Best Shaker kitchen ideas

Whether you’re updating an existing kitchen or starting from scratch, chances are you’re considering cabinetry with a Shaker-style finish. Thanks to their streamlined design and unembellished fixtures, Shaker fitted kitchens are forever stylish.

Eleanor Pepper, John Lewis Partner & Fitted Kitchens Buyer, says: ‘Shaker kitchens have an enduring appeal because they add character to a space without being overwhelming. They complement the styles of elegant British townhouses and rustic cottages, and have the ability to soften newer homes.’

A Shaker kitchen is a timeless and versatile design characterised by clean lines, framed-panel doors and a minimalist aesthetic. The focus is on functionality and craftsmanship and takes inspiration from furniture crafted by the Shaker religious community, who valued practicality, durability and understated elegance.

‘Shaker kitchens are versatile,’ says John Lewis Partner & Kitchen Designer, Stuart Hinton. ‘They can look simple to maintain a modern look or, for a classic feel, you can add features to complement a more traditional style – such as canopies to surround a built-in cooker hood, a decorative cornice or glass dressers.’

When you understand how this style can be tailored to different spaces, it’s no surprise that ‘Shaker kitchens’ are one of the most-searched-for kitchen terms. They’re hugely popular thanks to the timeless design profile, which fits with your home’s style, be that rustic, traditional, contemporary, Scandi or anything in between. 

‘Shaker style adapts perfectly to suit different looks,’ says Eleanor. ‘Traditionally, we think of Shakers as being a more classic look, but the slimmer styles available at John Lewis feel lighter and fresher.
 
‘Our solid-ash Hadlow door is our most popular style; it has a a bevelled edge that adds a decorative detail, but its narrow frame keeps it feeling up to date. For a modern twist, some of our slim shakers, such as Allerton, are available on a handleless frame.’

With so many individual decisions to make when creating a kitchen, it can feel overwhelming and difficult to get right. However, John Lewis has been selling fitted kitchens for more than 70 years, and our designers bring that wealth of experience and skill to every kitchen they help to create.

We have a huge range of styles, colours and materials to suit all budgets and tastes and our outstanding kitchens are hand-built in the UK with expert craftsmanship, which is why we’re proud to offer a 10-year guarantee on Elements Kitchens and 20 years on Edition Kitchens (with 15 years on doors).

Get free, personalised advice with one of our Fitted Kitchen Experts by booking a telephone consultation. Each call lasts 30 minutes and you can ask anything you want with no obligation to buy. 

Looking for more ideas? Download our fitted-kitchen brochure to feel inspired to create your future kitchen.