Shaker Style Kitchens: Ultimate Guide

A Shaker style kitchen is one of Australia’s most popular cabinet styles, known for its clean lines, recessed panels, and timeless look.

When it comes to kitchen cabinetry, there are so many door profiles to choose from! But when it comes to kitchen cabinets, the shaker-style cabinetry or shaker door profile really takes the cake.

Let’s take a moment to chat about why a shaker-style kitchen should definitely be on your radar, if it isn’t already!

While a “Shaker Kitchen” is not necessarily an actual style in itself. The so-called “style” comes from (as mentioned above) the charming shaker cabinetry, which is a framed cabinet profile, or, for better terminology, a recessed-panel door. In basic terms, it’s a flat door that someone has framed. This somewhat explains how to make your flat kitchen cabinet doors into shaker-style doors.

Explore door profiles here for visuals of different design styles.

Shaker style cabinets work so well because they are super versatile with so many kitchen design styles, from modern, farmhouse, country, and the fabulous Hamptons style kitchen that we’re well known for.

Because the style is timeless, we’re talking about a style that has been around since the 1700s. We’re finding these shaker cabinet doors are perfectly suited to heritage homes that our clientele from Sydney, Bowral, Narellan, and beyond reside in.

I get it, I just mentioned that the shaker kitchen works well in classic charm heritage homes. So, if it’s a classic, how is it modern?

Well, just like the 1988 classic hit Tracy Chapman’s song Fast Car’s that was remixed in 2023 by Luke Combs. The bones of the door “shaker” remain the same (just like the lyrics). It’s the design that surrounds the shaker that can modernise it. Here is the example:

Classic Shaker-Style Kitchen vs Modern Shaker Kitchen

Shaker kitchen costs in Australia vary depending on materials, door profiles, paint finishes, and the level of customisation.

Cabinet prices vary much like buying a car. The base model performs well, but the finishes, trims, and added features like reverse cameras, automatic windows, etc., quickly change the price. Your kitchen is no different; it’s all about the level of customisation you choose.

For example, you could buy a flat pack shaker-style cupboard and cabinets. These would be the least expensive option, or you could opt for the best shaker kitchen cabinet material, such as timber shaker doors; this would be the most expensive option. There are also many options in between.

Tip: Your cabinets are the foundation of your kitchen, and like any foundation, they need to be strong and built to last. Over time, weak cabinetry can cause bigger problems. We recommend you consider the weight of your benchtop: are your cupboards designed to support it? Or will they buckle under the pressure over time?

Learn more about kitchen cabinets here.

Think of a Shaker kitchen as a white shirt in your wardrobe. Classic, versatile, and always in style. You can dress it up with bold hardware and rich colours or keep it effortlessly simple with soft neutrals and natural textures. That’s what makes the shaker-style kitchen such a popular choice.

Shaker Kitchen Colours:

When it comes to choosing colours for your Shaker kitchen, the options are endless, and that’s part of the fun! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Classic: White, cream, or soft grey for a timeless and elegant look.
2. Modern: Navy, charcoal, or deep green for something bold and sophisticated.
3. Warm & Inviting: Sage, dusty blue, or taupe to create a calm, welcoming feel.

Tip: Make sure your colour choice complements your benchtops, splashback, and flooring so everything feels beautifully balanced.

For more colour inspiration, explore our kitchen colour scheme ideas.

Shaker Kitchen Finishes:

Your Shaker kitchen’s finish can completely change the overall look and feel. It’s like the last sprinkle of seasoning that transforms a good dish into something exceptional.

You can choose from a few different finish types:

1. Hand-painted: Perfect for those who love a traditional, handcrafted touch. It gives a softer, more bespoke look and can easily be refreshed down the track.
2. Polyurethane: A durable, smooth finish that looks seamless and is available in just about any colour. It’s a great option if you want a modern, polished result.

Not to overwhelm you, but you can also pick your preferred sheen level:

1. Matt: Soft and subtle, ideal for a country or contemporary shaker-style kitchen.
2. Satin: Slightly more sheen for that gentle glow (perfect for a luxury shaker style kitchen), a lovely middle ground between matt and gloss.

Tip: When choosing your finish, think about how much light your kitchen gets and how you want the space to feel. Soft and calm, or bright and bold.

Shaker Kitchen Handles:

It might seem like small details, but they make a big impact. Kind of like the jewellery that completes your kitchen’s outfit!

When it comes to handles, Shaker kitchens are wonderfully flexible:

1. Classic: go for brushed brass, antique pewter, or ceramic knobs; they add warmth and charm.
2. Modern: try matte black or sleek chrome handles (or even handleless cabinets) for that clean, contemporary feel.

Tip: Match your tapware and handles where possible; it keeps your design cohesive and polished.

Still undecided if a Shaker-style kitchen is what you’re after. These pros and cons should help. If the pros don’t outweigh the cons, then another design style might be what you’re seeking.

You can explore more of our kitchen door profiles here.

What is the difference between a shaker kitchen and a traditional kitchen?

Traditional kitchens showcase cabinetry with provincial-style profiles, while shaker gives you detail without the heavy ornamentation.

Are Shaker Kitchens Dated?

Shaker kitchens aren’t dated at all. They’re one of the few cabinet styles that have stayed popular for centuries. They’re the “little black dress” of kitchen design: always in style.

What’s the best material for shaker doors?

Polyurethane or solid timber for longevity. MDF is common but varies in quality.

Whether you love or dislike the Shaker-style kitchen, there’s no denying it’s here to stay!

It’s versatile, timeless, and endlessly customisable: with options for paint colours, paint finishes, cabinet finishes, glass inserts, handle styles, and more.

To explore the hallmarks of a shaker style kitchen explore here.

If you love this timeless style and want to transform your current kitchen or create a brand-new one, our expert design, manufacturing, and installation teams are here to make it a reality. Book a complementary consultation with our designers and see how we can bring your vision to life.

At Harrington Kitchens, we’ve designed and built countless Shaker-style kitchens across Sydney, Narellan, Bowral, and the Southern Highlands, each one tailored to our clients’ homes and lifestyles. With 30 years of experience, we don’t just help with design. We craft your kitchen from start to finish, from our expert craftsmen to our artisan paint shop. Every detail is customised personally for you.

Shaker Kitchen Designs are not your style? No problem! Explore our kitchen design gallery to discover which look speaks to you most. Whatever your taste, we’re here to make it happen.