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The shaker kitchen is an iconic style that remains a popular option today.

Though traditional in their form, the versatility of shaker style kitchens makes them perfect for period properties and new builds alike. And the clean lines and minimalism of this style suit most interior designs.

Allow the team at Designer Kitchens to share some simple yet effective ideas for creating a modern shaker kitchen in your home.

Shaker style kitchen ideas

Add a kitchen island

A contrasting kitchen island is a popular design feature in shaker kitchens.

They come in various shapes and sizes and can be tailored to suit your needs and space perfectly. For example, your kitchen island could serve as somewhere to cook for your family, work remotely, or socialise with friends.

Islands offer plenty of additional storage space, allowing you to house everything from a wine fridge and drawers to appliances. This not only helps you to organise your kitchen essentials but also to reduce surface clutter and create a sleek look.

Choose a colour scheme

Ideally, you want to tie the floors, walls, cabinetry and worktops together nicely. This explains why most people opt to paint their shaker kitchen units using neutral and earthy tones, such as white, pale grey or soft green.

Bolder colours also work well – particularly deep blues – but they may limit your worktop and floor choices.

To create more depth and interest, consider painting your kitchen island a darker colour than your walls and shaker cabinets.

For a more refined look, use two shades of the same colour or to make a bolder statement, paint your island an entirely different colour from your walls and cabinetry.

Create contrast with handles

Although shaker style cabinets are simplistic and have no decorations, inlays or carvings, your choice of handles can have a huge impact on the overall look of your kitchen.

For instance, cup handles are commonly used on drawers to complement traditional design schemes. Those made from polished chrome will give your kitchen an authentic look, whereas aged brass, bronze or copper handles offer a more vintage feel.

Bar pulls and knobs are perfect for creating a modern shaker kitchen – matching the clean lines synonymous with the shaker design. These are typically made from chrome or stainless steel and make it easier for you to access the essentials in your kitchen drawers and cupboards.

Opt for integrated appliances

The shaker kitchen design incorporates innovative storage solutions to add to its sleek and streamlined look. However, large appliances can often spoil the aesthetic.

Having them integrated into the design of your bespoke shaker kitchen will essentially maximise the functionality of your room – providing enough space for you to cook, entertain guests and for the kids to do their homework.

You could conceal your fridge, dishwasher and washing machine behind cabinet doors, and slot your oven and hob between shaker kitchen units. Integrating a wine fridge into your kitchen island is a great idea, too.

Consider using wood

Shaker style kitchens are understated and provide a modern twist on a timeless classic. With that in mind, matt finishes are usually preferred over glossy finishes for their muted and softer effect.

Wooden flooring and worktops can also complement this aesthetic.

Their naturally soft tones and simple grains can add subtle style to your space. For kitchens with a darker colour scheme, choose mahogany or walnut. Oak and maple usually work best with lighter-coloured kitchens.

Create your bespoke shaker kitchen today

Here at Designer Kitchens, we can provide shaker style cabinets to suit any style, taste and décor and are confident we can help you to create your dream kitchen.

Why not get in touch with our team? We’ll happily discuss your requirements in further detail and talk you through the options available before making a start on the design.

Either give us a call on 01707 650 565 or book your free appointment. Simply fill out the form with your name and contact details, choose a convenient time and date, and include any additional information about what you’re looking for from your bespoke shaker kitchen. We’ll then get back to you as soon as possible.

Nothing makes most women (and men) happy than seeing shiny items. It could be those sparkling diamonds on your ring or simply stunning white high gloss kitchens.

Speaking of kitchens, white kitchens bring a light, clean feeling to any household. Although some homeowners express concern regarding upkeep and keeping those cabinets from turning to the dark side, a white kitchen is timeless—it never goes out of style, be it traditional or contemporary.

In reality, the best way to keep that sparkle in your kitchen is to NEVER use it. However, who wouldn’t use their kitchens for food preparation and even dining?

If you insist on cooking, like many of us, you’re bound to encounter an accumulation of grease and stained worktops. The leftover food, a spilt drink or ingredients and smelly or sticky stuff, all are there.

This means having this kitchen type requires a great amount of maintenance responsibility. Cleaning is one of the very simple things to do.

But the truth is—you don’t have to go nuts in keeping your all-white kitchen spotless. You only need due diligence and a few helpful tips.

The Basics

Use warm water and a piece of cloth for not-so-annoying dirt. For the best results, do this after cooking or food preparation. Don’t leave the grease or spills, solid or liquid, to sit and dry on the surface. They’ll be harder to remove once they’ve dried up, and you’ll end up possibly damaging your immaculate white high gloss furniture.

When cleaning high gloss kitchens, you need to be very careful. You wouldn’t want to leave any scratches on the surface or even the shiny surface fade.

Less is More

This can never be emphasised enough—AVOID furniture sprays, such as furniture polish or glass cleaners, or any chemicals. Glass cleaners are too corrosive. It could also cause the finish to deform. Additionally, silicone-based cleaners could leave a greasy film over the surface, which could be almost impossible to remove.

Load Up on Necessary Cleaning Supplies

Your cleaning kit should be composed of the following:

• a pack of soft microfibre cloths
• a spray bottle filled with pure clean water
• a feather duster
• ‘glass & polishing’ e-cloth (optional)

Day-to-day cleaning requires merrily wiping away all the glossy furniture using a feather duster. By doing this, you’ll be removing the accumulated surface dust.

In case you have been very messy—or busy—during the day and there happen to be tons of fingerprints on the surface, whip out your e-cloth. This lifesaver eliminates greasy marks, leaving the surface looking good as new.

How to Tackle Spills

As mentioned earlier, don’t allow any food or liquid to dry up on your glossy surface. Immediately wipe it off using a dry, soft, absorbent microfibre cloth. In case of particularly stubborn or sticky spills, spray with a bit of water on the affected area. Then use your e-cloth for a more intense cleaning experience.

Remember that your glossy surface is white. Speed is of the essence Imagine spilling red wine on a white surface, and it dries overnight. The next, you’d be disappointed at a pinking mark on your once-immaculate surface.

Watch out where you place hot pans or pots or even the kettle. Carelessness could potentially ruin the finish on the surface. You can always ask your dealer or installer for a protective film for long-term use.

The Finishing Touch

If you notice some residual water after you’ve cleaned the surface, get a dry, soft microfibre cloth and clean the area until it is dry. This will give your glossy surface a lovely shine.

Remember not to leave water to air dry because this will just leave unattractive water streaks.

Conclusion

Keep your high gloss kitchens looking good as new by keeping in mind the following:

• For day-to-day cleaning, simply wipe with a soft microfibre cloth or feather duster.
• Use an e-cloth (or soft microfibre cloth) to wipe fingerprints and marks away.
• For a deeper clean, spray with water and clean with a soft microfibre cloth or an e-cloth, and then dry with another dry and soft cloth.
• Immediately wipe any liquid spills.
• Use clean water and wipe with an e-cloth for more sticky spills.
• Don’t leave water to air dry. Instead, dry with a dry microfibre cloth.
• Never use any chemical-based cleaners. All you need is pure water for a deeper cleaning.

Speak to the experts

Whether you’re after more of our expert advice or are looking to upgrade your existing kitchen, get in touch with us today.

Our friendly team are happy to help, simply call us on 01707 650565 or fill in our online enquiry form.

Every kitchen needs its own dining area, but what if your space isn’t enough for a standard-sized dining set? Take some time to re-evaluate your small space and start thinking creatively.

Your kitchen, no matter the size, can be practical and stylish at the same time. Borrow some of these clever ideas on how you could incorporate your very own dining area, even with in a small kitchen.

A table for two
Working with a kitchen layout that’s only wide enough to squeeze in a few cabinets on one side, and a small empty space on the other, can be a bit tough for some home owners. However, with careful planning, a compact eating area can be placed in the room.

Estimate the table size that can perfectly fit the space without blocking any cupboard doors or alley way. Also, it is wise to pick a couple of lightweight chairs that are easy enough to move so you can re-arrange them whenever you want. This allows you to have sufficient area for dining, without having to occupy too much space.

Something narrow and lean
A long, rectangular worktop could also be used as your dining space, like this one. What’s more is that you could double it as a work surface when preparing ingredients. Choosing a narrow unit ensures that there’s still plenty of space to walk around the area; it’s both stylish and functional!

Sacrifice some cupboards space
Are you desperate to have somewhere to sit but can’t squeeze in any table in the room? Then you might have to sacrifice your cupboard so you can slide in a couple of high stools. You can save so much space by doing this trick! The only problem is, this idea is easy enough to accomplish when dealing with a new layout, but overhauling an existing kitchen space could be a little more difficult.

Go for an overhang worktop
Another simple yet very effective method to incorporate a dining space in your kitchen is to extend the worktop, as it allows enough overhang to fit two stools underneath. Remember that this isn’t about creating lots of dining space, but rather, transforming your functional kitchen into a friendly and stylish area.

Keep it simple yet relaxing
To avoid a small kitchen from feeling too cluttered and messy, stick to a muted colour scheme with lots of natural elements. Keep the design sleek by placing a simple table near a tall window that allows plenty of light to flow around the room. Also, bring in numerous plants to give that relaxing vibe.

With a bit of creative thinking and lots of planning, you can definitely squeeze in a stylish dining space in your small kitchen!

It is not an easy task to choose the right kitchen worktop for your kitchen since there are so many choices right at your fingertips. This surface area can be the most influential area of the kitchen because it can easily dictate the atmosphere of the place. However, it is necessary to choose something that will look good on your kitchen and of course if it would suit your budget.

To help you with your search, here are some of the popular worktop materials that you can have for your kitchen:

Granite Kitchen Worktops. Granite is a popular stone that can be found in different colours, unique grains and customizable finishes. It is the most durable options for worktops in the market today although prices may still depend on the different slabs available and the difficulty found in installing them.

Marble Kitchen Worktops. For those who are in love of white kitchens, choosing marble offers great choices. Marble is mostly known for the patina it creates and not actually for its durability. It can scratch and stain easily since it is softer than granite but the classic look it provides makes this kitchen worktop a perfect companion in kitchens.

Wood Kitchen Worktops. While some think that wood as worktops does not go well together but with the right high-quality wood and with the right sealer, wood can make for a long lasting and beautiful worktop.

Stainless Steel Kitchen Worktops. This kind of worktop is mostly preferred by professional chefs because it does not easily stain, it is heat resistant and is easy to clean. This kitchen is a great choice for hardworking kitchens and even most affordable than other stone counters.

Eco-friendly Kitchen Worktops. There are a lot of ways to make your kitchen eco-friendly. All you need to do is to do a little research and you can find different materials to make this a reality. You can choose bamboo, salvaged wood and even Bio-Glass to create that green eco-friendly worktop.

Learn about the different kinds of worktops when you visit Designer Kitchens.

Whether you’re revamping your current kitchen, or building a new one for a newly acquired property, planning the perfect kitchen design is never easy. There are massive decisions to make and tons of design materials to choose from.

To make things easier for you, we have gathered some of the most contemporary kitchen designs to help you get some ideas, inspirations, and concepts for your own space!

Dark & Dramatic
Most home owners prefer their kitchens to have bright colours and light aesthetics, but this kitchen design stands out from the rest because of its dramatic vibe. With its black appliances, dark wood units and brick flooring, the overall look of this room is perfectly balanced.

The Minimalist
This modern kitchen has plenty of storage space. The sleek black and white island, the towering matte black cabinets, the strikingly white cupboards, and the subtle hints of earth accents around the room blended well with each other. Everything about this space has been carefully put into place to create an ultra-modish kitchen area.

Multi-purpose Space
Without having a formal dining room, the owner of this kitchen opted to acquire a multi-purpose island which can be utilized for both dining and food preparation. Marble worktops, tall benches, and neutral coloured units enhanced the contemporary feel of this room. While the flowers and the view from the outdoor garden made this space extremely light and cosy.

Industrial Styled Space
Elongated breakfast bar, open shelving, and bold-coloured chairs were incorporated in this striking room. For an extra organic element, wooden sculptures were also placed, generating a modern gallery vibe.

Small White Kitchen
Though the space isn’t quite that big, keeping things organized and well tucked away made it look a whole lot bigger. The white walls, units, and cabinets, as well as the light and earth toned accessories resulted to a contemporary kitchen with a classic twist. The perfect design to go for when you’re still living in a rented home.

Light and Airy
A kitchen area with a gorgeous view for a backsplash like this one, is definitely not a bad idea. In fact, it makes the room seem more homey. Light coloured worktops and cabinets keeps the room from looking too contemporary as well; it’s the perfect balance between modern and classic kitchen scheme.

Uplift the mood and vibe of your kitchen with these contemporary design inspirations!

Even the tiniest of kitchen spaces need to go big when combining design and function. No matter how awkwardly shaped your space is, there are plenty of design hacks you could utilize to make the most of its potential!

Be inspired with these ideas to make wonders out of a minuscule room.

Store them up high
A clever way of adding more storage into any small kitchen is to mount cabinets high up the walls. To give it a bit of a modern vibe, place some bold chairs in a contrasting color for that interesting twist.

Open storage display
Incorporate some built-in open shelves in your kitchen wall for added design and storage unit. You could place some neutral-toned or vibrantly-coloured cutlery and some kitchen accessories to revamp plain kitchenware into chic display.

Bespoke cupboard
A well designed storage space is much more capable of storing goods. It can be used to stockpile almost everything; from kitchen equipment to food supplies and even your china wares. An all-in-one storeroom is perfect for kitchens with smaller spaces for it keeps everything neat and organized.

Industrial-style Kitchen
Kitchens with condensed spaces can still look edgy and stylish. The perfect way to go for if you want to upgrade your kitchen’s aesthetic is to integrate industrial pieces with Shaker-style elements for a harmonized look.

Highlight some colour
A dash of vibrant colours is the best choice for adding dramatic character into any tiny space. The room might be small, but it can still have some appeal. Matte shades can really stand out against white backdrop; choose one tone that highlights the design features of your kitchen area.

Get the most out of diverse elements, textures, and colours to produce stunning style combinations into your small kitchen space.

Wanting to create an industrial style kitchen, but not sure where to start? These ideas will help you accomplish the look you’ve been longing for!

Instead of the usual monochrome look, go for an edgier look by utilizing vintage and metal raw materials, as well as reclaimed wooden furniture to boost up the style.

The key materials
The trademark materials for an industrial interior are metal, wood, and brick (optional for it could not be applied to some). One kitchen setting can blend all of these materials to add an outstanding effect.

Luxurious focal point
Merge wood with steel plus an additional sparkle by mounting up a magnificent chandelier as the centerpiece. This particular design offers an alluring and romantic vibe to this otherwise modernly rough kitchen scheme. Remember to keep other elements as neutral as possible to achieve utmost impact.

Huge window frames
Massive window frames can add a certain vibe into any room. It also allows natural light the flood the entire area, thus creating a balance between dark and edgy to light and airy.

Soft features
Industrial interior does not have to be dark and gloomy. You could also go for a light-themed industrial kitchen by mixing steel, washed out wood, and some light coloured kitchen appliances, as well as accessories to equalize things.

Balance it up
Put together an industrial kitchen with a bit of coziness in it by incorporating softer elements. Fresh flowers, pastel-coloured accessories, a bit of fabric, and some light-toned ceramic objects can definitely soften up the rough feel of metallic pieces in this room, creating a more relaxed mood.

Feature wall
If you don’t want to go for an all-out brick finish, pick a wall you want to expose and make everything else plain and light-toned for the ultimate finish. The contrasting effect still looks as stunning.

Homey Feel
Fuse metals and wood without making them appear too rugged. If you want to join in a softer take on the industrial trend, go for the smooth brick-shaped tiles, mismatched wooden chairs, light-toned metals, with lots and lots of plants for a cozy feel.

Try out these simple ways to stylishly refurbish and achieve an appealing industrial kitchen space!

Organize your open shelves for a kitchen that looks tastily alluring. Truth be told, bringing together recipe ingredients, pots, pans, and essential cutlery on structured open shelving keeps them pretty handy.

Planning what you put on your shelves and hiding the less-used utensils in kitchen cupboards can turn it into an instant display of art, as well as useful storage.

The library of recipes
Books can also be placed in kitchen shelves. While most people keep their books in the living room, recipe books however, are meant to be placed in the kitchen.

All-white plan
A timeless failsafe design is by merging items of one colour, for it generates a cohesive look. China wares of different shapes and sizes could be fused together to make a chic display of majestic white.

Practicality is the key
When thoughtfully organized, even the most practical kitchen utensils can look fascinating. Just remember to place each item with sufficient space in between rather than a messy chaos to make an attractive scene.

Display your goods
Dried goods placed in clear glass jars could look really eye-catching. Look for inexpensive glass jars and place labels on each one of them with the corresponding expiration date, before placing them on your shelves for everyone to look at.

Classic monochrome
A classic design of black and white can make your shelves look of tidy and in order. This mostly means you could build a more cluttered display, which would still look pleasant.

Earth tones
A collection of lovely ceramics and pottery would look gorgeous when placed on open shelves. Chunky pieces can be set side by side, while smaller dishes can be piled in. Now you have the perfect place to display those random travel buys.

Keep things tidy
A well-ordered arrangement of cutlery creates a feeling of balance in any  kitchen,and it also make it look more contemporary. Dark painted wall behind the shelves can also help the glassware and other pieces to stand out, which will then produce an even better sense of the consistency.

Open shelves allows you to bring subtle details and colours to your space by displaying your favourite pieces.