What is a Shaker Kitchen?

A Shaker kitchen refers to the door and drawer front style - in this case a simplistic design based on a square edged outer door frame (made from 4 x pieces) that frames (or fields) the inner panel; which with a Shaker design, is a flat panel.

This furniture style got its name from the Christian religious movement that started in the mid 1700’s - with the word ‘Shaker’ referring to their ecstatic, vigorous body movement during worship!

The Shaker’s led a simple, basic life with their homes unadorned by any lavish or frivolous decor - something that was very much reflected in their furniture - hence the plain, clean door style.

The reason why the Shaker door remains as popular as ever is that its clean style lends itself to a lot of looks and furniture style. Paint it white and dress with a traditional butlers or Belfast style sink, traditional handles and worktops to give the Country Cottage or farmhouse feel. Paint in a bold colour and feature a recessed plinth with lighting, stainless steel handles and a plain edged worktop in an equally bold or contrasting colour to achieve the height of modernity.

Churchwood Design can achieve many variations on the Shaker Door through wonderful timber and paint finishes as well other subtle design touches to achieve almost any look and any period style.