History of the Shaker Style Kitchen

History of the Shaker Style Kitchen and our take on Shaker Styles

Here at Nicholas Bridger we love the traditional appeal of the shaker style and its timeless design. You can spice up your very own shaker style kitchen here with colours of your choose, to the style of handles and the design of the worktops.

We have been designing beautiful kitchens for discerning clients for two decades, matching them to fit perfectly within their lifestyles.

The Shaker style goes right back to the 18^th century in England, where the design is simple yet consists of clean lines making it a timeless piece of furniture in the hub of the home. Combined with fine craftsmanship and functionality the Shaker style oozes a rustic and divining charm, and gives you the impression of an effortless look that will continue to look fresh in years to come.

Where did it start?

The Shakers were a United Society of Believers that was a religious group that broke away from the Quakers in the late 18^th century, and developed the Shaker style that is of today. Due to its unique history this is what sets the Shaker style apart from any other design.

The Shakers believed in crafting homespun furniture that was of the highest quality and simple in style, yet durable and functional. They grew their own food, and maintained all of their needs through personal manufacture and long lasting construction. Because they were very invested in their religion, this played a massive part in the shaker manufacturing process. Using the feature of a 5-piece door front, the Shakers were able to create beautiful doors that were of a signatory style.

They were a largely self-sufficient community that wanted to separate themselves from the outside world and create a heaven-on-earth place, by constructing their own buildings and manufacturing their own tools. Many examples of the Shaker furniture are preserved today, and the underlying principles of this furniture have given inspiration to some of the finest designers of modern furniture.

Nick Bridger’s Shaker Styles

Classic Shaker

Our Classic Shaker style consists of clean lines, flat panels and an in-line plinth. The carcasses are traditionally made from your choice of solid Pine, Oak, Walnut Veneer, Birch ply or an Oak Veneer- all using dove tail joints.

The front frame can be either plain or with a traditional half round Georgian style bead, the choice is yours, and the Classic Shaker style will be hand painted in a durable paint colour of your choice from one of our preferred manufactures.

This project in Brentwood we completed has been styled into the Classic Shaker with a beaded front frame. Hand painted in Little Greene Basalt, the exposed brick backdrop contrasts with the kitchen colour to give a warm and spacious look. One of the main features of this kitchen is the in-line plinth which is 100mm itself and adds 50mm to length of the door creating a unique look.

Traditional Shaker

Our traditional shaker features perfect country looks with a chunky front frame. The carcasses are traditionally made from your choice of solid Pine, Oak, Walnut Veneer, Birch ply or an Oak Veneer- all using dove tail joints.

There are various door styles to choose from including tongue and groove doors just like the project below, and are hand painted in a durable paint colour of your choice from one of our preferred manufactures.

This traditional shaker style project we completed in Chelmsford, Essex, consists of a modern twist and hand forged hinges and handles amongst the apple green cabinetry. We even added a dog bed area for the family pet.

Modern Shaker

Our Modern Shaker is a fresh take on the traditional shaker style, which features clean lines, multi-paneling on doors and drawers, with a deep on-set adding a beautiful depth to the design.

The multi-paneling is available for each door or drawer front with either a 2 panel or 4 panel fronts with beaded detailing around the edge, and hand painted in a durable paint colour of your choice from one of our preferred manufactures.

This stunning project we completed in London is a solid wood bespoke hand painted design, which has been taken floor to ceiling for a dramatic effect with plenty of storage. Hand painted in a two-tone scheme for added beauty and simplicity.

Contact us today at Nicholas Bridger to discuss your requirements on creating a Shaker style that will appeal to anyone who appreciates fine English cabinetry and an understated style. We look forward to hearing from you.