Creating a modern-feel shaker style kitchen combines timeless elegance with a contemporary touch. Known for their clean lines, functional design, and robust cabinetry, shaker kitchens remain a popular choice for Sydney homeowners. Whether you are planning a full kitchen renovation or a simple refresh, the following ten tips will help you achieve a modern aesthetic without compromising the classic shaker appeal.
What is a Shaker-Style Kitchen?
A shaker style kitchen originates from the 18th-century designs of the Shaker community, renowned for their craftsmanship and simple, functional designs. Traditional shaker kitchens embody a minimalist aesthetic, featuring panelled cabinet doors, natural wood finishes, and straightforward design elements prioritising durability and practicality. However, with modern updates and personalised touches, this classic style can be adapted to create a sleek, fresh look that maintains its enduring charm.
10 Tips to Modernise Shaker Style Kitchens
1. Add Contemporary Fixtures to Shaker Cabinet Doors
A quick way to refresh a shaker kitchen is by updating cabinet hardware. Replace traditional round knobs with sleek handles, bars, or pull-out hardware in brushed or matte finishes. Chrome, black, or brass fixtures offer a clean, modern look, transforming the space without extensive renovations.
2. Use a Modern Colour Palette
While classic shaker kitchens often feature natural wood or muted tones, a modern shaker kitchen benefits from bold, on-trend colours. Dark shades like navy, charcoal, or forest green create striking contrasts, while crisp white or soft pastels open up the space, making it feel light and airy. A sophisticated colour palette instantly modernises the kitchen.
3. Build a Pantry of Plenty
Smart storage solutions, like built-in pantries, are essential for modern kitchens, adding both style and functionality. Whether you opt for a walk-in or spacious cabinet pantry, keep it organised with modern shelving systems and pull-out drawers. A well-planned pantry reduces clutter and creates a more organised, expansive kitchen.
4. Mix Up the Cabinetry
Breaking away from uniform cabinetry adds freshness. Consider mixing closed cabinets with open shelving for visual interest and balance. Upper open shelves lighten the space, offering an opportunity to display decorative items, plants, or frequently used dishes. Combining different cabinetry styles or materials adds depth and variety, aligning with a modern aesthetic.
5. Integrate Kitchen Appliances
Modern kitchens increasingly feature integrated appliances, creating a seamless look and freeing up space. Consider integrated fridges, dishwashers, and even ovens that blend with the cabinetry. This approach maintains focus on cabinetry and design elements, reducing visual clutter from large standalone appliances.
6. Combine Different Benchtop Materials
The days of matching every surface are over; mixing benchtop materials adds a unique touch. For instance, pair a stone island benchtop with timber or concrete counters along the perimeter to create depth and texture. This contrast breaks up the space, adding an intriguing twist to a traditional shaker kitchen.
7. Opt for a Classic, Durable Sink
A classic farmhouse sink, with its wide and deep basin, complements a shaker kitchen by nodding to its traditional roots. For a modern edge, consider a black, stainless steel, or matte sink for a striking contrast against white or neutral cabinetry. Pair with a sleek, high-arc faucet in black or brushed metal to elevate the style.
8. Plan for an Open Layout
Open kitchen layouts are popular in modern homes, enhancing flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. If you are planning a renovation, consider removing walls or using a kitchen island as a divider. Open layouts promote socialising, establish the kitchen as the heart of the home, and allow better natural light and movement.
9. Incorporate an Island for Functionality and Style
Adding a kitchen island provides additional workspace and storage, boosting the modern appeal of a shaker kitchen. Use the island to make a statement with contrasting colours, unique benchtop materials, or bold fixtures. Islands also allow for modern features, such as hidden storage, power outlets, or seating options, making them a versatile addition to any kitchen renovation.
10. Carefully Consider the Finishing Touches
Finishing touches unify the design, so attention to detail is essential. Consider adding modern light fixtures – pendant lights over the island or statement lights in the dining area. Minimalist artwork, fresh plants, and stylish bar stools add a contemporary charm. Other accents, like glass cabinet doors, enhance the overall design while staying true to the traditional shaker aesthetic.
Conclusion
Modernising a shaker style kitchen combines the best of traditional and contemporary design, creating a space that is both functional and visually appealing. By blending colours, textures, and modern fixtures, you can create a shaker kitchen that feels timeless yet contemporary. These ten tips can transform your kitchen renovation into a beautifully updated shaker style kitchen, perfectly suited for a modern Sydney home.
