Shaker Kitchens vs Modern Kitchens

Choosing a new kitchen is about much more than selecting a colour or worktop.

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to opt for a timeless shaker kitchen or a sleek modern design, because that choice influences everything from cabinetry and storage to lighting, handles and the overall atmosphere of your home.

Both modern and shaker kitchens are incredibly popular, but they create very different looks and suit different lifestyles.

While shaker kitchens are known for their classic craftsmanship and versatility, modern kitchens focus on clean lines, minimalist design and contemporary finishes.

At Smile Kitchens, we help homeowners compare different kitchen styles every day. 

This guide explains the key differences between shaker and modern kitchens, helping you decide which design best suits your home, lifestyle and personal taste.

What is a Shaker Kitchen?

Shaker kitchens are timeless, classic designs with recessed panel cabinet doors and traditional craftsmanship. 

They focus on simple, fuss-free styling that can be either pared back for period homes and heritage kitchens or modernised with sleek worktop finishes and handles.

Our Designer Jennifer says “You can opt for a pared-back shaker door with minimal beading/detail for a contemporary look, or choose a shaker design with beading such as Jenson for a more heritage feel.

The addition of traditional elements such as cornice, tongue and groove panels and skirted plinth can also add a traditional touch.”

While shaker kitchens are one of the most familiar types of kitchens, they don’t necessarily need to look identical to popular kitchen styles from previous decades. 

A bespoke design might feature painted or timber finishes to replicate the look of a farmhouse country kitchen or an elegant contemporary home.

Rather than following short-term trends, shaker kitchens focus on simple, functional design that remains stylish for years, with countless ways to upgrade the finishes to suit your taste.

You can read our guide to shaker kitchens here. 

Additional Reading: View Lynsey’s Timeless Green Shaker Kitchen

What is a Modern Kitchen?

Modern kitchens are also sometimes misconceived as cold, clinical and industrial-looking kitchens for monochrome penthouse apartments or entertaining spaces. 

Still, they can look as quirky, welcoming, or colourful as you wish.

Most modern kitchen designs feature things like:

– Flat slab doors

– Handleless cabinetry

– Integrated appliances

– Hidden storage

This provides a minimalist look with little in the way of clutter, but also emphasises clean lines, and can be just as versatile in reflecting your sense of interior design.

Additional Reading: Modern Meets Traditional: Beth’s Kitchen Diner

Shaker Kitchens vs Modern Kitchens: The Main Differences

One of the easiest ways to visualise how these two contrasting styles work is to compare the differences like for like:

Which Kitchen Style Suits Your Home?

There isn’t a right or wrong kitchen for your property, nor would we suggest a specific theme based only on the age of your home. 

However, there are some considerations that might help you decide on the kitchen that will work best for you and your family.

Traditional Homes

Victorian and Edwardian properties, farmhouses and cottages typically opt for shaker-style kitchens. 

This ensures the space feels natural and cohesive with the ceiling heights, layouts, and overall ambience of older buildings.

Contemporary Homes

Homeowners with new-builds, open-plan living spaces, or who are building an extension to house a modernised kitchen often choose modern cabinet styles.

However, this might depend on their décor and colour schemes elsewhere.

Transitional Homes

Transitional homes are those somewhere between the two, perhaps older properties that have been upgraded and modernised, or newer builds with a classic, heritage feel incorporated into the décor and even into the architecture. 

In these cases, a modern shaker kitchen might provide the best of both options, as a hybrid design that incorporates clean, minimalist lines and warm, welcoming colours and layouts. 

A modern shaker such as Vard or Fina can look good in an industrial style kitchen.

Additional Reading: Katie’s Contemporary Blue Shaker Kitchen 

Practical Considerations Beyond Style

While it’s natural to look at kitchen designs and pick options that suit your style preferences, it’s just as important to think about functionality and how you use your kitchen on a day-to-day basis. 

Some of the many aspects that might influence your decisions include:

– The amount of storage space available

– How simple or difficult a kitchen will be to keep clean

– Maintenance requirements, such as oiling timbers or polishing chrome

– Durability of materials and finishes

– The impact on the potential resale value of your home

– How well the kitchen fits your lifestyle

For example, if you entertain regularly or have a large family, having ample space to cook and plenty of seating will be just as essential as having a kitchen that looks beautiful when it’s not being used. 

Likewise, if you are an avid chef and share your kitchen with a partner, you might need to think about dual sinks or worktop surfaces rather than aesthetics alone.

Although shaker and modern kitchens have a different appearance, both styles can be equally practical when professionally designed, which is why attention to detail can make all the difference.

Looking for expert advice on choosing between a shaker and modern kitchen?

Smile Kitchens can create a bespoke design tailored to your home, helping you compare layouts, colours and finishes before making your final decision.

Additional Reading: Geoff’s Modern Minimalist Real Kitchen Makeover

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Shaker Kitchens More Expensive Than Modern Kitchens?

Not necessarily.

The overall cost depends more on the size of your kitchen, the materials you choose, your worktops, appliances and installation requirements than the cabinet style itself.

Are Shaker Kitchens Still Fashionable?

Absolutely. Shaker kitchens have remained one of the UK’s most popular kitchen styles for decades because their simple design adapts easily to changing trends.

You can also consider darker colours, handleless cabinets, quartz worktops, and minimalist lighting to create a contemporary interpretation of a classic shaker kitchen.

Which Style Is Best for a Small Kitchen?

Both can work beautifully. Shaker kitchens create warmth and character, while modern kitchens often enhance the feeling of space through flat doors, light colours and minimal detailing.

Is a Shaker or Modern Kitchen Easier to Maintain?

Both are relatively easy to maintain with modern finishes.

Flat slab doors are slightly quicker to wipe clean, while shaker kitchens require a little more attention around the recessed panel.