Some kitchen styles re-emerge because they’re agreeable, not to mention easy to implement, even on a budget. Right now, we’re witnessing the revival of the Shaker kitchen style, which compliments just about any interior. While many adherents have remained faithful to the original ethos, others have bent the rules a little bit and breathed new life into it. Modern Shaker kitchens maintain the core values of simplicity, utility, and honesty, yet touches have been made for a modern aesthetic. They’re also more colourful as compared to their traditional counterparts. If you’re a fan of the warm minimalist style, here’s how to design a Shaker kitchen.
Create A Colour Palette with Soft Whites and Light Neutrals
It’s easy to create a harmonious kitchen with soft whites and light neutrals that make all the difference in mood and atmosphere. The design remains stylish long after the trend is out of date, and you can easily update the kitchen’s look using affordable, temporary accents. Use simple but attractive hues inspired by nature, such as porcelain, light grey, graphite, and natural stone. If you want a fashion-forward design, go for minimal blue, green, red, or yellow splashes. Typically, Shaker kitchens were painted or stained, while the kitchen doors would have been treated with oil to retain their natural look.
Invest In Well-Crafted Wooden Furniture
Traditionally, Shakers worked with pine, maple, and cherry wood, focusing on quality, not quantity. Wood is, therefore, a good option as long as it’s in an aged state – you can give a second life to a butcher’s block or an old counter as a central island. It may be tempting to DIY your kitchen renovation, but you might regret it. Invest in well-crafted furniture made from local wood because it’s more sustainable, longer-lasting, and arguably more beautiful. As a natural material, wood instantly adds warmth to the kitchen, so stain it or leave it looking natural. With rich tones and various finishes, you’re embracing a style that will always be in fashion, no matter what.
You’ll want accurate measurements and a well-thought-of solution. As far as kitchen furniture is concerned, it’s recommended to select functional pieces that can be placed vertically in smaller spaces or horizontally in larger ones. According to the experts, you should have thrice the amount of storage of your current requirements so that you have some space left for future needs. If you decide on a matte finish for the cabinets, think about choosing Shaker-style doors, which are a timeless classic. You can use a darker colour for the cabinets to achieve a sleek and moody space.
Hang A Couple of Peg Rails
Peg rails are some of the most straightforward and appealing types of storage you can add to the kitchen. You can hang everything that you need to be close at hand on pegs. You can hang dusters, scrub brushes, and more. In case you didn’t know, the Shakers invented the humble peg rail to keep households organised and streamline cleaning. Hanging a peg rail instantly transforms the room, removing clutter and maximising space. For such a simple product, it can do a surprising number of things. You don’t need to hang your chairs, but a few peg rails can help you find storage bliss.
Install Integrated Appliances
You can seamlessly integrate these appliances into your kitchen units, saving room that would otherwise be taken over by cabinets. You can appreciate the refined aesthetics of the cabinets (or worktops) as your fridge or washing machine is hidden from the view. Since the surrounding units accommodate integrated appliances, you can minimise noise and wobble. Attention must be paid to the fact that integrated appliances are expensive and difficult to repair. No engineer can easily access faulty appliances, meaning the job is labour-intensive.
At the beginning stages of planning the kitchen layout, think about how you’re going to integrate the appliances. Integrated appliances are a good choice for a U-shaped kitchen, freeing up the workspace and ensuring a clutter-free design. The primary appliances you can integrate are the fridge, dishwasher, and freezer, but you can also integrate small beverage units. The fact is there’s no rule as to what you can integrate or not, meaning the choice is up to you. Install the appliances that you use on a regular basis to make them more accessible. Remember that the overall effect of the kitchen can be spoiled by appliances taking centre stage.
If Room Allows, Add A Kitchen Island
A kitchen island is the best addition you can make to your Shaker kitchen owing to its simplicity and function. The additional space is practical, and you have a brighter, more comfortable surface to work at or prepare meals. A kitchen island is ideal for families that cook together or those who love to prepare casseroles with food. You can use the island as a dining table as long as there’s space for chairs, but even a smaller one gives you enough space. Have a bespoke kitchen island tailored to your unique needs. It will add a touch of classic charm to your cooking area and double the amount of available space.
Closing Thoughts
The Shaker style is perfect for any home. Everything is crafted to serve a purpose as the Shakers thought that daily activities, whether important or trivial, deserved special care and consideration. Shaker kitchens operate on the principles of functionality, precision, and simplicity, culminating in a design that reflects quality craftsmanship. They can be combined with classic attributes, like groove panelling, or modern materials, such as stone floors. It doesn’t matter if you’re updating a small corner of your kitchen or undertaking a complete renovation, reach out to an interior designer who can add expertise to your vision.
To sum up, your next kitchen should be a Shaker kitchen. The basic design has evolved, so you can include various elements to make your kitchen more contemporary. You can have glazed doors, cabinetry with obscure glass, or varied colour combinations – the result can be truly breathtaking.
