Expert Advice: Shaker-Style Cabinet Fronts

Photo courtesy of deVOL

Shaker-style kitchens are some of our favorites to feature - here, we go through the ins and outs of the Shaker-style cabinet front.

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Technically, a Shaker-style cabinet front is a “five-piece door with a four-piece frame—two stiles on the left and right, two rails on the top and bottom, and a flat, inset panel,” according to John McDonald, founder of SemiHandmade.

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Several experts reminded us that solid, natural wood—most often maple, cherry, or walnut—is the traditional Shaker look. But painted cabinets are increasingly popular.

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What kind of cabinet pulls work best with Shaker cabinets? At the moment, brass is king, according to our experts. But wooden knobs or simple wooden pulls look great, too.

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Generally speaking, Shaker-style cabinets tend to be more affordable than more traditional door styles because of the very basic construction, materials, and proportions.

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Architect Gerry Smith designed custom wood cabinets (a mix of Shaker-style and slab-front) for a full remodel of a 1910 Brooklyn kitchen.

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Shaker-style cabinets in a North London kitchen by designer/manufacturer Plain English are painted army green (even the bin pulls), with exposed brass hinges.

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For More Advice On Storage, Visit Us At Organized Home: Built-in Storage

Photograph by David Gilbert, courtesy of Simo Design