Simple, versatile and effortlessly beautiful, Shaker design remains a popular choice for kitchens. Here’s how to recreate the look using interior designer Vanessa Nouwens’ top tips
Shaker is a style classic for a reason
There are so many kitchen designs, but Shaker design has stood the test of time for its classic good looks and great versatility.
Get the look with these products from Mitre 10 MEGA
- Effects Terry Tea Towels, 231997
- Foreno Fusion Sink Mixer, 269561
- Nouveau Foil Door Shaker Profile in Satin White
- Caesarstone Benchtop in Jet Black
- Sylvan Manston 76mm Solid Brass Handle with Satin Nickel finish, 220116
- Sylvan Warwick 76mm Handle with Satin Nickel finish, 201632
- Kaindl 10mm Laminate Flooring in Hickory Valley, 236131
- Jeffrey Court 76 x 152mm Wall Tiles in Allegro White, 186167
- DeLonghi 600mm Dishwasher, 246526
- Heritage Hardware Kingston Single Bowl, 234879
- Classique 900mm Canopy Rangehood, 248780
- Philips Helo LED Downlight, 279191
- DeLonghi 900mm Freestanding Oven, 246522
Cabinetry
The Shaker-style kitchen features panelled door fronts. Whether you’re choosing a vintage or modern look, you’ll find the Shaker door one of the most versatile styles, especially with the variety of finishes available.
Knobs and handles
While most kitchens feature one handle design, the Shaker-style kitchen mixes it up. The majority of Shaker cabinets are finished with a combination of timeless cup or bin handles and solid round knobs. The cup or bin handles are used on drawers below the benchtop while the solid round knobs are usually on cabinetry above the bench.
Splashback and tiles
When it comes to a classic splashback, nothing beats the traditional subway tile laid in a brick pattern. Subway tiles are named after the ceramic tiles used on the walls of the New York City subway stations in the early 20th century and never seem to go out of fashion. They work wonderfully with most kitchen designs.
Tapware
It’s essential to buy a tap that caters to your needs, is in keeping with your kitchen design, and is built to last. Naturally, there are lots of kitchen tap options! This tap has a spray wand that can be pulled down into the kitchen sink for widespread use.
Benchtop
Benchtops are one of the most used elements in your kitchen and can be the most expensive too – depending on the material you choose. Most surfaces have pros and cons, so do your research to work out what best fits your needs and budget.
Flooring
If you don’t already have wooden flooring, consider laying a laminate wood-look floor in the kitchen. This dark-coloured strip laminate ties in beautifully with the dark stone benchtop and balances the space.
Styling
Nothing says classic kitchen like potted herbs on your benchtop and a nice smelling handwash by your sink. Kitchen candles are another ideal kitchen accessory as they’re great at dispelling cooking smells.
Vanessa Nouwens, interior designer
Vanessa runs her own interior design and styling business, Nes Design. She has two daughters, Maddy, 12, and Chloe, 9, and is a regular contributor to Your Home and Garden – inspiring readers with achievable interior spaces they can recreate at home. Vanessa recently designed a new kitchen in her own home, and confesses the key to its success was planning. “I spent hours deciding what storage and lighting would work best, and choosing a low-maintenance benchtop surface and tiled splashback that would be practical and fit with the overall design,” she explains. Here, Vanessa chooses a simple yet stylish design with a nod to the past.
The range
To ensure you get a kitchen you love, speak to the friendly team at Mitre 10 MEGA – and bring images of kitchens you like! You’ll find the complete kitchen solution: appliances, sinks and tapware, lighting, flooring and paint. They offer budget-friendly and high-end materials, including New Zealand-made cabinetry with quality European-made hardware by Hafele, and even housewares.
The fantastic kitchen consultants are available at all Mitre 10 MEGA stores and an in-store designer will walk you through the whole process from design through to installation, so you can get creative and enjoy planning your perfect kitchen!
Visit mitre10.co.nz/kitchens or head to your local Mitre 10 MEGA to start designing your dream kitchen.
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