The Shakers were a Christian group that formed in the mid-1700s in England and settled in the United States in the 1780s. In addition to their unique religious and cultural principles, they were also known for their pragmatic yet high-quality architecture and design—including furniture. Shaker-style cabinets and drawers are still seen in modern-day kitchens throughout the world, as their unpretentious yet beautiful style is still widely loved. Here’s a closer look at what defines these structural elements, so you can decide if they’re right for your home.

What Are Shaker-Style Cabinets & Drawers?

Traditional Shaker-style cabinets are admirably practical and minimalist. They feature doors with rectangular recesses, which are areas where the doors seem to sink into themselves. They also feature little to no ornamental features, just pulls or handles for opening and closing. 

These pieces are typically made from genuine hardwood due to the natural material's rich appearance and high quality. However, more affordable options may employ veneer panels.

How Can You Customize Shaker-Style Cabinetry?

Since the Shaker style is so simple and straightforward, it’s easy to customize the drawers and cabinets however you see fit. For example, you could play into the traditional style by painting the surfaces and adding a distressed effect—either by sanding away pigment or smudging the edges with a secondary paint color. In this case, wooden handles or pulls would be most in line with your vision. 

For a more modern look, you could opt for a smooth white, gray, or black paint with a satin finish, plus silver or gold-toned metal hardware. You could also add more practical features like soft-close hinges and drawer tracks, which prevent loud slamming when you’re moving quickly around the cooking space.

If you’re interested in adding Shaker-style features to your home, turn to Maika'i Cabinet & Stone of Aiea. They have 15 years of experience designing and installing wood cabinetry in homes throughout Hawaii. Their Shaker-style cabinets come in cherry and snow white, and they don’t charge for soft-close mechanisms. They'll also tend to other aspects of your remodeling plan, such as countertops, sinks, and tile flooring. To learn more about their kitchen and bathroom supplies, visit the website or call (808) 488-5678 to arrange for a consultation.