Known for their clean lines, durability, and timeless appeal, Shaker-style kitchen cabinets are a staple when it comes to kitchen design. Originating from the Shaker religious community in the 18th century, they emphasise simplicity and functionality in craftsmanship. Even today, they remain a top choice for homeowners who want a classic yet adaptable look in traditional, modern, or transitional kitchens.
This Silktouch article covers the history of the Shaker style, key features that define Shaker style cabinets, and their benefits in modern kitchens. By the end, you’ll know how to choose, style, and maintain them. Stay tuned to learn more!
What Is a Shaker Style Kitchen? A Brief History
Shaker style kitchen cabinets were first created in the 1700s by a craft business with the same name. The business was a religious sect that valued simplicity and functionality above anything else. So, that’s exactly what they did in their design process.
To know the answer to the question ‘ What is a shaker style kitchen?’, you need to be aware that when Shaker style cabinets were first created, they exhibited 3 main features. First, they had unnecessary ornamentation to keep the message clear: function over aesthetics. Next, they were handcrafted from solid wood, such as cherry, maple, or pine trees, for longevity. Lastly, they were built to be lightweight but sturdy, which made them perfect for everyday use.
Later on in the 19th and 20th centuries, when designers began to use minimalist aesthetics more often, these Shaker style kitchen doors became more popular. Actually, they used to be in three main features:
- Minimalist design,
- Solid wooden construction,
- Lightweight but sturdy.
Today, modern Shaker style kitchens are widely available. The good news is that we are in your corner to provide them at affordable rates in the cities of Australia, such as Melbourne, Balwyn, Toorak, Camberwell, Kew, and Adjacent areas.
Key Characteristics of Shaker Style Kitchen Cabinets
So, what do the shaker style kitchen cupboards even look like? They were on everyone’s lips for their clean, simple lines and were divided into:
- Slim shakerhey can give a clean, unfussy finish. Their 5-piece door construction includes a frame and a centre panel.
- Flat panel door
- Shaker door( recessed door)
As mentioned before, Shaker style kitchen cabinets were traditionally made from hardwood like maple, oak, and cherry. However, modular shaker cabinets’ material is MDF (medium-density fibreboard) nowadays, because, that way, they’re scalable and cost-effective. Nowadays, common Shaker door finishes include painted, stained, and distressed looks.
These cabinets also have special features that make them extra functional. For example, their dovetail joinery makes Shaker style kitchen cabinets more durable. Their adjustable shelves ensure you don’t run out of storage ideas, no matter how customised you need your kitchen to be.
Benefits of Choosing Shaker Cabinets
To date, Shaker style kitchen cabinets are one of the most popular kitchen layout designs globally, especially in Balwyn, Toorak, Camberwell, and Kew. Also, on this website, you can find the best kitchen cabinets in Melbourne in Australia.
Generally, these cabinets owe their popularity to their many benefits, which include:
1. Timeless Aesthetic
Shaker style kitchen cabinet doors work well with a variety of designs, including farmhouse, modern, industrial, or traditional kitchens. They never go out of style and ensure long-term appeal.
2. Durability and Quality
Their solid wood construction resists warping and wear. Additionally, the simple design means there are fewer parts that can break.
3. Customisation Options
shaker kitchen style cabinets are paintable/stainable to match any colour scheme. They can be paired with modern hardware (brass pulls, matte black knobs) for a more modern finish.
4. Easy Maintenance
Modern Shaker style kitchens offer smooth surfaces that can be wiped clean easily. There are no intricate carvings to trap grease or dust.
5. Budget-Friendly Options
Shaker style kitchen cabinets are available in stock, semi-custom, and fully custom versions. Even the RTA (ready-to-assemble) Shaker cabinets you find in IKEA kitchen designs offer decent durability.
6. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Being made with sustainably sourced wood, especially in custom options, many shaker style joinery pieces are appropriate for eco-conscious individuals.
Shaker Cabinets in Modern Kitchen Design
Thanks to their adaptability and clean aesthetic, Shaker cabinets continue to shine in contemporary kitchens. Current kitchen design trends include two-tone designs, like white upper cabinets paired with deep navy lowers, which creates a striking yet balanced look. Open shelving is often mixed in for contrast, while mixed metals (such as brass shaker style kitchen handles against stainless steel appliances) add a touch of modern sophistication.
Choosing the right colour keeps Shaker cabinets fresh and stylish. Classic white Shaker style kitchens remain a fan favourite for their bright, airy feel, while dark blues or greens introduce depth and elegance. For a warmer, organic vibe, natural wood tones bring texture and timeless charm. These choices ensure Shaker cabinets fit seamlessly into any design scheme.
Pairing Shaker cabinets with the right countertops and backsplashes makes them even more appealing. For instance, quartz or marble countertops highlight their simplicity, while subway tile backsplashes maintain a crisp and clean aesthetic. Additionally, you can add butcher block counters for warmth, character, and a rustic feel.
Real-life examples showcase their flexibility. In a modern farmhouse kitchen, white Shaker cabinets with black hardware strike a perfect balance. Transitional spaces might feature soft grey cabinets with gold accents for understated luxury. Even minimalist designs benefit from flat-panel Shaker doors with handleless details, proving this classic style can adapt to any trend.
Modern Design in Shaker Style Cabinetry
Shaker style cabinets are known for their timeless, clean lines. This makes them versatile and suitable for almost any design style, including contemporary. To know more about how to have affordable kitchen cabinets with the shaker style, we have prepared some ideas for you:
1. Using Natural Wood
If you are into having a natural tone lifestyle, we have an idea. We construct a rustic look for your kitchen by using oak or walnut wood with Shaker style joinery to bring a sense of organic living. The best part is that with this appearance, warmth, and texture will be an inseparable part of your place.
2. Combined Metals
The use of some specific metal finishes will result in a modern shaker style kitchen. Let me give you an example. You can pair brass handles with stainless steel appliances, adding a fashionable touch while maintaining the Shaker style.
3. Open Shelving
Some people are big fans of kitchens that feel airy and comfortable. Surprisingly, many of them still choose Shaker style kitchen doors. This may seem like a contradiction, but the interesting thing is that contrast can make a design stand out.
4. Dual-Color Designs
Shaker style cabinets can be much more noticeable when they are done in two-tone colour schemes. When combining a white shaker style kitchen with another hue like navy blue, it gets modern with a balanced aesthetic.
It is worth mentioning that these are just some of our ideas that can fit different cities in Australia, such as Melbourne, Balwyn, Toorak, plus any other corners of the world, but shaker style kitchen ideas can be paired with various countertop materials, such as quartz, marble, and granite. If you are interested in knowing more this way, do not hesitate to read more about the top kitchen materials and trendy styles of kitchens.
Stock vs. Custom Shaker Style Kitchen Cabinets
Choosing between stock and custom Shaker kitchen cabinets depends on your budget, timeline, and design needs. Both options have their perks, so let’s break them down.
1. Custom Shaker Style Kitchen Cabinets
Besides the custom kitchen joinery, the custom shaker style kitchen cabinets are perfect if you want a tailored fit, especially for oddly shaped kitchens. They’re built with high-quality materials like solid wood and dovetail joints, ensuring long-lasting durability. You also get endless choices for finishes and hardware. However, this luxury comes at a cost. Expect prices between $800-$1500 per linear foot and lead times of 8–12 weeks.
2. Stock Shaker Style Kitchen Cabinets
Stock or RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) Shaker style kitchen cabinets are a budget-friendly alternative, typically costing $300-$800 per linear foot. They arrive quickly, often within days or weeks, and many are designed for easy DIY kitchen cabinet installation. The downside is that you’ll have fewer size and finish options, and some may use particleboard instead of solid wood, which isn’t as durable, especially in Melbourne’s high-humidity weather.
Still, if your heart is still with custom modern Shaker style kitchen cabinets, you can trust Silk Touch Joinery to deliver quality work at a competitive rate. We have years of experience in custom-building and installing Shaker style kitchen cabinets in Melbourne, Australia, and offer fully customisable options that let you select every detail.
What Are the Shaker Hampton Style Kitchens?
Shaker Hampton Style Kitchens are created by combining Shaker and Hampton styles. The aim of this combination is to give joinery a timeless aesthetic. This style is inspired by the coastal houses in the Hamptons in New York, and is marked by its fresh, light atmosphere. In fact, the colour palette is mostly white, grey, and navy.
Moreover, the shaker Hampton style kitchen handles with chrome, brushed nickel, or brass cup pulls and knobs add coastal elegance to the overall look. These kitchens often feature marble, quartz, timber flooring, and tiled splashbacks.
How to Care for Shaker Style Cabinets
With proper care, keeping your Shaker style kitchen cabinets looking their best is not a challenging task. Here are some tips:
- For daily cleaning, use a damp microfiber cloth with mild soap to gently wipe away grime.
- Remember that harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach can damage finishes.
- You should also always dry surfaces immediately to prevent water marks or warping.
- Touch up any chips in painted cabinets with matching paint, and ensure the stained wood benefits from an annual application of furniture wax or oil to maintain its lustre.
- To prevent long-term damage, consider installing soft-close hinges to minimise wear from slamming doors.
- Hardware like knobs and pulls not only adds style but also reduces fingerprints on cabinet fronts.
- Be mindful of moisture exposure near sinks and dishwashers, as prolonged dampness can compromise the wood.
With these easy maintenance habits, your Shaker cabinets will stay beautiful for years to come.
Conclusion: Are Shaker Style Kitchen Cabinets a Good Choice?
Shaker style kitchen cabinets remain a top choice for kitchens, thanks to their timeless design, exceptional durability, and remarkable versatility. They are simple and functional, which results in high adaptability to any style effortlessly. With proper care, these cabinets can last decades, making them a smart investment for any home.
To get Shaker style kitchen cabinet doors, you can choose between stock and custom options. While RTA Shaker cabinets offer affordability, they are not as durable or as diverse. Instead of these mass-produced products, you can opt for custom Shaker style kitchen cabinets, which offer longevity, quality, and versatility.
By contacting Silk Touch Joinery today, you can get a free consultation and quote to get started on your customised, modern Shaker style kitchen. Call us today!
FAQs
These are the most common question you may have about Shaker style kitchen cabinets:
1. Why are Shaker cabinets so popular?
Shaker style kitchen cabinets are loved for their timeless design, durability, and versatility. Their clean lines suit modern, traditional, and farmhouse kitchens, while high-quality materials ensure long-lasting performance.
2. Are Shaker Cabinets Easy to Maintain?
Having a smooth surface, Shaker style joinery is easy to clean. Plus, because they have a very simple design, there are fewer places where dirt and grease build up.
3. Are Modern Shaker style Kitchen Cabinets Popular?
The answer is yes. Actually, due to the fact that Shaker style kitchen cabinets carry a lasting beauty and can be adapted to all designs, they have won hearts.
4. How Hampton Style Handles Enhance Modern Shaker Designs?
If you want your kitchen’s overall design to tie together very well, although handles are a small part of your joinery, they play a crucial role. So, if you are eager to decorate your kitchen in a way that is never out of date, while you are into simplicity, shaker Hampton style kitchen handles are the perfect choice.