From early days to modern times, kitchen design and style has witnessed several changes except the typical yet the all time favorite, shaker style. This beautiful and elegant style is a gift from the ancient Shakers, a group of religious people from England and Colonial Africa. The lifestyle of the Shaker is clearly depicted in their furniture and architecture style that was practical and functional. This style of the Shakers has remained unchanged even in the modern day, contemporary kitchen designs. All for the simple reasons – their simplicity, ease of cleaning and ability to complement other materials and moldings.
The classical feel and simplicity that the Shaker cabinets add to your kitchen is simply outstanding and incomparable. This is the reason why this style compliments all the kitchen designs from traditional to contemporary and from classical to transitional. The Shaker designs aims at minimal flourishing of the style, keeping it typical and traditional. However, the clean and sleek lines of the design make it a perfect match for all types of interiors. Flat paneled doors, rail frames, string construction done with high-grade wood and utilitarian designs are some of the characteristics of the Shaker design. Generally, American woods like cherry maple, hickory and quarter sawn oak are used to create the Shaker style.
The wood used in the Shaker style kitchen cabinets generally features a natural finish, or even stained, to enhance the natural beauty of the darker shades. Cabinets painted in white and grey shades are gaining immense popularity these days, as they look good on the contemporary kitchen designs. Given below is a list of trendy kitchen designs that incorporate the Shaker style:
The Shaker Kitchen from 1850 to 1920:
The early Shaker style kitchen had a simple and basic design with just a space for minimal cabinetry, some work surfaces and a central table. The table at the center was used for sitting while doing work and cooking meals. Dark color wood was used for cabinets that look classic and stylish, while adding elegance to the space.
Shaker Style Cabinets in Transitional Design:
For those who want to get their place adorned in simplicity, there could be no other better than the Shaker style cabinets with square or curved edges on the exterior and interior. These curves make the cabinets appear sloppy yet realistic. Because if its simplicity, this style can be incorporated with any backsplash to create Transitional Style. However, glass tiles are more popular in the Transitional style kitchens and look beautiful and attractive.
Shaker Style Cabinets and the Contemporary Design:
You can make contemporary kitchen interiors eye-catching with the shaker style cabinetry. However, while selecting the elements of such a kitchen, you need to be careful, so that you do not end up making a transitional kitchen style. While designing a contemporary Shaker kitchen you should use minimalistic lighting fixtures, backsplash, sinks, faucets and countertop surfaces.
Traditional Kitchen Design with Shaker Style:
Traditional Shaker Kitchen resembles the American Classic Shaker. You can achieve this design with traditional accents on the doors. You can use countertops made from stones, such as granite or marble with details like Ogee edges, travertine or subway tile backsplash, and above all Dark wood. Dark wood, whether you use it for the perimeter or on the kitchen island, makes the place appear traditional and rustic with a unique elegance. To enhance the traditional appeal, you can also choose some carved marbles or fancy hoods for the kitchen.
Summary:
The extraordinary beauty, style and elegance, along with durability, of the Shaker style cabinets are good enough to enhance the style of any kitchen, whether it is modern or traditional.
