Opt for a Shaker kitchen and you’re buying into a tradition of craftsmanship. There are no frills, no flounces, just straightforward design, pared down to the minimum. Subscribe to its panelled doors and warm wood surfaces and be enveloped by its calm atmosphere – there’s nothing quite as satisfying as Shaker style.
By Caroline Rodrigues
Kitchen by John Lewis Of Hungerford
No other kitchen can lay claim to such a bizarre provenance. It originates from a religious breakaway sect from the Quakers in Manchester, named 'Shakers' after the shaking motions they used in their worship. They settled in New England and today are as well known for their simple hand crafted furniture as for their religion. Their beautiful craftsmanship and simplicity of style have found their way into today’s kitchens though of course you can dress up the look for contemporary chic, or go back to its roots with freestanding furniture.
Panelled unit doors are a giveaway to Shaker style, but keep them plain and simple, avoiding fancy mouldings. Natural woods look good – cherry is a favourite, or check out dark wood kitchens - a walnut-style Shaker kitchen, or a maple finish. The units also lend themselves well to a painted finish. Cream is a favourite, and muted greens and grey/blues will give a calm, country feel. Rich reds and deep blues or greens are great for adding an accent colour but can be overpowering, so limit them to just one cupboard or freestanding piece. And if you want to put a contemporary spin on the kitchen, paint it in glossy white. Oversized wood or china knobs are a typical feature, but smaller knobs, finished to match the unit colour are a subtle alternative. Brushed nickel cup handles, from B&Q, are country-look option.
Kitchen by Ikea
There’s no room in these kitchens for intricate mouldings and you can forget about fancy cornices, pillars or fretwork - just luxuriate in the plain, understated qualities of the design. One instantly recognisable feature of a shaker kitchen is the peg rail. This straightforward strip of wood with pegs inserted into its length is designed to take clutter off the floor. As well as doing service for baskets, coats and dog leads, it can be placed above the worktop to take hanging shelves and cupboards. Including some open shelving will prevent a dull row of doors and let you show off favourite china, jugs or glassware.
Below the worktop, basket storage gives a country effect and the wicker looks especially homely against wood units and worktops.
If there’s space for a table, a wooden top and painted legs will give the look you want. The typical Shaker chair is upright with three horizontal struts across the back and a woven fabric seat, but any country style chair will look good. Look out for old Windsor chairs to paint.
Kitchen By Fired Earth
If you have the space, freestanding pieces will give your kitchen individuality. A tall cupboard is ideal for hiding mops and brooms, while a larder unit can squirrel away fresh and dried foods with ease. Choose one with a mix of shelves, spice racks, drawers, baskets and deep cupboards to maximise the storage. To show off your china, go for a dresser or glazed cupboard. Extras such as a butcher’s block or work table will fit in with the look and provide much needed worktop space.
In a large kitchen, an island unit is immensely useful and can be studded all round with appliances which appear less obtrusive this way than when placed along the walls. Set a sink into the top and you’ve got a proper workstation.
Choose the pricey but gorgeous New England kitchen from Fired Earth and you’ll be buying separate modules which you can combine as you wish, with separate or continuous worktops.
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Go straight back to the Design by Space: Kitchens page
Contemporary Kitchen Design Ideas
Country Kitchen Design Ideas
White & Cream Kitchen Designs
Wooden Kitchen Design Ideas
Colourful Kitchen Design Ideas
Black Kitchen Design Ideas
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