Reader question: Are Shaker kitchens dated?
Somebody asked me today whether I think Shaker kitchens are outdated. Hmmm, it’s actually quite an interesting question. Some of my favorite kitchens happen to be in the Shaker style. And yet it is true that for some time now a “Shaker” cabinet door has been the refuge of those who would like to be contemporary but can’t quite bring themselves to commit to a slab door. The clean lines of the style can work well in a contemporary setting, but the little bit of extra detail means it can equally well work for a more traditional look. Here are some kitchens that follow the Shaker aesthetic of simplicity and clean lines, in a variety of settings. Are any of them dated? I don’t think so.
First, three examples from one of my favorites, Plain English:
photo Plain English
photo Plain English
photo Plain English
This next one is an Ikea kitchen – I’m afraid I’ve lost the original link:
Ikea white kitchen
These are just a starting point – I’ve blogged many kitchens with a Shaker door style, here and here, for example, very often I don’t even think to tag them as Shaker. The reality is it’s not one detail like a door style that’s going to make the difference between a timeless kitchen and one that dates quickly. The overall look and feel of the space depends so much on all the other choices you make. Here is a fun article by Paul Anater of Kitchen and Residential Design with a great take on whole concept of timeless design. My advice, try not to be too trendy, follow your heart and put something of your own personality into the kitchen. Make sure it is a space you will enjoy, and let the next generation worry about whether or not it is dated.
