Do you know what a shaker kitchen is?

This style is a variation of American cuisine, the aesthetic of which is driven by elegance and simplicity. Discover:

One of the most representative typologies of American kitchen architecture is the shaker style, widely seen in North American films and series, such as Sweet Magnolias and Gracie and Frankie, both Netflix TV series. It is a type of style characterized by principles of simplicity and functionalityas well as the charming country design, which inspires many current kitchen designers.

But the name is still unknown to many, as is its history and influence. For this reason the architects Priscila and Bernardo Tressino, at the helm of the studio PB Architecture, address the key principles for understanding the architecture of shaker kitchens. Watch!

History and characteristics

The Shaker style originates from an 18th-century North American religious community known as the “Shaker Society” or “Shaking Quakers”. The followers of this sect, also called Shakers, believed in a simple life, centered on spiritual values, and in a philosophy that was reflected in all aspects of daily life, including the architecture of living spaces.

For this reason, style avoid luxurious coverings, extravagant materials and excessive ornamentation to focus straight and clean lines, neutral colors and natural materials. And although the design is simple and tidy, the architects guarantee that the shaker style does not sacrifice elegance and manages to seek beauty in the balanced proportions of the wooden frames, inspired by the mix of classic design elements, with contemporary touchsuch as reflective glass, handles or even hidden hardware systems, such as touch locks.

“The carpentry work is always of a high standard, both in terms of the quality of the wood and the workmanship and painting. Combined with materials such as stainless steel, stones or ultra compact blades and resistant for worktops and splashback areas”, underlines Priscila Tressino.

Furthermore functionality it’s a central principle in Shaker architecture, so every element of the kitchen is designed with the purpose of being practical in everyday life.

In this way, the efficient organization is striking, with everything at hand and easily accessible, making gastronomy more convenient and effective. “Built-in cabinets, organized drawers and spacious countertops are common features of Shaker kitchens,” the architects say.

Contemporary adaptations

Interestingly, the architecture of shaker kitchens maintains a timeless elegance over the years, as well as maintaining a certain relevance in contemporary architecture. Priscila and Bernardo point out that nowadays it is possible to make subtle changes to the design of a shaker project without losing the simple and light essence with which it was created, in addition to the fact that the style easily adapts to a variety of decorative styles.

“Solutions like heated drawers, sliding columns, rotating wires, automated tilting and even integration with automation and voice commands are possible in this type of projects, which make the kitchen even more functional, inserting intelligent appliances for this type of interface”, suggests Bernardo Tressino.

Other adaptations suggested by the architect concern the lighting design, such as the use of LED strips or spotlights to add a special touch, highlighting the beauty of the finishes or highlighting the decoration of niches and shelves. “Chandeliers and pendant lights can range from industrial, minimalist and classic. These are combinations that always work.”

Before, the most used colors were in the neutral palette, such as white, off-white, beige, gray and black. But for the more daring, it was the shades of green and blue, especially petrol, or even the colored ones, that won over the public. In short, opting for a shaker kitchen means privileging organization and efficiency with a simple and elegant design, made with durable, high-quality materials that align perfectly with the growing need for multifunctional domestic spaces.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.