Shaker style kitchens are popular in traditional and contemporary homes alike, and for good reason. Their clean, unpretentious design, combined with their fine craftsmanship and functionality, makes them a great choice for those designing their kitchen.
But what makes Shaker kitchens timeless? J Bryant Boyd Architect Design-Build, one of the most trusted custom home builders in Texas, takes a closer look at their unique origin and traits.
History of Shaker Style Kitchens
The United Society of Believers, widely known as Shakers, are a religious sect founded in mid-18th century England. Shakers are famous for their unparalleled workmanship, and their furniture has long been admired for being simple, tough and functional.
They believed that manufactured goods should be truthful in both appearance and construction, which is why they don’t support practices like applied ornamentation. They focus on quality, joinery and standardization. For instance, their wooden chairs feature cut-outs on the back so they can be suspended on the walls when not in use. This gives them more room for other activities.
Key Features of Shaker Style Kitchens
Most design-build firms nowadays offer wider kitchen offerings that contradict some of the original Shaker principles. The variety, however, makes this kitchen style fit better with the growing demands of the modern household.
Some notable features include smooth lines and proportional frames and inset panel designs. Ornamentation is also minimal. This can be a soft curve to a window valance or a tapered post leg for a kitchen island. Shakers use local timber like pine, cherry and maple for their furniture, and are either painted or finished.
Shaker style kitchens feature white or off-white walls and varnished timber flooring. They originally use soapstone for countertops, but because of their soft surface, many homeowners opt for granite and quartz. Their cabinets and panels typically come in tones seen in clay, like terra-cotta, olive green and earthy pinks.
J Bryant Boyd Architect Design-Build can help you achieve a Shaker style kitchen that you’ll love for decades. In addition to remodeling, We also specialize in build-on-your-lot services. Let us help you make your dream home your actual home. Contact us at (512) 713-1845 to learn more about our products and services. We serve many communities in Texas, including Georgetown, TX.