Trend Alert! Shaker Style is Back in the Spotlight

Where did the Shaker look originate?

It is named after the Shakers, a religious community founded in England that later settled in North America in the mid-18th century. Their guiding principles centred on simplicity, honesty and utility, and Shaker-style design emerged as a reflection of that. Shaker furniture and cabinetry is admired for its simplicity and craftsmanship, and it’s a look that has stood the test of time.

What’s trending in 2021?

‘Skinny Shaker’ cabinet fronts, with slimmer-than-average edges, are gaining traction this year in kitchens and bathrooms. That’s not to say that classic wider-edge Shaker panelling is going anywhere any time soon, it’s just a little modern twist on an otherwise timeless look.

Matt-white Shaker cabinetry is ideal for setting a calm and soothing tone in kitchens and bathrooms, and allows you to get creative with your benchtop colour and material – think deeper colours, thicker edges or a marble-look top with intricate veining. It’s also the perfect partner for contemporary artwork and decorative accents.

Coloured Shaker cabinetry is another popular choice, and one that is guaranteed to add depth and warmth to your interior. Colours derived from nature, such as warm greens, navy, dusty blue and pale stone, are the go-tos in 2021. Use one colour across all your kitchen cabinetry or combine two different colours for a characterful look.

Where can I use it?

Shaker-style cabinetry is a natural choice for kitchens and bathrooms. But these spots are far from your only option; add elegance to your living area with built-in storage with Shaker fronts, transform your laundry with Shaker cabinetry, or specify the look to the doors of your wardrobe and home.

Running cabinetry with the same door profile throughout your home will create a sense of visual flow between the different rooms. But that’s not to say you can’t mix it up; combining Shaker in your kitchen and bathroom and V-groove cabinetry in your living room, for example, will give your home a textured and dynamic feel.

Which handles go with Shaker cabinetry?

When it comes to door handle styles for Shaker cabinetry, think clean lines and soft edges – for example, cup handles for drawers and simple knobs or D-bar handles for cabinetry. Finishes such as pewter and brushed nickel create a classic and sophisticated feel against white Shaker cabinetry, while matt-black handles add a contemporary edge.

If you’ve opted for coloured Shaker cabinetry, say dusty blue or moss green, consider handles in a warmer metallic such as bronze or brushed gold.

How do I style it?

The Shaker look calls for clean-lined timber furniture, upholstery in natural materials such as linen and cotton, timber or stone flooring, and open shelving to display your prettiest glassware or favourite indoor plants. Invest in well-made pieces that will last, and be sure to leave plenty of space around items so they can ‘breathe’.

When it comes to colour, look to neutral tones drawn from nature, such as tan, caramel, beige and soft grey.

How you approach the styling of a room fitted out with Shaker cabinetry depends on the mood you want to create. For a sophisticated look, accessorise with upholstered dining chairs and bar stools, glass pendants, touches of leather, a classic herringbone floor and accents of pewter or brushed nickel in light fixtures and picture frames. In a bathroom, consider limestone-look floor tiles, a concrete-look benchtop and generously sized mirrors that bounce light around the space.

Classic Shaker-style cabinetry works a treat with a Hamptons-inspired look. Learn more about our Hamptons Interior styles and how to add Hamptons flair to your home here.

Want to see how the Shaker-style looks in a real home setting? Visit one of our Carlisle display homes featured above, and you’ll get a chance to view this trending look and many more. Click here to find your nearest display centre or call 1300 520 914