The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a home, so of course, you find plenty of kitchen styles to suit every need and preference. This is more important now, when, besides cooking, the kitchen also serves as a place to gather with your friends and family. And in this setting, the kitchen style will speak volumes about you, and will also influence the functionality and aesthetic.
At the moment, there are many kitchen styles that stand out. One of them is the Shaker style, known for its practicality and simplicity through minimalistic design and clean lines. This style originated from the Shaker religious community, which wanted to focus on functionality and craftsmanship. So, Shaker kitchens have a timeless appeal, which is why they have remained popular even today.
Modern kitchens are another very popular kitchen style, which integrates a modern touch. Some of the elements in which they manage to achieve this are through bold colors, sleek surfaces, and innovative materials.
When deciding which style to add to their kitchens, most of them are prioritizing exactly these two options. If you are also in this situation, we want to make things easier for you, which is why, in this article, we will explore more information about these two kitchen styles.
The Shaker Style
The Shaker style originates from the ideas of the Shaker religious community from the 18th century. The main areas in which they focused are on functionality, simplicity, and craftsmanship. Because of this, they didn’t want their kitchens to have plenty of unnecessary decorations, but only to remain aesthetically pleasing.
Also, this community believed that every element in their room should remain functional, and this could be done if the kitchen cabinets had utilitarian forms and clean lines. There are many reasons that make the Shaker style remain popular. One of them is that Shaker kitchens are made from high-quality hardwoods like oak, cherry, and maple.
Because they focus on a minimal approach, this emphasis creates a serene and uncluttered atmosphere. Functional beauty is another attribute of the Shaker community, where each selected piece must be beautiful, but also serve a purpose.
The Modern Kitchen Style
The modern kitchen style has also now surged in popularity, having clean lines and a minimalistic design. This kitchen style emerged in the mid-20th century, and since then, it has started to capture more and more attention from the public. What’s innovative about the modern kitchen is incorporating innovative materials, like glass, stainless steel, and granite. One similarity with the Shaker kitchen is that this style also lacks ornate detailing.
The cabinets feature a flat-front design, which creates a cohesive appeal. As technology has become more present than ever, modern kitchens are bringing smart technology to the landscape, with additions like smart ovens and touchless faucets. In this way, they sustain the contemporary living demands of homeowners.
What should you consider before picking a style?
There are numerous factors to keep in mind when deciding what to pick between a modern and a Shaker style. Of course, you want a place that is especially created for your needs and preferences, so this is the first factor to consider. Also, you need to take a look at the actual size of the kitchen. The Shaker kitchen is focused on functionality, and it might be better for larger spaces. On the other hand, as modern kitchens can be customized, they might be the best for small kitchens.
The other consideration is the needs of your family, and whether you have pets and children. In these cases, you should look for the most durable solutions, like those that follow sturdy constructions. The Shaker kitchen fits this category, and it also features easy-to-repair finishes.
But if you want an open kitchen, which is more part of a modern setting, where the kitchen really transforms into a social place, then it can be a better idea to consider modern kitchens. Don’t forget to pay attention to the overall décor styles in your home. This will also offer insights into the best kitchen style suitable for your particular case.
What about the budget?
A kitchen renovation is costly, especially if you want to replace the entire kitchen units. So, when considering a kitchen renovation, it is actually a good idea to take a look at the budget. The Shaker kitchen has a moderate price, as they feature simple and classic lines. Of course, the budget depends on the material you choose. The cabinets made from high-end hardwoods are more expensive than those made from affordable plywood, so this depends on your choice, and the good news is that you can find something to match your budget.
In modern kitchens, things are in accordance with whether you are looking for a customized solution or other high-tech features. If you want them, they will be more expensive. Also, it depends on the material you choose.
Can you blend both styles?
Blending both styles is the winning strategy for most, and this opens the doors to several opportunities. And as the kitchen should be focused on your particular needs and preferences, of course, it is a good idea to combine more styles, if this makes you happy.
If you want this approach, consider which elements you appreciate from both styles. You might want the utilitarian approach of the Shaker style, but still integrate modern touches and technologies. Also, you can add other modern touches, like bold backsplashes and light fixtures, which will add an extra layer of creativity.
The bottom line
Each kitchen design offers its own list of advantages, and it caters to different needs and preferences. So, you must first assess your needs and preferences. Then, also consider important factors, like the visual appeal of your space, as well as its functionality and practicality. If the Shaker kitchens are meant to offer a timeless appeal, the modern kitchens are focused more on a bold and striking look.
Have you decided on a kitchen style?
