Shaker Kitchen Colours: Picking The Perfect Palette

Posted by Rhian Burrell, on July 18, 2023.

shaker kitchen colours

Choosing the perfect colour palette for your kitchen can have a huge impact on the way you enjoy the space – from preparing and hosting family meals, to enjoying lazy Sunday mornings, your kitchen ambience is something you’ll appreciate every day. Your colour palette of choice will also unify the overall design of the room – and if you’ve settled on a shaker style kitchen, you’ll likely notice this much more. 

Here at Cherrywood Bespoke shaker kitchen popularity continues to grow, and while the status quo for this classic style is neutral shades, there are ways to incorporate colour into these charming designs. Our design experts have shared some of their top tips for choosing the perfect palette for your shaker style kitchen, helping you to create a space that you’ll enjoy for years to come. Take a look at some of our shaker kitchen colour ideas below, and bring your own dream space to life with us.

Understanding your shaker style

Before we delve into some of our go-to palette options for coloured shaker kitchens, it’s worthwhile exploring a bit more about the particulars of this style. Shaker kitchens are synonymous with simplicity, functionality, and timeless allure. Quintessential shaker design principles prioritise clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and high-quality craftsmanship.

The shaker style typically features recessed panel cabinetry, often made of solid wood, with simple, sophisticated hardware – though there are many variations of this. It exudes a sense of elegance and offers a blank canvas for personalization. The versatility of the shaker style makes it compatible with various shades, from classic neutrals to bold and vibrant tones – and you can find an array of inspiration on this front at our Oxfordshire kitchen showroom.

Classic neutrals for a timeless look

If you want your kitchen renovation to withstand the test of time, classic neutrals are the way to go. Timeless hues like white, beige, grey, and cream offer a muted backdrop that can be easily paired with different accents and materials.

White is an excellent choice for a bright, airy, and spacious feel, and it can also introduce a contemporary touch to the traditional shaker style. It’ll reflect light beautifully, all while creating an illusion of openness – this makes it one of the most popular options for small shaker kitchens. Beige and cream tones can be added to bring warmth to the space, while grey will further emphasise the modern, futuristic twist to your space – plus, it’ll pair with stainless steel appliances.

Bearing the characteristics of shaker kitchens in mind, it’s worth highlighting the fact that too many neutrals with similar base hues can actually create a monotonous appearance. To combat this, we’d suggest incorporating different tones of neutrals for your cabinetry and walls. For instance, pairing white cabinets with a light grey island or incorporating a beige splashback can add depth and dimension to the kitchen.

cream kitchen sink cabinet and countertop

 

Adding sophistication with dark hues

Shaker kitchens can also be designed with deeper, darker hues. If your home decor style embraces more jewel tones than notes of fawn and taupe, then don’t shy away from including these dramatic shades into your space. Dark-coloured cabinetry creates a striking contrast against lighter worktops and splash backs, bringing depth and character to the kitchen and making it a focal point within the home. 

Deep colours like navy blue, charcoal gray, and forest green will create a sense of luxury and elegance in your space, and they can be added into the mix without feeling too overwhelming or gloomy. Coloured shaker kitchens don’t have to appear garish – you could make use of smart lighting options to balance the depth that these dramatic shades bring, or you could consider using your darker shades as accents rather than main colours.

Keen to embrace some quirky ideas for your coloured shaker kitchen? For a contemporary twist, you could combine dark cabinetry with metallic accents, such as brass or copper hardware, creating a bold, heritage-inspired allure. Alternatively, including open shelving or glass-front cabinets with interior lighting can help to break up the heaviness of the dark hues.

Infusing vibrant tones for a modern appeal

If you want to inject energy and personality into your room, you might want to consider incorporating vibrant colours into the design. Distinguished shades like emerald green, or fiery red can create a lively and modern atmosphere, and coloured shaker kitchen cabinets will inject some personality into your space.

If you do dare to opt for vibrant tones, balance will be key. We’d suggest introducing these colours through smaller elements like a statement splash back, an accent wall, or colourful appliances – for example, opting for a red AGA will create a stunning, cottage-inspired atmosphere to your kitchen. By pairing these distinctive shades with the right neutral tones, you’ll be able to avoid the space feeling too busy.

To achieve a cohesive look, you can also consider using a two-tone approach, where the base cabinetry remains neutral, while the upper cabinets or the kitchen island feature your statement shade of choice. This technique adds intrigue to your kitchen, while creating a focal point without overpowering the overall design.

dark kitchen cabinets with colour swatch

Bringing it all together with accents and finishes

To complete your colour palette, don’t forget to consider the accents and finishes in your shaker kitchen. Hardware, worktops, flooring, and splash backs play a vital role in tying the overall look together, so be sure to keep these touches in mind when you envisage your kitchen redesign.

For classic shaker kitchens, we’d recommend pairing your neutral cabinetry with traditional finishes like polished chrome or brushed nickel. These options will both complement the unrivalled simplicity of the shaker style.

 

There’s lots of decisions to be made when it comes to creating a bespoke kitchen, but it’s certainly worthwhile investing enough consideration into the colour palette of the room – doing this will give you a lot more longevity from your investment. Deciding what your own style preferences are from the offset will also make the whole process smoother – and this might even mean exploring other options such as plywood kitchens or contemporary kitchens. In need of some more bespoke style guidance? Simply contact us today, and a member of our team will help you to determine the exacts of your kitchen refresh.

 

Shaker kitchen colours FAQs

What are the most popular colour choices for Shaker kitchen cabinets?

Popular choices for coloured shaker kitchen doors and cabinets include classic white, soft grey, navy blue, taupe, and sage green. These colours complement the timeless and elegant aesthetic of shaker-style kitchens.

How can I create a cohesive colour scheme for my Shaker kitchen?

To create a colour scheme that flows effortlessly throughout your space, consider using a neutral colour, such as white or grey, for the cabinets. Then, you can introduce pops of colour through the splash back, worktops, or accessories. Harmonising colours that complement each other, such as blues and greens, can also help achieve a unified look.

Are there any specific colours that work well with natural wood shaker cabinets?

Natural wood shaker cabinets convey a warm and inviting appeal, and they’re also a guaranteed way to ensure you create your bespoke kitchen with premium quality components. They can be paired with various colours to enhance their unique finish, and neutral colours such as cream, beige, or soft grey can create a subtle contrast, while bolder colours like deep red or forest green can create a striking impact.

Can I mix different colours for my upper and lower Shaker cabinets?

Shaker kitchen colour schemes can certainly include different shades for upper and lower cabinets, and this is a simple way to create some visual intrigue and add depth to your shaker kitchen. For example, you could opt for white or light-coloured upper cabinets to create an airy feel, or you could experiment with a darker or contrasting colour for the lower cabinets to ground the space and make a sleek statement.

How can I incorporate colour into a predominantly white Shaker kitchen?

Incorporating colour into a predominantly white Shaker kitchen is a great way to add your own personal touch to the space – there are endless ways to incorporate accents into different areas of the room, and our team of experts will be able to advise you further on this.