Modern Shaker Kitchen Design: A Timeless Style with a Contemporary Twist
How to Make a Shaker Kitchen Feel Modern
Bringing a modern edge to a shaker kitchen involves thoughtful updates to colour palettes, materials, hardware, and layouts. Here’s how we at The Essex Kitchen Design Company achieve this balance:
1. Contemporary Colour Palettes
While classic shaker kitchens often feature soft, neutral tones, a modern shaker kitchen can embrace bolder, more contemporary colours. Deep hues like navy blue, forest green, or charcoal grey add a dramatic and stylish touch to shaker cabinetry. Hand-painted finishes in these shades are particularly striking when paired with lighter worktops or splashbacks to create contrast.
For a subtler modern look, consider muted tones like sage green, dusty pink, or light grey, which provide a fresh yet sophisticated aesthetic. Using paint brands like Farrow & Ball or Little Greene allows for a rich, durable finish that enhances the bespoke nature of your kitchen.
2. Sleek Hardware Choices
Hardware plays a key role in defining the overall style of a shaker kitchen. To achieve a modern look, opt for minimalist handles in matte black, brushed gold, or polished chrome. Integrated or discreet handles are another great option for adding a contemporary edge without detracting from the clean lines of the cabinetry.
Alternatively, consider mixing hardware finishes for added interest—perhaps pairing gold handles with black hinges or using different styles for upper and lower cabinets. These subtle updates can dramatically transform the look and feel of your shaker kitchen.
3. Streamlined Layouts and Open-Plan Designs
Modern shaker kitchens often feature layouts that prioritise openness and functionality. Open-plan designs are especially popular, as they seamlessly connect the kitchen with dining and living spaces, making them ideal for entertaining or family living.
Incorporating a kitchen island is another way to modernise a shaker kitchen. Islands serve as a central hub for cooking, dining, or socialising, and they provide additional storage and workspace. Consider integrating modern features like a Bora induction hob with downdraft extraction or a built-in wine cooler into the island to enhance its functionality and style.
4. Modern Materials and Worktops
To bring a contemporary feel to shaker kitchens, incorporate modern materials for worktops, splashbacks, and flooring. Quartz worktops in marble-effect patterns offer a sleek and durable surface that contrasts beautifully with the warm, hand-painted cabinetry. Alternatively, concrete-effect surfaces or rich solid wood add texture and depth.
For splashbacks, opt for modern choices like glass panels, subway tiles, or stainless steel. These materials not only protect your walls but also add a clean, polished look that complements the shaker aesthetic.
5. Statement Lighting
Lighting is a vital component of modern kitchen design. Pendant lights above a kitchen island or dining area create a focal point while adding style and warmth. Choose fixtures with industrial or minimalist designs in finishes like black, brass, or copper to tie in with your modern hardware choices.
Under-cabinet and in-cabinet lighting can also be used to add functionality and ambiance, ensuring your shaker kitchen feels bright and welcoming.
6. Integrated Appliances and Smart Technology
Modern shaker kitchens embrace innovation without compromising their timeless appeal. Fully integrated appliances, such as fridges and dishwashers, maintain the clean lines of the cabinetry, while smart technology—like touch-activated taps, built-in charging stations, or app-controlled ovens—adds convenience and functionality.
A Perfect Blend of Tradition and Modernity
At The Essex Kitchen Design Company, our modern shaker kitchens are thoughtfully designed to blend the best of both worlds. We retain the craftsmanship, durability, and elegance that define the shaker style while incorporating contemporary features and finishes to create kitchens that suit today’s lifestyles.
Every kitchen we design is bespoke, crafted to your exact specifications and tailored to your home’s unique character. Whether you’re drawn to bold colours, sleek hardware, or cutting-edge technology, we’ll work closely with you to bring your vision to life.
To start designing your dream modern shaker kitchen, contact The Essex Kitchen Design Company today. Call 01277 554590 or email to arrange a consultation. Let us create a timeless yet contemporary kitchen that perfectly complements your home.
