Are Shaker Kitchens Still Fashionable?
Quick answer? Yes. But there’s more to it. Shaker style kitchens aren’t just hanging on — they’re evolving. They’ve got that rare mix of classic style and modern flexibility.
Trends change fast. But Shaker style cabinets? They stick around. Thinking about a remodel? Wondering if your kitchen cabinets are feeling a bit… 2010? Don’t worry. You’re not alone — and you’re in the right place.
Let’s break down what makes Shaker kitchens so timeless, why designers still love them, and how to keep yours looking fresh.
Understanding the Shaker Style
So, what exactly is a Shaker style kitchen?
It’s a design that started in the 18th century, created by the Shaker community — a group known for their practical, no-frills way of living. Their furniture and kitchen cabinet designs were built to last, with zero waste and zero showiness.
That same thinking shaped the Shaker kitchens you still see today: flat panels, strong frames, and simple symmetry. No carvings. No extra trims. Just clean, intentional design.
What makes it special now? It’s incredibly versatile. Classic Shaker cabinets blend into almost any space — from rustic cottages to sleek urban flats — without ever looking out of place.
Why Shaker Kitchens Have Remained a Design Staple
Some styles come and go. Others settle in and stay. Shaker style kitchens definitely fall into the second group. They’ve been around for centuries and still feel right at home in modern interiors.
Why? Because they’re practical, good-looking, and endlessly adaptable. A great Shaker kitchen cabinet design fits both function and fashion — making it perfect for anyone building a dream kitchen that lasts.
Here’s why Shaker style cabinets continue to win hearts (and real estate listings):
They’re Style Chameleons
Shaker cabinets are like the white T-shirt of kitchen design — simple, flattering, and easy to style. Want modern? Add matte black handles and a bold wall color. Going rustic? Pair them with open wood shelves and a farmhouse sink. You get the idea.
They Work With Almost Anything
You’ll find Shaker kitchens in cottages, lofts, and even new builds. Their clean lines blend with everything — marble countertops, subway tiles, brass fixtures, you name it. That’s why designers keep coming back to them.
They’re a Smart Long-Term Choice
Trends fade fast, but Shaker kitchens hold their value. They’re made to last, both in looks and materials. If you ever plan to sell, buyers recognize the style and trust it. It’s a rare mix of form, function, and future-proofing.
Pro Tip: If you’re renovating for resale, Shaker kitchens are a smart, safe bet. Shaker cabinets now appear in 86% of new homes, making them the most popular choice across all listings. Their clean, timeless appeal speaks to a wide range of buyers — from traditionalists to modern minimalists.
What Makes a High-Quality Shaker Kitchen?
Let’s talk substance. A Shaker kitchen may look simple, but the quality lies in the details — and cutting corners shows.
1. Solid Materials Matter
Real wood (like oak or maple) gives Shaker cabinets durability and a smooth, long-lasting finish. MDF can work too, but quality paint and sealing become even more important.
2. Craftsmanship You Can Feel
Look for tight joinery, seamless panel work, and doors that don’t wobble after a few months. A well-built Shaker door should feel solid, not hollow or light.
3. Timeless Finishes
A quality Shaker kitchen isn’t just painted — it’s finished with care. Durable lacquer or hand-painted layers ensure your kitchen still looks fresh in five years.
4. Bespoke Options
Want that island a few centimeters wider? Need floor-to-ceiling storage? A high-end Shaker kitchen (like the ones we craft at Thomas Matthew) should flex to fit your space, not the other way around.
Is the Shaker Kitchen Style Still On-Trend Today?
Here’s the tea: Shaker kitchens aren’t just “still in” — they’re being reimagined.
Today’s trend-savvy homeowners want clean aesthetics with a warm, lived-in vibe. Enter: Shaker style. It nails that balance between minimalist trends and traditional charm. Interior designers are giving it fresh energy with dark hues, mixed materials, and ultra-modern lighting.
Yes, open shelving and flat-panel cabinets are making waves — but Shaker remains the go-to frame for people who want timeless structure with trendy flair. So, is it on-trend? Totally — especially when tailored to today’s tastes.
Modern Interpretations That Keep Shaker Kitchens Fashionable
Think Shaker style is all about plain white cabinets and beige walls? Not anymore. Today’s take on this classic is full of personality, and homeowners are finding clever ways to make Shaker feel fresh without losing what makes it special.
Designers aren’t reinventing the wheel — they’re giving it better rims. From bold colors to unexpected materials, the Shaker kitchen has been fully invited into the modern era.
Here’s how people are keeping it current:
Color Gets Bolder
Forget standard white. Today’s Shaker kitchens show up in deep navy, forest green, charcoal, and even matte black. These hues ground the space and add drama while still letting the cabinet design shine.
Expert Insight: Don’t want to fully commit to bold cabinets? Try a two-tone approach — deep color below the countertop and a neutral tone above. It’s a designer-approved trick that keeps things grounded while adding interest.
Hardware Swaps Make a Big Impact
Replacing basic knobs with sleek pulls in brushed gold, matte black, or even leather can instantly modernize your kitchen. It’s like putting on statement jewelry — small detail, big difference.
Textures Add Depth
Mixing painted cabinets with open wood shelving, stone splashbacks, or even reeded glass fronts gives your kitchen texture and dimension. It adds visual interest without cluttering the look.
Layouts Feel More Open and Flexible
Modern Shaker kitchens often include large islands, open-plan layouts, or bold pendant lighting that make the space feel more social and dynamic, while still grounded in that clean Shaker structure.
These tweaks don’t erase the original charm. They just update it for today’s lifestyle — and that’s why Shaker is still a go-to, even in cutting-edge homes.
Alternatives Gaining Popularity
Let’s be real — not everyone wants a Shaker kitchen. And that’s okay. As kitchen design trends evolve, some homeowners are looking for styles that feel edgier, sleeker, or more futuristic. If Shaker is the reliable classic, these alternatives are the bold newcomers making a splash on Instagram and Pinterest.
Here’s what’s gaining ground:
Flat-Panel / Slab Cabinets
These offer a clean, ultra-modern look with no frames, no fuss, and often no visible handles. They’re perfect for minimalists or fans of the “hidden kitchen” aesthetic.
Mixed-Material Kitchens
Designers are now blending walnut or oak wood, stone, reeded glass, and metal accents into one cohesive space. The result? Rich textures and a layered, high-end feel.
Scandinavian Minimalism
Less is everything. Think light-toned wood, barely-there cabinet profiles, and a calming, neutral palette. This look is airy, calming, and all about function.
Industrial Vibes
Love a raw, urban edge? Matte black finishes, exposed concrete, and steel elements give kitchens a tough, contemporary feel with loads of character.
These styles turn heads, but they can be more polarizing and trend-sensitive. Shaker, by contrast, plays the long game. So the question is: are you designing for the next 5 years, or the next 50?
Tips for Keeping Your Shaker Kitchen Looking Current
Still love your Shaker kitchen, but feel like it’s stuck in the Pinterest board of 2015? You’re not alone. The good news? Shaker style ages well, and with a few simple upgrades, it can feel right on trend again.
You don’t need to gut your kitchen. You just need to tweak the details.
Here’s how to bring it up to date without a full remodel:
Swap out the hardware
Matte black, brushed brass, or even leather pulls instantly refresh cabinet doors. It’s one of the quickest (and cheapest) style updates you can make.Add contrast with color
Keep upper cabinets light and neutral, but go bold on the lowers — forest green, charcoal, or navy all look stunning on Shaker frames.Update your lighting
Sleek industrial pendants, globe lights, or minimalist sconces add an intentional, design-forward feel that pulls the space together.Create open shelving moments
Removing a few cabinet doors or adding floating wood shelves breaks up the uniformity and introduces warmth and personality.
Pro Tip: Refreshing your kitchen hardware or lighting? Choose finishes that match or intentionally contrast — like matte black against sage green or warm brass on navy. It’s a low-cost update with high visual impact.
Custom Shaker Kitchens by Thomas Matthew
At Thomas Matthew Kitchens, we believe a kitchen should be more than functional — it should feel like it was made just for you. That’s exactly what we do.
We specialise in bespoke Shaker kitchens that blend timeless craftsmanship with modern living. Every detail — from cabinet profiles to finishes and fittings — is carefully designed to reflect your space, style, and routine.
Whether you’re after something clean and contemporary or warm and traditional, our team works with you from concept to installation. No off-the-shelf solutions here — just beautifully crafted kitchens that stand the test of time.
Ready to bring your vision to life? Let’s make it happen, together. Explore some of our recent work in more detail — check out our project gallery here (link to gallery)
Shaker Kitchen Inspiration Gallery
Need ideas? Here are a few modern Shaker combinations we love — and have proudly delivered for our clients at Thomas Matthew Kitchens. These aren’t just mood board fantasies; they’re real homes, real people, and real results.
(Add previous Shaker cabinets projects here)
FAQ: Shaker Kitchens
Still got questions? You’re not alone. Here are some quick answers to the things people ask most:
Are Shaker kitchens more expensive than other styles?
Not necessarily. It depends on the materials and craftsmanship. Basic versions can be budget-friendly, while bespoke options — like those from Thomas Matthew Kitchens — cost more but offer lasting value and customization.
Will a Shaker kitchen work in a small space?
Yes! The clean lines and simplicity make smaller kitchens feel organized and open. Try lighter colors and integrated storage to maximize the effect.
Can Shaker kitchens look modern?
Absolutely. With the right color palette, lighting, and hardware, they can feel as sleek and current as any flat-panel design.
Is the style too traditional?
It can lean classic — but that’s the beauty. You control the vibe. Add bold fixtures, edgy finishes, or minimalist styling, and it transforms fast.
Final Verdict: Are Shaker Kitchens Still Fashionable?
Absolutely — but with a modern mindset.
Shaker kitchens are like denim jeans: always in, but the styling matters. If yours still looks like a 2010 Pinterest board — all white and grey — it might feel a little behind. But with fresh hardware, richer tones, and smart material mixes, Shaker style can feel totally now.
What makes it special is its timeless foundation. You can reinvent it again and again without starting from scratch.
If you’re not sure where to begin, Thomas Matthew Kitchens can help. Our bespoke approach blends the heritage of Shaker design with modern flourishes — think on-trend colors, seamless functionality, and expert craftsmanship. It’s the perfect balance of classic and current.
So yes, Shaker is still fashionable — and when done right, it always will be.