Shaker Style: 7 Ways to Work With the Design from Cabinetry to Wall Panels

Love the look of a streamlined wood cabinetry with round knobs? Or perhaps, you’re planning a renovation that needs a timeless look that can last through the decades. If you’re searching for ideas to decorate or refresh your space, look no further. No matter your home’s interior design, you can take some inspiration from Shaker style to elevate its aesthetic. Starting about 150 years ago with the Shakers—a branch of Quakerism—this style is still around for its simple, functional appeal. 

Use these tips to incorporate Shaker design, which is perfect for mixing and matching in any modern home.  

1. Use a Muted Color Palette

Shaker style emphasizes neutral color stories. When choosing a color scheme, a muted color palette can give your home an understated, sophisticated look as well as make your space look bigger. Experiment with different ways to incorporate neutrals of similar shades by painting test swatches on walls to see what looks best for each room.

You can achieve a Shaker-inspired look by painting your walls white or installing cream-colored curtains. You can also add soft splashes of color like muted greens, blues, or yellows—adding visual interest, even as you tone down the color scheme.

2. Get Simple Wooden Furniture

If you want to achieve a streamlined look or complement a modern farmhouse or minimalist interior, opt for Shaker-style furniture. It’s known for having linear lines and fewer decorative touches. Complete your home with ladder back chairs and straight end tables. Investing in well-made pieces with premium-quality wood means you can repurpose your furniture if you choose to redecorate your home.

3. Update Walls With Shaker Panels

Keep your home decor to a minimum to draw attention to furniture or other functional pieces. Shakers are known for prioritizing purposeful design, so stay away from patterns and anything overly decorative or busy. Instead, consider white wainscoting along your walls and hallways, which keeps your space clean and minimal while adding sophisticated style.

4. Repurpose Linoleum Flooring 

While linoleum flooring is usually used for kitchen floors, it can also be used in bedrooms and other rooms. Linoleum is practical and low-maintenance, and many Shaker homes feature it because of its durability. If you’re using linoleum, opt for flooring with a simple, understated pattern and color. Combined with some wooden furniture, it can transform the look and feel of your bedroom. 

5. Make Use of Peg Rails 

Peg rails double as decor and storage, giving you a chance to put what you need within reach. You can include some Shaker influence by using peg rails to display tools wherever you need them. Hang them to create a place for your pots and pans in the kitchen. You can also easily access your brooms, dustpans, and other cleaning supplies by installing a peg rail next to your patio door.

There are also other creative ways you can use peg rails, including hanging them next to a stairwell or in the dining room, presenting a wide variety of options for storage and presentation. 

6. Combine Natural Lighting With the Right Fixtures

Maximize your natural lighting with big windows and skylights that will bring more light into your home and create the feeling of a bigger space. You can also emphasize the outdoor lighting in your home by using white to reflect more light into each room. 

To make the most out of your lighting, keep your windows and blinds open during the day. It’s a small adjustment that can make a big difference in the look and feel of your home. You can also install simple pendant lights made of glass or metal to incorporate the style in areas that need more light. 

7. Go for Shaker-Style Cabinets

Shaker-style cabinets are popular in many kitchens for their timelessness and everlasting style. The cabinets feature recessed panel doors, which give any space an uncluttered, clean look. You can also incorporate Shaker-style cabinets into your bedroom to make your closets and drawers look refined. 

While the Shakers traditionally made their furnishings out of wood, you can customize your cabinets to your tastes. Neutral colors like black or gray give these cabinets a modern twist and are easy to match with your home’s interior style. You can also find a cabinet installer near you to help with the cabinet installation and to ensure that everything is square and level.