Shaker, But Smarter: Discover 2025’s Most Coveted Kitchen Look
The New Shaker: Modern Classic Kitchens for 2025 and Beyond
If there’s one style that has quietly endured every passing trend, it’s the Shaker kitchen. But don’t mistake “timeless” for static—2025’s take on the Shaker is refreshingly evolved. Sleeker lines, smarter storage, layered textures, and subtle glamour are all redefining this classic look. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or slowly dreaming your way through Pinterest boards, the new wave of Shaker design offers the perfect balance of heritage and modern comfort.
Let’s explore the details that are making the modern classic Shaker kitchen the most desirable style going into the end of 2025 & start 2026.
Slimmer, Smarter: Skinny and Micro Shaker Styles
Traditional Shaker cabinetry has always been known for its simplicity and symmetry—but in 2025, it’s getting a noticeable makeover. One of the most talked-about evolutions is the move towards skinny and micro shaker profiles. These styles feature much slimmer rails and stiles than their classic predecessors, giving cabinetry a more refined, contemporary edge. They still honour the Shaker ethos—clean, unfussy, and practical—but do so in a way that feels incredibly fresh.
The micro shaker, with its ultra-thin frame detailing, is particularly popular in modern apartments and new-build homes where space is tight but design is still a priority. On the other hand, if you’re after something a bit more tactile and characterful, the profiled shaker—which features soft bevels or subtle routed edges—offers a slightly more decorative feel while still staying true to its roots.
These slimmer styles are perfect if you’re looking to modernise a period property without losing its charm, or add warmth and tradition to a newly built space.
The Colour Story: What Kitchens Are Wearing in 2025 and into 2026
The days of stark white kitchens are behind us. This year’s palette is warm, layered, and full of personality. We’re seeing a big shift towards earthier tones—colours that feel grounded, comforting, and timeless.
Olive and mossy greens continue to be strong favourites, often paired with brass or aged bronze hardware for an elevated, heritage feel. Mushroom tones and warm taupes offer a beautifully neutral base that works just as well in a cottage-style kitchen as it does in a contemporary open-plan space. Richer hues like midnight blue, burnt umber, or deep plum are finding their way onto islands or accent cabinetry, helping to create focal points and depth.
The finish matters too—satin and matte paints give cabinetry a soft, touchable quality, while layered colour schemes (such as pairing a neutral perimeter with a statement island) bring dimension and interest. It’s less about bold statements and more about subtle confidence—these colours are designed to make your kitchen feel lived-in, loved, and lasting.
Hardware Matters: Handles as Kitchen Jewellery
Handles and knobs might seem like small details, but in a Shaker kitchen, they’re absolutely crucial. In many ways, they’re the jewellery of the space—and like a good necklace or pair of earrings, the right choice can transform the whole look.
In 2025, hardware trends are leaning toward tactile finishes and timeless metals. Think brushed brass, burnished bronze, or matte black—finishes that look even better with age and add character without overpowering. Oversized cup pulls, mushroom knobs, and elongated bar handles are all in demand, each bringing its own energy to the design.
For a more curated feel, we’re seeing a rise in mixed metal combinations. You might choose polished nickel taps paired with antique brass handles or mix dark bronze lighting with brushed gold cabinet pulls. Done thoughtfully, this can add layers of depth and a sense that your kitchen has been collected and refined over time—not plucked straight from a showroom.
Open Shelving, Glazed Units & Styling Details
As kitchens become more than just cooking spaces, styling has become a key part of the design. Open shelving is one of the easiest ways to soften cabinetry-heavy walls and add a lived-in, curated touch. Displaying beautiful ceramics, a few cookbooks, a trailing plant, or even a stack of linen napkins makes the space feel warm and personal.
This styling opportunity continues with glazed units, which are making a strong return—but with modern interpretations. Fluted glass is particularly popular right now. Its vertical ribbed texture catches the light beautifully and offers a touch of visual privacy (great if you don’t want the world to see your mismatched mugs). If you’re after a more classic look, plain clear glass brings elegance and simplicity—especially when paired with internal lighting and symmetrical shelving.
The key with both is to keep what’s behind the doors intentionally styled. A few stacked plates, some vintage glassware, or handmade pottery can make a big impact.
The Sink as a Centrepiece
The sink area is no longer just a utility zone—it’s become a design statement in its own right. In a Shaker kitchen, your sink choice can help define the overall aesthetic.
A classic ceramic butler or apron-front sink brings charm and nostalgia, while a sleek undermount sink set into quartz or natural stone worktops offers a more contemporary feel. Tapware finishes like unlacquered brass, brushed nickel, or even blackened bronze complement the cabinetry and tie the whole design together.
Don’t overlook the details here—your sink, tap, and even the draining grooves in your worktop can work together to elevate this everyday feature into something that feels truly bespoke.
Freestanding or Integrated? It’s About Balance
There’s a beautiful balance emerging in how we integrate appliances into Shaker kitchens. While freestanding range cookers remain iconic—especially when framed with custom-built cabinetry—integrated appliances are becoming the norm for fridges, dishwashers, and even wine coolers.
American-style fridge freezers still have their place, particularly in larger family kitchens. But more often, we’re tucking away everything from fridge drawers to microwave combis behind panelled doors to maintain clean lines and a sense of calm.
The goal? Functionality without visual clutter. It’s about honouring the traditional Shaker spirit—where everything has its place—while embracing the benefits of modern convenience.
Aspirational Additions: More Than Just a Kitchen
The modern Shaker kitchen is no longer just a place to cook—it’s a living, breathing part of the home. And with that, we’re seeing a rise in highly desirable “extras” that elevate everyday living.
A walk-in pantry is high on many wish lists. Whether it’s a hidden door behind cabinetry or a glazed crittall-style enclosure, pantries add both functionality and a bit of magic.
Boot rooms and utility areas offer seamless transitions from the outdoors—especially important in busy family homes. Then there’s the breakfast station: a concealed cupboard or nook with space for a toaster, coffee machine, and all the morning essentials, hidden behind bi-fold or pocket doors.
And let’s not forget the kitchen table island. This new hybrid layout—part worktop, part dining table—invites casual meals, homework sessions, and impromptu entertaining, all in one beautifully designed space.
Let There Be Light: Styling with Intention
Lighting has a huge role to play in how a kitchen feels. In 2025, it’s not just about brightness—it’s about creating mood and intimacy.
Pendant lights over an island remain a design favourite. Think aged brass, fluted glass, or even coloured ceramic for something more unique. Wall sconces are also gaining popularity, especially over open shelving or near sinks, adding soft ambient light and a decorative touch.
Architectural features like coffered or beamed ceilings are being used to define zones and add a sense of structure to open-plan spaces. And don’t underestimate the power of layered lighting—from under-cabinet strips to dimmable overheads—to make your kitchen work from early morning breakfast to late-night hosting.
Final Thoughts: Timeless, But Never Tired
The Shaker kitchen has never been more exciting. With the right balance of tradition and innovation, you can create a space that feels rooted in heritage but entirely of the moment.
Whether you’re dreaming of fluted glass cabinets, brushed brass handles, a hidden pantry, or that perfect shade of sage green, remember: it’s not about following every trend. It’s about crafting a kitchen that reflects how you live—and how you want to feel in your home.
And if you need help bringing that vision to life? We’re right here with you, every step of the way.
