Martina Gemmola
Modern shaker continues to be one of the most enduring kitchen styles. Blending the warmth and simplicity of traditional shaker design with the clean lines of more contemporary styles, modern shaker kitchens suit a wide range of interiors design styles and tastes.
The history of shaker style kitchens
The term ‘shaker’ comes from a specific sect of Quakers in the 18th Century, who rejected ostentatious interiors in favour of more practical and simple styles as a way of humbling themselves before God.
This philosophy of frugality and simplicity gave way to the pared-back designs of shaker kitchens and cabinetry. Traditionally, the kitchens were hand-crafted from pine and other affordable types of wood.
What is a modern shaker style kitchen?
A modern shaker style kitchen usually retains the character of traditional styles with a few modern touches.
For example, modern shaker style cabinets can still be identified by their single central panel, raised frame and minimal detailing. However, more modern styles may vary the design with a slimmer frame and a more polished material. The colours can also vary from bright whites to more muted navys and forest greens.
Usually, modern shaker style kitchens will feature a kitchen island, which comes from the traditional Shaker value of communal living. It’s also not uncommon to see traditional wooden shaker cabinetry paired with sleek marble kitchen features as a way of balancing modern and traditional styles.
A modern shaker style kitchen renovation
An exciting mix of colours, shapes and textures modernise the traditional Shaker look.
Modern shaker style cabinetry
The island bench is finished in a semi-satin 2-pack in Resene Masala, while the rest of the joinery has had a similar finish in Dulux White On White. Polytec ‘Ballarat’ doors were chosen to deliver a Shaker-style look.
Sink and tapware
The long-wished-for Acquello fireclay sink has been beautifully paired with a Perrin & Rowe ‘Ionian’ bench-mounted mixer tap in English Bronze, both from The English Tapware Company.
Splashback
Feature ‘Clover’ tiles in Black Mustard from Jatana Interiors have been used behind the freestanding cooker to work with the colour of the island bench. Scale-like National Tiles ‘Fan’ tiles in White Gloss add interest along other walls.
Appliances
Dark, glamorous appliances abound here: the Liebherr fridge and fridge/freezer are in Black Steel finish and the Ilve ‘Majestic’ cooker is in Matt Black. However a Miele integrated dishwasher, situated to the right of the sink, is indistinguishable.
Modern shaker style benchtops
The gorgeous benchtops are 60mm honed Calacatta ‘Lincoln’ marble with a square edge, sealed with resin by Mirror Image Marble. “It’s an expensive marble, so we were taking a bit of a risk, but it’s beautiful,” says interior designer Carmel Wylie. “The resin also has a honed finish so you can’t tell it’s there.”
Insider tips
- Most colours have an undertone, a secondary colour nuance that can be useful when planning a scheme. When teaming similar hues together – seen in this kitchen in the dark splashback tiles, island bench cabinetry and flooring – place samples next to each other to check that the undertones are harmonious.
- Make sure your interior designer understands your wants and needs and how you like to live.
Interior designer: Carmel Wylie, GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens, 1300 442 736.
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