Shaker kitchens are the ultimate in timeless style. Shaker kitchens have a classic look that balances form and function, and their simplicity and versatility have made them widely adopted in many interior styles.
But despite its timeless appeal, that doesn't mean your shaker kitchen doesn't need frequent refreshments to give it new life. Shaker kitchens are iconic for their classic style, but there are ways to update the look with more rustic or contemporary finishes.
“Shaker cabinets are a classic style that works in all areas and stands the test of time, but they can sometimes be too popular to inspire inspiration,” says the founder of New York-based Studioness. says designer Tyson Ness. “However, there are several ways to update your Shaker-style kitchen in 2024.”
5 ways to update your shaker kitchen
So if you have a shaker kitchen and are looking for a simple and effective way to refresh its look, keep reading. We spoke to an interior designer and compiled his five ideas that will definitely enhance your shaker kitchen while maintaining a classic look.
“It's very possible to update a Shaker kitchen while maintaining the classic style,” says Ellen Holt, principal designer at Charleston-based MDI Luxury Design.
1. Update your hardware
(Image credit: deVOL)
One of the easiest ways to update the overall look of your Shaker kitchen cabinets is to change the hardware. “For an easy update, replace your existing hardware,” she suggests Ellen Holt. “Small details like these can have a big impact and improve the overall design.”
While the classic look of a shaker kitchen often attracts traditionally styled hardware, switching to something more contemporary can update the look of your kitchen and give it a more modern finish.
“Gone are the days of using standard handles and knobs on kitchen cabinets and drawers,” says designer Luis Carmona. With the increasing popularity of various options, you can refresh the look of your kitchen cabinets without much effort. From using leather, wood, cast iron, acrylic, and ceramic tubs, cups, and drop pulls, the options are virtually endless. ”
If you want to quickly implement this cost-effective idea, purchase the handles below to add an interesting design element to your shaker kitchen.
black wrapped leather knob
Lavau unlacquered brass cabinet handles
2. Paint your Shaker cabinets a bold color.
(Image credit: Cohesively Curated, photography Carina Skrobecki)
Updating the kitchen cabinet color in your Shaker kitchen has to be the most impactful change you can make. Introducing new colors can completely change the feel of your space depending on the look you want to create.
Designers say dark green is quickly becoming one of the most popular colors in kitchens, and is likely to replace the previously beloved navy blue. Studio Mesa's co-founders and lead designers Cameron Shepherd and Jill Norman have also noticed this change and are proposing more unexpected shades instead of the traditional color palette. The bold colors give it a fresh feel. Instead of traditional choices like gray or navy blue, we prefer colors with a little more personality. My current favorites are mustard yellow and dark plum. ”
Alternatively, if you're drawn to simple interiors, neutral shades work just as well. Earthy neutrals in particular are expected to be the biggest color trend for kitchen cabinets in 2024. “A light, airy color palette with bright neutrals and whites creates a clean, timeless look that's true to Shaker kitchens,” says Ellen Holt.
Also, decorating with neutral colors tends to be timeless, so you may be less likely to grow tired of these shades in the future. “There are certain colors that can age faster because of their unique or bold hues,” observes Luis Carmona. “When it comes to paint trends, neutral palettes tend to be a little more evergreen. It's a little safe, but with colors like taupe and muted greens and blues, you'll want to change them within a year. It will help you modernize your current kitchen cabinets without using trendy paint colors.
Luis Carmona is the owner and lead designer of VERDE Interior Design. With nearly 20 years of experience in creative fields (interior design, advertising, and marketing), Carmona has combined his many passions into his one design studio, serving commercial and residential clients in both Houston and Dallas. We offer
3. Choose thinner panels for a modern look
(Image credit: deVOL)
If you're looking to replace your shaker kitchen cabinets, choosing a thinner frame will give you a more contemporary look. Tyson Ness explains: “To make a classic shaker more contemporary, consider a style with a thinner frame.” Frame. The frame size of classic Shaker cabinets is about 2 to 3 inches depending on the door size, but this narrower style gives these cabinets a more contemporary look. ”
Or, if you want to achieve a new look without replacing your cabinet doors, you can choose to add an extra point of interest by adding trim details instead. Designer Laura Williams of ATX Interior Design explains: “Shaker cabinets are timeless. They'll never go out of style, but adding trim details to inset panels can be a great way to give a classic look an updated feel. ”
Tyson Ness is the founder and director of Studio Ness, a full-service interior design studio based in New York. Studio Ness is known for its collaborative approach to residential and select commercial and workspace projects throughout the United States and internationally, creating spaces that are unique to our clients. Tyson has over 10 years of experience in the design field in New York City and has worked on numerous projects that have been featured in both print and online publications.
4. Create a contemporary look with sleek fixtures
(Image credit: Bethany Adams Interiors / JL Jordan Photography)
There are also ways to create a fresh look in your shaker kitchen without actually replacing the cabinets. By changing up the space around you, you can give your room a new feel and give it an elevated look.
“Updating the look of your kitchen cabinets can sometimes be accomplished by updating everything but the kitchen cabinets,” says Luis Carmona. “How light will reflect within a space, how your current cabinets will be complemented by a new textured kitchen backsplash, or how a separate countertop slab will look a certain way of painting your cabinets.” Changing how you bring out the tones can really change the way you look at your current kitchen cabinets.” Sometimes looking at elements that complement or compete with what you want to change can help you see it in a different light. ”
Ellen Holt advises choosing marble or granite for your kitchen countertops for a modern look that will stand the test of time. “Replace your countertops with marble or granite.” This not only improves the design, but also increases the overall longevity of your kitchen. ”
5. Create a rustic atmosphere by adding natural materials
(Image credit: Vaughan Design & Development / Photography Chris Snood)
Updating your shaker kitchen is about more than just creating a more modern look. We also have ideas for achieving the perfect rustic look for your farmhouse kitchen. Shaker cabinets are a timeless and sophisticated design, but they can also look almost like a show kitchen if the space is kept very simple and minimalistic. By incorporating plenty of natural elements and layered décor, you can achieve a look that instantly feels welcoming, as our designers suggest below.
“You may also want to add open shelving by replacing some of the upper cabinet doors with natural wood shelving,” advises Ellen Holt. This kitchen shelving idea is a great option if you want to achieve a 'lived-in' look, allowing you to display your favorite cookbooks and tableware.
You can also create a new look by adding natural brass details to your understated Shaker cabinets, as suggested by interior designer Bethany Adams. “Update your classic Shaker kitchen with charming details like unlacquered brass shelves and a stucco hood.” Far from contradicting the simplicity of Shaker style, natural materials like these offer restrained luxury. It only serves to emphasize the focus. ”
Bethany Adams has over 15 years of experience designing and project managing luxury residential projects throughout the United States. She founded her design firm in Louisville in 2015 and then worked for several designers and architects throughout her 10-year career in Chicago.
How you choose to update your shaker kitchen depends on the look you want to achieve. Whether rustic or modern, these ideas will breathe new life into your classic kitchen and prove that shaker kitchens are always a timeless choice.
