kitchen inspiration

Shaker Kitchen Ideas

From choosing sultry shades to adding aged accents, these shaker kitchen ideas provide different ways to create a framed scheme that is chic and timeless. Thanks to the five-piece design, shaker kitchens have a classic look that is far from being old-fashioned and can be styled to suit any home and budget. Explore this guide, which offers on-trend looks and shows real examples from our customer's homes, to inspire your shaker kitchen makeover.

Discover our top shaker-style kitchen inspiration

Modern grey shaker kitchen idea in a single wall layout. Contains a built-under oven, chrome tap, and silver knob handles.

1. Neutralise your base

Some of the best shaker kitchen ideas start with a neutral base, creating a blank canvas to build upon with other stand-out features. Light-grey cupboards are on-trend and versatile enough to suit many decors. Their pale tone also has the same space-enhancing benefits of white, making them a smart solution for a small shaker kitchen idea.

See grey shaker kitchens

Industrial shaker kitchen idea with black shaker style doors, white marble-effect worktops, brass knobs, and cup handles.

2. Go a shade deeper

Adding depth and drama to a room, dark tones are great for a large shaker kitchen idea, as they help to draw in bigger areas for a more intimate and cosy feel. Charcoal is the deepest shade in our collection and is a must-have choice if you want to create a fashionable shaker design that will impress family and friends.

See black shaker kitchens

Painted shaker kitchen idea in a L-shape layout featuring yellow shaker-style doors, copper cup handles, and a ceramic sink.

3. Customise your colour

Many shaker cabinets can be painted, making them a great idea for creating a layout that packs a punch and is completely personalised for your home. As well as creating a bespoke look, paintable fronts are a sustainable choice, as you can simply refresh your scheme to suit the latest trends rather than spending money on new units.

See paintable shaker kitchens

Country-style dove-grey shaker kitchen idea in a kitchen island layout. Includes glass dresser units and brass cup handles.

4. Trust in solid timber

For a layout that will stand the test of time, choose a framed front with a solid timber construction, like our Chilcomb collection. This robust style is 20mm-thick, offering a premium aesthetic. Its authentic woodgrain introduces natural character to a room and adds a cosy feel, while its square-edge border provides a modern update on traditional designs.

See Chilcomb kitchens

Blue shaker kitchen idea in a single wall layout. Features copper bar handles, white worktops, and a built-in double oven.

5. Save on Allendale

Shaker schemes have a classic design that creates a premium look. To replicate this aesthetic at a fraction of the cost, try our Allendale fronts, which have a 16mm thickness and realistic woodgrain effect. See how @renovating_e17 has combined her door-fronts with an opulent navy tone to create a budget shaker kitchen idea with plenty of luxe appeal.

See Allendale kitchens

Shaker-style cupboards with an in-frame detail for a premium shaker kitchen idea. Includes chrome hinges and cup handles.

6. Frame in style

Elevate the appearance of a humble shaker design by adding in-frame profiles to your cabinetry. Once fitted by a trade professional, they will create a subtle border around the door-front and add detail for extra visual interest. This will also create a premium look, making it a good choice for those wanting to craft a high-end interior.

See in-frame kitchens

Heritage shaker kitchen idea using blue, beaded shaker-style doors, a double-bowl ceramic sink, and a chrome bridge tap.

7. Buy into beaded

Another way to enhance a shaker scheme is by choosing fronts with a beaded style, like those found in our Elmbridge collection. These have an ornate detail that creates a decorative look inspired by stately interiors. It also accentuates the framed construction of the cupboard doors, making it a great way to create a handcrafted feel.

See Elmbridge kitchens

Green shaker kitchen idea with a white breakfast bar, a black induction hob, and brass knob handles in a peninsula layout.

8. Border on modern

To modernise a shaker style kitchen, opt for a design that has a wide border or smooth finish to create a contemporary appearance. Our Chelford fronts are a great choice thanks to their matt exterior and soft bevelled detail. We recommend following @thehandlerhouse‘s lead by pairing these shaker fronts with a trending tone, like green, for a fashionable shaker idea.

See Chelford kitchens

A paintable shaker kitchen idea using pale blue shaker-style doors. Contains a glass dresser unit atop a two-drawer cupboard.

9. Feature your furniture

Freestanding furniture is a staple in shaker schemes, as it replicates the type of handcrafted storage that was used in older designs. Recreate the appearance of homemade cabinetry by using glass dresser fronts and matching dresser units. As well as providing a handy place to keep items close to hand, you can also create a stylish display area, like @littlebigbell, and showcase crockery and glassware for a personal touch.

See glass dresser kitchen doors

Classic shaker kitchen storage idea featuring a cream pantry unit with timber door balconies and antique black cup handles.

10. Perfect a pantry

Like glass dressers, pantries are a key feature in shaker designs, as they offer a place to store and organise essentials. Re-create this traditional cupboard style by pairing a larder with storage accessories, like oak door balconies. These handy items will maximise every inch of space inside a unit while adding characterful timber accents, creating furniture that looks as good open as it does closed.

See door balconies

White shaker-style kitchen idea in an island layout. Features herringbone floors, white worktops, and blackened cup handles.

11. Add aged metals

When it comes to an on-trend shaker scheme, aged metals are a popular option. These have a time-weathered look that introduces another texture to a space for added visual interest. Go for blackened metal fixtures, like @home_with_isabel, which replicates the appearance of handwrought ironmongery for a realistic old-world feel.

See aged cabinet cup handles

Luxury shaker kitchen idea using dusk-blue, solid wood cupboard doors and square-edge quartz worktops with a marble pattern.

12. Get creative with quartz

For a luxury shaker kitchen idea, add a solid surface counter. Quartz is heat, stain, and scratch-resistant, standing up to wear and tear with ease. You can also access a wider selection of colours and custom lengths with our bespoke solid stone surfaces, allowing you to create a unique feature for your home.

See bespoke solid surface worktops

Natural shaker kitchen idea using sage-green doors. Includes a peninsula unit made from two-drawer units and a white worktop.

13. Go handle-free

Shake up shaker style by going fixture-free with decorative profiles. Creating a blend of modern and traditional design, this idea is great for those who want a custom look influenced by both old and new aesthetics. Go for a soft, silver tone, which can easily be matched to other elements for a coordinated effect.

See profiles

Two-tone shaker kitchen idea in an island layout. Includes navy and grey doors, a black induction hob, and brass handles.

14. Island eating

Framed designs were traditionally used in large farmhouse spaces that would cater for big families wanting to dine together at the end of a long working day. Pay homage to the communal roots of shaker schemes by choosing an island layout, like @house_on_the_crescent. This will offer a place for guests to gather for casual meals while you whip up dinner.

See kitchen island layouts

Traditional shaker kitchen idea in a L-shape layout using pale cream cupboard doors and brown herringbone vinyl flooring.

15. Harness herringbone style

A style that dates back to Ancient Rome, herringbone floors have the same timeless appeal as framed fronts, and are a great way to ensure your shaker design looks good for years to come. A previously exclusive feature in old manor houses, this design is also associated with sophistication and luxury, making them a sound investment that will enhance a premium aesthetic.

See herringbone flooring