It can be hard to keep up with changing kitchen trends – from high gloss cabinetry in some pretty 'brave' colours, to elegant and refined bare wooden schemes, the world of kitchen design is constantly changing and evolving.
That said, not everyone designing a kitchen wants to follow trends – there is a lot to be said for opting for a timeless look – and this is part of the beauty of Shaker kitchens. Looking just as fresh and beautiful as when they were first designed, this is a style well worth considering if you want your kitchen to stand the test of time.
That said, this style hasn't missed out on some modern updates entirely. Step forward the 'slim Shaker' kitchen – a more modern take on the classic. We asked the experts what it's all about.
What are slim Shaker kitchens?
There has been much talk about slim Shaker kitchens in the design world of late, so getting to grips with what the term means is really useful for anyone researching kitchen ideas right now.
Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr, outlines what defines the style. "The skinny Shaker is a refined, contemporary twist on the much-loved Shaker kitchen. Featuring a slim 40mm frame on the cabinet with a 20mm frame on the Shaker doors and concealed hinges, the design brings a fresh sense of lightness and sophistication to any space."
Alex Main, director of Main, explains what these little updates to a classic design could offer homeowners. "This subtle change in style offers a more refined look, while still being enduringly popular and showing beautiful craftsmanship."
Founder Al Bruce began his illustrious career 25 years ago studying to be a cabinet maker at college. With a natural flair for design and a deep passion for the industry, Al finally opened his own Shaker kitchen company, Olive & Barr in 2018.
Alex Main is director at Main, a family-run company that has been creating highly individual bespoke kitchens that are full of personality and unique style since the 1970s. The family business has built up its knowledge from the vast experience gained from trading within the national and international markets.
How do slim Shaker units differ from traditional designs?
While slim Shaker kitchens were inspired by the classic Shaker design, a style that first appeared in the mid-18th century, there are some key differences between these two types of kitchen units to be aware of.
Sam Harris, senior design consultant at Ashford Kitchens & Interiors explains what sets them apart. "The main difference is how the proportions change the aesthetic of the door. With a classic Shaker, which has a thicker frame, it creates a more handcrafted appearance, while a slimmer frame is more understated. This more refined look is often preferred in contemporary settings thanks to their sleeker look."
"Rather than one replacing the other, slim and standard Shaker styles simply offer different interpretations of the same design heritage," picks up Tom Howley, creative design director at the eponymous bespoke kitchen company.
"Slim Shaker is ideal for those seeking a transitional aesthetic that blends traditional detailing with contemporary simplicity, while standard Shaker continues to be the benchmark for enduring, classic kitchen design."
Sam is passionate about designing dream kitchens, bedrooms, and home living spaces that reflect each client’s unique lifestyle. His creativity and meticulous attention to detail ensure every design is both beautiful and practical – a space clients will love living in for years to come.
Tom Howley has spent more than 20 years designing kitchens around the way his clients actually live. He specialises in creating kitchen islands that balance style with smart, hardworking functionality.
Is slim or classic Shaker better?
Both these Shaker kitchen styles have a huge amount to offer – classic good-looks, easy to pair with a range of other materials, and simple to update or refresh with cabinet hardware. What this means is that it can be difficult to decide which is the best option.
Luckily, Alex Main has some advice on which works best where. "Slim Shaker doors are a great choice for those who would like to add character and depth to their kitchen, without it being overly traditional. They work beautifully in modern spaces, where finer profiles and sleek silhouettes are often abundant.
"Slim Shaker units also complement bold architecture and an array of colour palettes thanks to their versatility," he continues. "Additionally, they are a good choice for compact kitchens as the slim frame helps cabinetry feel more pared-back and less dominant as part of the overall scheme."
"Slim Shaker units are well-suited to modern kitchens, while still offering the warmth of a traditional style," adds Sam Harris. "With a cleaner silhouette, they work beautifully as either painted or wood-front doors, paired with natural stone worktops. Slim Shaker doors also work well in small kitchens as they appear less visually busy and can help the kitchen feel more spacious and open.
"Standard Shaker kitchens, on the other hand, are particularly well suited to period homes as their deeper frames complement traditional architectural features," he suggests.
Tom Howley also explains that slim Shaker units are a good choice where people are aiming for a more homely contemporary kitchen. "They're particularly popular in open-plan spaces and new-build properties, where homeowners want warmth and character without the heaviness of a traditional country kitchen."
Try this hardware on your slim or classic Shaker doors
A classic T-Bar shape with added detail and contrast that would sit neatly on a slim Shaker profile
Pair with a cabinets in timeless white or a bolder shade for a contemporary finish
For a traditional Shaker kitchen, cup handles are a classic pairing that never fails to work
Are slim Shaker kitchens more expensive than classic?
The cost of a new kitchen is not insignificant, and when organising your budget you need to take into account a really broad range of factors, ranging from who will fit it right down to smaller details such as tiles or splashbacks. If you are keen to keep a lid on costs you will no doubt be interested to find out the price difference between a slim and classic Shaker kitchen.
According to Sam Harris, there is little in it. "What affects the cost is the materials the units are made from, the paint finish you choose and the manufacturing method. Slim Shaker units can sometimes be more expensive as they feature finer detailing, and potentially more precise manufacturing."
“There are a few variables when it comes to cost, so slim Shaker units are not necessarily more expensive," adds Alex Main. "From the construction method to the material, finish and detailing, there are a few design elements that can influence the price."
FAQs
What is the best way to use slim Shaker units in a modern kitchen?
Slim Shaker units are perfect for creating a contemporary yet timeless scheme, but if you want to ensure your kitchen cabinet design looks fresh and modern, there are several steps you can take to dress your slim Shaker kitchen up.
Firstly, rather than the chunky knobs or cup handles that suit classic Shaker kitchens so well, consider more modern cabinet hardware, such as sleek bar pulls.
The kitchen cabinet colours you pick will have an enormous effect on the finished look too – on-trend choices include earthy neutrals, such as taupe, soft pinks and bolder shades such as burgundy.
Even if you already have a good idea of what you want your new kitchen to look like, it is still well worth keeping an eye on the latest kitchen trends – even if you just weave one or two into your space, it could really help elevate the whole design. And, be sure to check out the advice in kitchen colours you should avoid according to the experts. Updating your cabinets can be costly if you come to regret the colour you choose.
