The Features and Design Details of Shaker Overlay Kitchens

Shaker overlay kitchens are a modern take on the timeless shaker style, combining the simplicity and elegance of traditional design with a contemporary edge. At The Essex Kitchen Design Company, we work with our bespoke British kitchen maker, established in 1864, to create shaker overlay kitchens that offer exceptional craftsmanship, durability, and tailored design.

What Sets Shaker Overlay Kitchens Apart?

Unlike in-frame kitchens, where cabinet doors sit within a visible frame, shaker overlay kitchens feature doors and drawer fronts that sit on top of the cabinet box, covering the frame entirely. This creates a clean, seamless appearance that appeals to those seeking a modern twist on a classic style. The hallmark of a shaker overlay kitchen is its minimalist design—characterised by flat panel doors, subtle detailing, and a focus on symmetry.

Crafted to Perfection

Our British kitchen makers bring over 150 years of expertise to every shaker overlay kitchen, ensuring each element is crafted to the highest standards. Using premium materials such as solid wood and veneered finishes, these kitchens are built to last. Hand-painted in colours from trusted brands like Farrow & Ball or Little Greene, the finishes are flawless and durable, allowing you to choose from soft neutrals, bold hues, or trendy two-tone designs.

Innovative Design Details

Shaker overlay kitchens can be customised with modern features, including soft-close hinges, integrated lighting, and bespoke storage solutions like pull-out larders and deep pan drawers. Handle options range from traditional cup pulls to sleek, contemporary designs in matte black, brass, or chrome, further enhancing their versatility.

At The Essex Kitchen Design Company, our shaker overlay kitchens blend classic charm with contemporary practicality, delivering a bespoke design tailored to your home and lifestyle.

Stylish kitchen with navy shaker cabinets, a marble island, and modern recessed lighting, featuring a coffee machine, spice racks, and a toaster.

Features and Benefits of a Handmade Shaker Kitchen

A handmade shaker kitchen from our bespoke British kitchen maker, established in 1864, offers a combination of timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and bespoke customisation that is truly unmatched. At The Essex Kitchen Design Company, we are proud to collaborate with a manufacturer whose legacy of excellence spans over 150 years, ensuring every kitchen we create is of the highest quality.

Key Features

  • Premium Materials: Handmade shaker kitchens are crafted from solid wood and high-quality veneers, providing strength, durability, and a natural beauty that stands the test of time.
  • Traditional Craftsmanship: Using time-honoured techniques such as dovetail joints and hand-assembled in-frame cabinetry, these kitchens are built to last while showcasing meticulous attention to detail.
  • Bespoke Painted Finishes: Our shaker kitchens can be finished in bespoke colours, allowing for flawless finishes tailored to your style. Choose from trusted paint brands like Farrow & Ball or Little Greene for a rich, durable palette.
  • Bespoke Design: Each kitchen is entirely customised to your needs, with options for tailored storage solutions, feature pantry units, and integrated appliances seamlessly incorporated into the design.

Benefits

  • Timeless Elegance: Shaker kitchens balance classic proportions with clean lines, making them suitable for both traditional and modern homes.
  • Durability: The use of premium materials and expert craftsmanship ensures your kitchen will endure daily use while retaining its beauty.
  • Flexibility: Bespoke design options mean your kitchen is tailored to your space and lifestyle, offering a perfect fit and optimal functionality.
  • Long-Term Investment: A handmade shaker kitchen is a valuable addition to your home, enhancing its character and market appeal.

With a handmade shaker kitchen from The Essex Kitchen Design Company, you’ll enjoy a timeless and practical space crafted with expertise and care.

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“We were exceptionally happy with the consultation, design and planning stages of the service received from Chris and his team. The installation itself was of the highest professional standards, with the installers themselves working tirelessly to deliver the perfect finished result on time. Couldn’t be more pleased.”

John

See our Recent Shaker Kitchen Installations

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Bespoke Shaker Kitchens: A Colour Guide for Timeless Style

Choosing the ideal colour for your shaker kitchen is key to achieving a design that is both practical and visually striking. At The Essex Kitchen Design Company, we specialise in designing bespoke shaker kitchens, offering a palette of stunning colours that enhance the beauty of traditional and contemporary homes. From light grey and dark grey to green, blue, white, cream, and two-tone combinations, our expert designers can help you create a colour palette that reflects your personal style.

Light Grey Shaker Kitchens

Light grey shaker kitchens are a versatile and sophisticated choice, creating a neutral base that suits both modern and classic interiors. Shades such as “Pavilion Gray” by Farrow & Ball and “French Grey” by Little Greene bring a soft, airy quality to the space, ideal for smaller kitchens or those with limited natural light. Pairing light grey cabinetry with quartz worktops and brushed chrome fixtures ensures a timeless yet contemporary design.

Dark Grey Shaker Kitchens

Dark grey shaker kitchens exude elegance and depth, making them perfect for open-plan layouts. Rich tones like “Railings” or “Down Pipe” by Farrow & Ball add drama and sophistication, while brass hardware and wooden worktops provide a warm contrast. This bold colour choice balances traditional shaker style with a modern edge, creating a striking focal point for your home.

Dark Green Shaker Kitchens

Dark green is a popular choice for shaker kitchens, offering a rich and natural aesthetic. Shades like “Studio Green” and “Bancha” by Farrow & Ball bring warmth and character, particularly in homes with garden views. Pair dark green cabinetry with light stone worktops and antique brass accents for a luxurious and welcoming space that connects seamlessly to nature.

Blue Shaker Kitchens

Blue shaker kitchens remain a classic favourite, providing versatility and calm. Light blues like “Parma Gray” evoke a coastal feel, while deeper shades like “Hague Blue” bring drama and refinement. Blue works well as a full kitchen colour or as an accent on a feature island, complemented by polished nickel hardware and white quartz worktops for a clean, sophisticated finish.

White Shaker Kitchens

White shaker kitchens are synonymous with timeless elegance. Farrow & Ball’s “All White” creates a bright, spacious feel, making it ideal for compact kitchens or those with limited natural light. White cabinetry pairs effortlessly with a variety of worktops, including quartz, wood, and marble, and works with any hardware finish, from matte black to chrome, for a fresh and adaptable design.

Cream Shaker Kitchens

For a softer alternative to white, cream shaker kitchens bring warmth and elegance to your space. Shades like “White Tie” or “New White” by Farrow & Ball create a welcoming and timeless atmosphere. Cream cabinetry works beautifully with oak worktops and classic cup handles, enhancing natural light while adding a refined charm to traditional homes.

Two-Tone Shaker Kitchens

Two-tone shaker kitchens offer a contemporary twist, allowing for creative colour contrasts. Popular combinations include light upper cabinetry with darker lower units, such as “Cornforth White” paired with “Hague Blue” or “Slipper Satin” with “Studio Green”. This design choice adds depth and visual interest, helping to highlight key areas like islands or tall units while maintaining balance throughout the space.

Factory-Finished Bespoke Shaker Kitchens

All our bespoke shaker kitchens are factory-finished in any colour of your choice, ensuring a flawless and durable surface. This process allows for precision and consistency in application, delivering vibrant, high-quality finishes that elevate the overall design of your kitchen. With access to an extensive range of colours, including those from trusted brands like Farrow & Ball and Little Greene, you have the freedom to create a kitchen that is truly unique.

Choosing the Perfect Colour for Your Shaker Kitchen

When selecting a colour for your shaker kitchen, consider factors such as the size of the room, the amount of natural light, and your desired style. Lighter shades like white, cream, and light grey are ideal for creating an open, airy atmosphere, while darker hues such as navy, dark green, and charcoal add drama and depth. Two-tone kitchens offer the perfect blend of traditional and modern, allowing for creative expression.

At The Essex Kitchen Design Company, we bring expertise and innovation to every bespoke shaker kitchen project. Whether you prefer the timeless appeal of white, the natural warmth of dark green, or the modern contrast of two-tone designs, our team will help you bring your vision to life.

Contact us at 01277 554590 or email [email protected] to discuss your shaker kitchen ideas and explore the perfect colour options for your home.

Shaker Kitchens to Last a Lifetime

Shaker Kitchens to Last a Lifetime

At The Essex Kitchen Design Company, our bespoke shaker kitchens are crafted to the highest industry standards, ensuring they are as durable as they are beautiful. Every shaker kitchen we create is built using premium materials, from solid wood frames to expertly engineered dovetail joints, offering unparalleled strength and longevity. Our trusted British manufacturer, established in 1864, combines over 150 years of craftsmanship expertise with modern innovations to produce kitchens that stand the test of time.

The precision and care that go into every detail—whether it’s the seamless fit of in-frame cabinetry, the smooth operation of soft-close mechanisms, or the flawless factory finish—are what set our kitchens apart. Designed to endure the demands of daily life, our shaker kitchens are not only resistant to wear but also retain their elegance for years to come.

When you invest in one of our shaker kitchens, you’re choosing a product that is built for a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for classic charm or a more contemporary twist, our designs offer the perfect balance of style, functionality, and longevity, making them a lasting addition to your home. With The Essex Kitchen Design Company, you can trust that your shaker kitchen will remain a timeless centerpiece for generations.

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