Known and admired for their simplicity, shaker-style doors inject character into spaces big and small. From crisp white kitchens to dark and moody dining rooms, the traditional design style lends itself beautifully to all kinds of homes.
In fact, the profile of your doors and cabinetry play a huge part in setting the tone for your entire home. And with Modern Country, Hamptons and Coastal homes all big favourites in Australia, the shaker profile continues to be a hands-down favourite.
What are shaker doors?
Shaker doors are a style of cabinetry that features a central panel surrounded by a raised rectangular frame.
But the rules aren’t too rigid anymore. Some shaker-style doors might have multiple panels, others might have just one. Likewise, some rims are thick, others are very thin.
Typically simple, the shaker style steers clear of ornamentation or fine detailing, with the focus more on clean lines and quality finish. And it’s precisely this paired-back aesthetic that makes shaker doors so incredibly popular today.
What’s the origin of the shaker door?
Shaker doors have a history dating back to the 1700s. The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, or ‘Shakers’ (so-called because of their behaviour during worship) was a religious group founded in England after the Civil War, who later migrated to America.
They embraced craftsmanship and self-sufficiency, which saw both men and women grow their food, sew their clothes and build their furniture: minimalist, durable and versatile.
With distinctively simple features and just the right amount of visual texture, the shaker profile has become a household name among builders, renovators and designers today.
Why are shaker-style cabinets and doors so popular?
Wondering why you should go for a shaker profile for your internal doors or new kitchen cabinets? Here are some very good reasons why Aussies love it:
- Clean lines give them a timeless elegance
- They’re versatile: use them for kitchen cabinets, interior doors, laundry cabinets – you name it
- They work well with most interior design themes, from Hamptons-style kitchens to farmhouses.
- With minimal grooves and embellishments, it’s quite easy to clean shaker doors
- They look just as great in natural timber and white as they do in bold colours like navy or black
- The flat central panel shows off the beautiful timber grain
- They look incredible paired with modern kitchen handles in matte black, white, or brushed gold.
16 Shaker-Style Cabinets and Doors To Inspire Your Reno
We’ve hunted high and low to bring you some fabulous examples of shaker doors and cabinets done right around the world.
Light and Dark
This stunning laundry shows what a spectacular pairing of white and grey makes – especially with the subtle texture of a shaker profile thrown in. From Farmers Doors on Australia’s Gold Coast, this project features Weathered Oak cabinets and drawers finished in Dulux Oolong.
Luxe Laundry
This stunning Kaboodle kitchen was brought to life by mum, Hayley Little and it’s the perfect example of how beautifully shaker-profile doors partner with farmhouse sinks for true country vibes. Kaboodle’s Alpine profile door is a take on the shaker style and it’s available as a raw board you can paint any colour you choose!
DIY Bi-Fold Shaker-Style Door
Our hats go off to the very clever Sarah of ‘Room For Tuesday’ for this handmade shaker-style bi-fold door. Starting out with a pair of ready-made bi-fold doors, she added poplar planks to create a symmetrical shaker profile in keeping with the rest of her home.
Timeless Hues
There’s just something about shaker in navy! From Harvey Jones Kitchens in the UK, this spectacular space uses blue shaker-style cabinetry and drawers to make the bench the star of the show. Topped off with polished brass tapware and handles, it’s a classic kitchen with a modern twist.
Modern Magnificence
Clean and sophisticated, this interior door makes up part of the shaker-inspired Moda Collection at Corinthian Doors. The range includes 24 different designs, so you can choose the look you want for your particular space.
Blue Skies
Ever seen a laundry as dreamy as this one? Didn’t think so! This is another incredible project by Farmers Doors that features shaker-profile cabinets in natural oak and finished in Dulux Roland. Loving the complementary gold handles.
Hamptons-Inspired
These shaker-inspired ‘Sierra’ cabinets couldn’t be more at home in this light, bright Sydney kitchen. Thermolaminated, it’s easy to clean, seriously tough against bumps and comes in a range of colours.
Awesome Angles
Talk about a clever use of space! This fabulous solution to angled storage uses Clemo & Finch double-end pull bars on shaker doors by Banks Carpentry & Joinery. What could have easily become unused space is now a feature of the room.
Bold Colour
Simple but oh-so-sophisticated, this bold kitchen is true shaker perfection. Paired with a white splashback and brushed gold tap, it’s every bit the Hamptons dream.
Ultra Modern
If you thought the shaker profile was limited to coastal and country, this ultra-modern abode tells a different story. Set against a crisp white backdrop and gorgeous timber floors, the textured shaker door fits perfectly into this scene.
Panels For Days
If repetitive patterns and symmetry are your jam, the shaker profile is for you. This floor-to-ceiling wall of blue wardrobes is an absolute feature of the room, and we adore the way it contrasts with the light herringbone floor. Heavenly.
The Sliding Shaker
Looking for sliding doors? These highly versatile sliding shaker doors by Doors Plus are the perfect way to separate spaces in style. This stacking option comes in several designs, including a glass panel option for extra filtered light.
Monochrome Shaker
With the addition of contrasting black hinges and handles, this stunning shaker door makes a huge statement. We are especially impressed with how this five-panelled door gives the illusion of extra height and a feeling of grandness.
Traditional Utility Room
From the incredible team at deVOL Kitchens comes a truly breathtaking utility room that truly evokes the spirit of the shaker style. The cupboard doors are finished in the brand’s own ‘pantry blue’ and paired beautifully with a marble bench, copper sink and gold hardware.
Scandi Shaker
Decked out in grey shaker cabinets, pantry doors and drawers this Swedish kitchen is equal parts elegant and homely. Beautiful details such as the gorgeous stove are impossible to ignore, but it is the cabinet profile that steals the show.
Interior Classics
From Doors Plus, this classic MDF shaker door is truly versatile and right at home in almost any interior design theme. best of all, these doors come ready to paint, so pick your shade and add your own personal touch to your internal doors.
Top image: Nordiska Kok
Looking for more interior inspiration? Take a look at Australia’s most popular induction cooktops for your modern kitchens!
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