Shaker Kitchen Cabinets

If you're looking for a simple, classic kitchen design that allows for both traditional and modern touches to be incorporated, you need look no further than Shaker kitchen cabinets.

Shaker design sprang from a religious movement that began in the 1770s, during the early days of the American colonies. Marked by simple, efficient, understated design, Shaker-style cabinetry tends to forego any flourishes of style or design statements in favor of simple and efficient functionality.

That said, Shaker style kitchen cabinets can also provide the perfect "blank slate" for your design personality to be expressed. Their simple, clean lines can often work well when paired with bold, modern flooring, counter or backsplash choices—freeing you up to express your design sensibility throughout the kitchen.

In terms of materials, Shaker style kitchen cabinets tend to focus on high-quality woods traditionally available in the northeastern United States, the ancestral home of the Shaker movement. For this reason, cherry and maple—two traditional, highly durable woods—are often used in Shaker kitchen cabinets.

Finish-wise, Shaker-style kitchen cabinets can be left with a natural wood finish, stained or painted. Paints used tend to be light in color, but there's nothing stopping you from using your favorite vibrant shade on your own Shaker kitchen cabinets.

See also: Kitchen Remodeling Ideas, Options and Solutions