporary look, combine traditional shaker and modern flat panel doors. ...
  2. Contemporary Detailing. ...
  3. Contemporary Hardware. ...
  4. Handleless Shaker. ...
  5. Modern Finishes. ...
  6. A Modern Kitchen Island. ...
  7. Sleek Integrated Appliances.

What is the best color for a shaker kitchen?

Alongside classic White, explore cool tones such as Porcelain and Dove Grey for a fresh, contemporary look. Alternatively, Stone, Mussel and Taupe Grey for a warmer, more cosy feel. Embracing Natural tones can provide a feeling of comfort and cosiness, whilst also having a timeless style.

How do you make an outdated kitchen look modern?

Reviving an Outdated Kitchen: 7 Strategies for a Modern Makeover
  1. 1 – Rethink the kitchen layout. ...
  2. 2 – Consider how the kitchen space is used. ...
  3. 3 – Update your metals. ...
  4. 4 – Change out your outdated kitchen cabinetry. ...
  5. 5 – Install new countertops. ...
  6. 6 – Install new flooring.

How do you jazz up white cabinets?

How to make your white cabinets pop?
  1. Stylish open shelving with a natural wood finish.
  2. Using stainless steel instead of white appliance finishes.
  3. Using a backsplash with an elegant pattern or texture, such as tile or affordable High Pressure Laminate.

Are shaker kitchens dated?

“The kitchen style that remains a classic timeless design, and stands the test of time is a Shaker kitchen” A Shaker style kitchen is one of the few that remains popular in their classic styles of design, and is the perfect fit for almost any style of the home.

What color walls go with white shaker cabinets?

Here are 30 stunning ideas that will elevate your kitchen's design.
  • Soft Gray. Soft gray walls provide a neutral backdrop that enhances the brightness of the white cabinets. ...
  • Creamy Beige. ...
  • Light Blue. ...
  • Sage Green. ...
  • Crisp White. ...
  • Navy Blue. ...
  • Soft Pink. ...
  • Charcoal Gray.

Are shaker cabinets in style in 2024?

The shaker cabinet style has long been a favorite in kitchen design for its simplicity and versatility. It stands as one of the kitchen design trends this 2024, and we are seeing the emergence of the slim shaker cabinet style, which offers a modern twist on this classic design.

Are shaker cabinets outdated?

They've been producing furniture in the US since the 1700's, so I'd say no, it's unlikely that shaker style cabinets will go out of style anytime soon. The materials and finishes on them have and will continue to do so, but a basic shaker style door is pretty timeless.

What are the kitchen trends for 2025?

9 Top Kitchen Color Trends Experts Predict for 2025
  • Warm Earth Tones Are Trending. ...
  • Brown Will Be the "It" Neutral. ...
  • Statement Backsplashes and Metallic Accents Will Be In. ...
  • Shades of Blue Will Be Popular. ...
  • There Will Be a Shift Toward Natural Wood Cabinets and Work Surfaces. ...
  • Deep and Rich Paint Colors Will Be Making a Statement.

Are white cabinets out of style in 2024?

In 2024 the white kitchen trend is here to stay, and for good reason. Its timeless appeal, versatility, and ability to adapt to different styles make it a popular choice for homeowners looking to create a space that is both beautiful and functional.

How do you make shaker cabinets look modern?

5 ways to update a Shaker kitchen
  1. Update the hardware.
  2. Paint Shaker cabinets in a bold hue.
  3. Opt for thinner panels for a modern look.
  4. Create a contemporary look with sleek fixtures.
  5. Add natural materials for a rustic look.

What color cabinets never go out of style?

Kitchen Cabinet Colors That Never Go Out of Style
  • The Eternal Whites. White. Off-White. Creamy White.
  • Graceful Grays. Light Gray. Dark Gray.
  • Wood Tones.
  • Two-Tone Designs.
  • Timeless Elegance for Your Kitchen.

What is the least expensive way to update kitchen cabinets?

If your goal is to update the look of your existing cabinets, the cheapest route is to simply reface them.

Are honey maple cabinets outdated?

Maple wood kitchen cabinets are incredibly versatile! And far from outdated. They're one of the most durable woods used in kitchen cabinets, and with the right finishes, they can fit in perfectly with any look, whether it's a traditional, modern, rustic, or contemporary kitchen.

How to update old white kitchen cabinets?

Bring an on-trend look to the space by painting the lower cabinets one color and the upper cabinets another color. This is a great way to upgrade an all-white kitchen, fast. Paint the lower cabinets and leave the top ones white.

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