Evie Willow Limited blog

5 Different Types of Kitchens and How They Differ

becky@eviewillow.com (Rebecca Coupland) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 07:57:15 GMT

Renovating any room in your home is a challenge as you are likely to incur extra expenses, have to consider form and functionality, and keep in mind the durability of the materials you use. Committing to your dream kitchen is a big decision, including choosing the correct kitchen company and cabinet makers. Any sub-par carpentry or joinery will show in the quality of any handmade kitchens.

The key is to collaborate as much as possible with your kitchen designers, so you get the highest quality showroom-standards you deserve. As a homemaker, this means knowing what you want, communicating it thoroughly, and taking advice from professionals.

Note the significant variances in prices. A custom-made kitchen will range from £18,000 to £50,000. You are paying for the craftsmanship of whichever cabinet maker you have chosen. Theirs is simultaneously a design service, high-quality joinery, and an existing selection of fitted kitchens which speak to individual tastes and desires.

You benefit from a turnkey solution that takes in years of kitchen collections made by the company and presents them to you in an easy-to-digest, succinct manner.

The internet is a treasure trove of information to help you learn more about luxury kitchen design and how you can get the best fit for your home. In the custom design world, there are go-to kitchen ranges that you can choose from. We will discuss 5 of the most popular types of bespoke kitchens that you can choose from.

Shaker Kitchens

Shaker furniture had stood the test of time. This is primarily because Shaker’s traditional kitchen is functional, elegant, and simple. The Shaker style uses natural materials (mainly solid wood) and has no ornamentation.

Shaker style kitchens are still in high demand today. Nowadays, the entire kitchen can feature innovative lighting and shelving schemes. The kitchen style of Shaker is sleek and trendy. It has developed as a strictly practical kitchen style from its humble origins. Shaker style has entered a multitude of modern kitchens and continues to inspire homemakers to make kitchens a focal point in their homes. Shaker carpentry and joinery are accurate, construction is sophisticated and performed by skilled craftsmen, and the style is synonymous with elegant simplicity.

The beauty of the Shaker style kitchen gives it a timeless design, without extraneous embellishments which might easily date the furniture.

Of all the kitchen styles mentioned in this article, the Shaker style is the most traditional and conservative.

Classic Kitchens

The classic kitchen is considered timeless but not removed from the latest developments in designer kitchens. So, they remain popular. The classic kitchen style gives you the conviction that your kitchen design will have longevity and remain an aesthetic advantage for your home.

These kitchens offer a multitude of diverse cabinetry and chic colours. Nowadays, you can choose from a variety of in-frame door models or conventional lay-on designs. An in-frame door is the go-to choice of cabinet and is a kitchen door, which is inset inside a frame. We know this frame as a ‘carcass’ and with the in-frame door, it provides a means for extra storage solutions in your kitchen.

It is possible to capture a modern feel with in-frame doors because they are custom-made to fit their structures.

In terms of colour, if you desire a darker kitchen aesthetic, you must integrate white (or other light coloured) kitchen cabinets more intelligently. All-white cabinets are more aligned with the classic kitchen than any other bespoke style. If you are looking to go dark, then another kitchen style might suit your needs.

Maintaining a simple, light paint palette with several dark highlights here and there, will keep the area bright and minimalist. You will have an objectively beautiful kitchen.

Contemporary Kitchens

The embodiment of the streamlined, minimalist style is the contemporary kitchen. This kitchen style is practical, and often imaginative in design, with its dark wood or black cabinetry, fresh white countertops, and stainless-steel appliances.The contemporary kitchen is the direct inverse of the classic kitchen, in colour, and general impression.

Homemakers can consider mixing dark cabinets with white countertops built from marble or granite stone. Stainless steel appliances fit well with the bespoke kitchen design because they are on-trend. You should keep countertop clutter to a minimum and opt to place extra tools and attachments in discreet storage areas instead. Extend the stainless-steel look with polished silver handles on the cabinets.

Consider that the silver-esque appearance is also enhanced by polished chrome taps and stainless-steel light fixtures. Pick a minimalist floor design such as slate grey tiles, white liquid linoleum, or white marble. Do not be afraid to have interesting colour bursts in the kitchen. Add a bright red vase or lemons in a fruit bowl or something similar to the worktops. It will add a muted sense of extravagance to the entire contemporary style.

Another, highly visible centrepiece feature is the kitchen island. An s-kitchen island is en vogue, and it creates a wave-like aesthetic in the centre of your refurbished or new kitchen. This island form is excellent for handleless cabinets that open using a push-lock as it will look seamless and smooth.

Transitional Kitchens

There are both modern and traditional design elements in a transitional kitchen. This style is great because it allows anyone to have a kitchen that blends into an older home’s architectural style while preserving modern functionality.

Transitional kitchens are an excellent platform for someone who needs a balance between contemporary and traditional kitchens.

Transitional kitchen components include:

Geometric, clear, and functional lines in worktops, kitchen island, cabinets, and other bespoke components.
Industrial lighting all over the kitchen.
With countertops, the lighting is usually traditional lighting fixtures.
Cabinets which draw inspiration from the Shaker style or are Shaker doors.
A mixture of natural materials and artificial components in earth tones.

Little to no wall decorations in the form of images or otherwise.

Transitional style means that you can put textured stone tiles in one part of the kitchen, and hardwood in another part. These juxtapositions work well if you want a heavier feel to your cabinets such as an oak kitchen, or mahogany kitchen.

This kitchen style is the ultimate definition of ‘mix and match’, as it is concerned with preserving the original state of the kitchen as much as possible while updating it to today’s standards.

Modular Kitchens

You have come upon the word ‘modular kitchen’ when planning kitchen renovations or reading about the latest trends on the web.

A modular kitchen introduces a customisable way of building the kitchen, allowing you to select a range of cabinets for various purposes, available in “modules.” The modules are available in varying sizes and can fit different functions according to the area of the kitchen you use.

Of the 5 bespoke kitchens in this article, the modular kitchen is the most customised. No two modular kitchens will look the same, even remotely.

Modular kitchens are common with people with small rooms, such as people who live in terraced housing, apartments, or houses with kitchens with limited space.

The space limitations force people to get creative and use of shelving and other storage is maximised to an incredible extent. The kitchen may include modular elements from an adjacent bedroom or larder. It can also have foldable kitchen furniture, and other unique, space-saving features.

The way you use your kitchen always dictates the modules. For example, a full-time chef will use mostly all the modules in the kitchen. But a regular traveller who does not have time to cook will require more straightforward modules.

Conclusion

Designing the kitchen of your dreams is an amazing but lengthy experience. It is often easy to want to do more than is necessary. Having these standard bespoke kitchen types in mind can help you side-step the mistake of over-designing your kitchen.

Choose a style that fits well for you and keep your preference solid. Choose a basic appearance that looks stylish and provides you with the features you need.

Remember, you should not cover the entire wall with kitchen cabinets. Hire an interior decorator beforehand, so they can use their knowledge to work together with your cabinet makers.

The key to beautiful kitchen design is balance. You should ensure that the storage room, versatility of your kitchen, and general aesthetics are harmonious.

7 Things you Need to Know about Shaker Cabinets

becky@eviewillow.com (Rebecca Coupland) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 07:45:28 GMT

Shaker doors and shaker style cupboards are kitchen designs with limited detail or profiling with a flat centre panel and square edges. Carpenters and joiners call these “stile and rail” designs because it refers to a technique in woodworking. Shaker cabinet designs are mostly symmetrical and shy of complex carvings and decorations. Shaker cabinetry is one of the most popular choices for kitchen ideas. Shaker furniture has been around for centuries. Some designers combine shakers and cabinets with various modern designs, with solid cores made of natural oak, or other wood types

“Shaker cabinetry is one of the most popular choices for kitchen ideas. Shaker furniture has been around for centuries”

Why Do They Call Them Shaker Style Cabinets?

The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, more commonly known as Shakers, originated all shaker furniture, not only shaker cabinets. They constructed wood kitchens with muted colour schemes, solid wood door handles, and drawer fronts. Shakers created their religious group in Manchester in the 18th century after splintering from the Quaker religious group. People knew them as Shaking Quakers because of the overzealous motions used during spiritual worship.

In the late 19th century, they produced simple and well-designed furniture and it became immensely popular. Homemakers still consider the shaker design and its patient craftsmanship as the epitome of traditional kitchens.

Why Are Shaker Cabinets So Popular?

Versatility, timelessness, and that they look good in other areas of the house, not just the kitchen, make Shaker style kitchens appealing. Their minimalist aesthetic makes them fit into almost all contemporary bespoke kitchens. It’s all down to mixing longevity with versatility. Also, the simple truth that authentic style never goes out of fashion.

The Shaker cabinet doors of today are still as basic and straightforward in style as they were all those years ago. The clean lines and unassuming recessed frame, which adorn classic Shaker cabinets, are appealing across the board. Whether you are looking for a traditional kitchen or the most modern designs available, shaker style doors are flexible. Nowadays, the variations in shaker kitchen designs are many.

You can have glazed doors, sliding shaker doors, oak shaker doors with clear glass, cabinetry with frosted or other forms of obscure glass, and various colour combinations. For functionality, you can even hide fridges and kitchen hoods behind handmade joinery. This ensures that even your suburban kitchen is showroom-level for guests and aesthetically minded neighbours. What makes shaker kitchen cabinets fitting for various types of kitchen projects is also their ability to work well in large and small kitchens.

How Are Shaker Doors Made?

Kitchen shaker doors, which are mostly 4-panel shaker doors, comprise 2 stiles, 2 rails, and a flat panel. A stile is a piece of wood that is vertically positioned within the frame of a cabinet. A full cabinet frame combines stiles and rails, which are horizontal pieces.

The stiles are on the sides. For the frame pieces, joiners build traditional oak shaker doors, soft maple, or use other solid wood. Thicker panels are more robust and feel more substantial.

Although the wood is high quality, it must be “stabilised” to avoid expansion or contraction and to accommodate minor cracks or imperfections. If the wood is of poor quality or carpenters do not repair it at the highest level, wood can crack. From there, the painted joints become visible and unattractive. What is worse, when the door is not painted, the wood may degrade. This also goes for larger interior doors, such as those used in the room’s entrance or exit, not just the kitchen cabinet doors.

Are Shaker doors expensive?

Shaker style cabinets cost less than kitchen ranges with similar style and design. Bespoke kitchen makers price cabinets in several ways: according to the size of the kitchen, the wood species used, and the finishes requested. As a result, the labour cost of constructing your dream kitchen varies.

A further aspect is the construction type of the Shaker kitchen doors. Inset doors fit into the cabinet so that the door surface is level with the cabinet wall. This goes for all handcrafted inset cabinet shaker doors. Today, you will spend a little extra to get this level of accuracy.

Full overlay shaker style doors cover the cabinet frame completely. This provides the maximum space within the cabinet. However, joinery and carpentry of these types of drawers and cupboards require high precision and costs will increase in proportion. The slightest mistake will lead to doors colliding or not covering the cabinet face entirely.

It’s best to contact the company and ask for a quote.

Are White Cabinets Going Out Of Style In 2026?

Although white shaker doors will never go out of style, 2026 presents exciting new kitchen design trends. As a rule of thumb: aim for simple elements with a few colour bursts.

You can explore retro updates with dark wood handles on white cabinets. Do not be scared to combine types of construction. You can have a mixture of inset and overlay door styles, shelves, and even bi-fold doors

If you follow kitchen ideas, they set the trend towards combining two colours in kitchen cabinets in 2026 to soar. Interior decorators are using dark panel doors and contrasting them with shades elsewhere to add depth and character.

The trend extends beyond the colour of contrast on the walls. This offers you the ability to explore various design elements from cabinets, kitchen islands, to worktops. You can play with woodgrains, matt finishes, or sleek laminate finishes. Choose conventional designs but make a statement that gives any kitchen a modern touch.

What Hardware Looks Best On Shaker Cabinets?

Classic – Ceramic Knobs – They remind homemakers of old-world farmhouses or a cosy cottage.
Elegant – Glass Knobs – Glass knobs add a subtle elegance to your cabinets, like a French perfume bottle or a vintage whiskey decanter.
Simple – Brass Or Nickel Knobs – Brass and nickel knobs are one of the best kitchen cabinet installation choices. This simple decorative alternative enhances stainless steel appliances and industrial lighting.
Modern – Tubular Bar Pulls – Today’s design pairs with darker finishes and bigger tiles. Tubular bars can also be as long or short as you want, horizontally or vertically.
Sleek – Flat Bar Pulls – They’re both sharp and smooth, perfectly coupled in your kitchen with other square edges. Use flat bar pulls to reinforce light and dark cabinets, quartz countertops, and intricate tiles.
Vintage – Bin Pulls – Bin pulls are also great for combining various door handle types together, so do not worry about mixing and matching.
Retro – Latches – Latches are a nostalgic trip back in time. Perhaps not the most functional one if you are in a hurry, but handy if you want some additional safety from pets or kids.
Industrial – Pulls With Exposed Screws – Pulls are sleek and trendy with their exposed screws. Combine this hardware with other minimalist features for the industrial-chic design, such as exposed bricks and stainless-steel houseware

Are Shaker Cabinets Real Wood?

Shakers historically used finer hardwoods for their craftsmanship, such as maple, birch, or chestnut. Joiners typically make modern Shaker cabinets of hardwoods like maple and cherry. The essence of the modern shaker style is mostly the design and not the wood used for building cabinets. Nearly all styles of wood, including oak, pine, or poplar are used to create kitchen cabinets and other shaker doors.

Like most styles, high and low-quality cabinetry will be available. You want to make sure you invest in well-built units. Your shaker kitchen cabinets should handle the bumps and scratches that you expect them to take.

Evie Willow’s Approach To Shaker Doors.

At Evie Willow, we only use high-quality materials. We never use chipboards. In constructing your cabinets, we use hard-wearing timbers such as maple, walnut, and tulipwood; while for your doors, frames and mouldings we strictly use Accoya.

A combination of quartz countertops, stainless steel lighting fixtures and exposed ceiling beams all combine to create a spacious kitchen. Our Sayerlack Waterborne paint gives all our cabinets a durable finish. The polished choice of the matt handle gives the Shaker style door a modern look.

It is the little details that make all the difference…

You can create something stylish and functional with Evie Willow kitchens. We design personalised internals built to your requirements.

Our skills are not limited only to building kitchens. We also craft practical boot rooms, lovely bedrooms, and elegant living rooms. We have years of experience providing bespoke solutions for every room of the house.

How to Design & Plan the Perfect Bespoke Kitchen in 2026

becky@eviewillow.com (Rebecca Coupland) — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:50:59 GMT

What is a bespoke Kitchen?

A bespoke kitchen is a kitchen designed and made specifically for your home, your lifestyle and your personal taste. Unlike an off-the-shelf or standard fitted kitchen, a bespoke kitchen is not restricted by fixed cabinet sizes, set finishes or pre-designed layouts. Every cabinet, drawer, internal detail, material and finish can be tailored to suit the space and the way you live.

At Evie Willow, a bespoke kitchen is more than cabinetry. It is a living space designed around daily rituals, entertaining, architecture and personal style. Each kitchen is designed and handcrafted at our Cotswolds workshop using traditional British craftsmanship, high-quality natural materials and carefully considered finishes.

What does “bespoke kitchen” actually mean?

A bespoke kitchen is individually designed from the ground up. Rather than selecting units from a fixed catalogue, you work with a designer and cabinet maker to create a kitchen that is unique to your home.

This means the layout, cabinetry, storage, island, materials, colours, appliances, ironmongery and internal fittings can all be considered together. A truly bespoke kitchen should bring together beauty and function in equal measure, creating a space that feels elegant, effortless and entirely personal.

For some clients, this may mean a classic hand-painted kitchen with a generous island and pantry. For others, it may be a contemporary kitchen with clean lines, specialist finishes, integrated appliances and discreet storage. The defining feature is not the style, but the level of tailoring.

Bespoke vs made-to-measure vs off-the-shelf kitchens

The term “bespoke” is often used widely, so it is worth understanding the difference.

An off-the-shelf kitchen is usually made from standard cabinets in fixed sizes and finishes. A made-to-measure kitchen may offer more flexibility, but often still works from a set range of styles or components. A bespoke kitchen is designed specifically for the client, the property and the brief, with cabinetry made to suit the exact proportions of the room.

For heritage properties, unusual layouts or clients with highly specific requirements, bespoke design is especially valuable. Evie Willow specialises in unique spaces, including heritage homes and Grade I and Grade II listed properties, where sensitivity to architecture and precise craftsmanship are essential.

Why choose a bespoke kitchen?

A bespoke kitchen begins with how you use your home. Do you cook every day? Entertain often? Need a dedicated coffee station, baking area, pantry, bar, boot room connection or hidden appliance storage?

At Evie Willow, the design process begins with listening: understanding your lifestyle, your home, how you cook, how you host and what you want the room to feel like. This allows the kitchen to be planned around your routines rather than around standard unit sizes.

Made for your architecture

Every home has its own character. Period properties may have uneven walls, beams, unusual proportions or existing features that need to be respected. Contemporary homes may require clean lines, integrated appliances and seamless transitions between kitchen, dining and living spaces.

Bespoke cabinetry can be designed to work with the architecture rather than fight against it. This is particularly important in luxury homes, where the kitchen should feel as though it belongs to the building.

More freedom with materials and finishes

A bespoke kitchen gives you far greater freedom over materials and finishes. You can choose hand-painted cabinetry, natural oak, stained veneers, walnut, specialist finishes, stone worktops, brass ironmongery, glazed cabinetry, timber interiors and handcrafted internal details.

Evie Willow works with solid hardwoods, rich veneers, natural stones and specialist finishes, selecting materials for their beauty, durability and integrity.

Better storage, designed from the inside out

Some of the most valuable details in a bespoke kitchen are hidden behind the doors. Custom drawer inserts, spice storage, tray dividers, pantry shelving, coffee drawers, recycling centres, charging docks and appliance cupboards can all be designed around your habits.

This is where bespoke design becomes quietly transformative. The kitchen feels calmer because everything has a place.

How much does a bespoke kitchen cost?

The cost of a bespoke kitchen varies widely depending on the size of the room, the complexity of the design, the materials selected, the appliances, the worktops, installation requirements and any building or preparation work involved.

A large handmade kitchen with a substantial island, natural stone surfaces, integrated appliances, specialist finishes, handcrafted internal storage and pantry cabinetry will require a greater investment than a smaller, simpler kitchen. Appliances, sinks, taps, worktops, lighting and installation can all influence the final cost.

Rather than thinking only in terms of cabinet cost, it is better to consider the whole project: design, craftsmanship, materials, appliances, installation and longevity. A bespoke kitchen is an investment in the home and in the way you live every day.

How do I choose the right bespoke kitchen company?

Choosing the right company is one of the most important decisions in the process. Look for a cabinet maker with strong craftsmanship, proven experience, a clear design process and a portfolio that reflects the level of quality you expect.

A workshop visit can be especially helpful. It allows you to see how the cabinetry is made, understand the materials being used and meet the people behind the work. Evie Willow’s Cotswolds showroom and workshop are central to the design journey, giving clients the opportunity to explore ideas, materials and craftsmanship in person.

It is also useful to consider reputation, Google reviews, professional standards and the way the company communicates.

How long does a bespoke kitchen take?

A bespoke kitchen takes time because it is designed and made specifically for you. Timescales vary depending on the complexity of the project, the level of design development required, workshop scheduling, material lead times, building works and installation requirements.

As a general guide, the process includes consultation, survey, design development, technical drawings, manufacturing and installation. For a high-quality bespoke kitchen, allowing several months from initial design to completion is realistic. Complex projects, heritage properties or kitchens requiring building work may take longer.

The most important stage is the preparation. A carefully considered brief, accurate survey and well-developed design will help ensure the finished kitchen feels effortless, functional and beautifully resolved.

What should I prepare before speaking to a kitchen designer?

You do not need to have every decision made before speaking to a designer. In fact, the best kitchens often evolve through collaboration.

It can help to prepare:

Images of kitchens, interiors, colours and materials you like
A rough idea of budget
Floor plans or architectural drawings, if available
A list of appliances you want to include
Notes on how you cook, shop, host and use the kitchen
Any frustrations with your current kitchen
Details of adjoining spaces, such as pantry, utility, boot room or dining area

A good designer will guide you through the rest.

Sustainable Kitchen Cabinetry: Eco-Friendly Materials and Processes

Evie Willow — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:00:49 GMT

Good questions to ask when exploring the matter is sustainablity is the project as a whole:

Where does the timber come from?
How is the cabinetry made?
How long the kitchen will last?
t can continue to serve beautifully for decades rather than seasons.

At Evie Willow, sustainability begins with respect. Respect for the forests that provide our materials. Respect for traditional British craftsmanship. Respect for the homes we are entrusted to work within. And respect for the future generations who will live with, inherit and continue to use the spaces we create.

A truly sustainable kitchen should feel timeless, personal and enduring. It should be made from high-quality natural materials, built with precision, and designed so thoughtfully that replacement becomes unnecessary. For us, that is where luxury and responsibility meet.

The Natural Beauty of FSC-Certified Timber

Timber is one of the most sustainable materials available when it is sourced and managed responsibly. Unlike many manufactured alternatives, wood is a renewable resource. Trees can be replanted, forests can regenerate, and well-managed woodland can continue to provide beautiful, durable material for generations.

This is why responsible sourcing matters so deeply. When timber comes from properly managed forests, it is not a finite resource being depleted, but part of a continuous cycle of growth, harvest and renewal. Each tree used for furniture and cabinetry can be replaced through careful forest management, supporting future ecosystems, future makers and future homes.

FSC-certified timber supports responsible forest management, helping to protect biodiversity, ecosystems and the communities connected to woodland environments. For a bespoke kitchen, this matters deeply. The timber we choose becomes part of a home, but it also remains part of a wider story of stewardship, renewal and respect for the natural world.

For a bespoke kitchen, timber offers something rare: beauty, strength and sustainability in one material. It can be shaped, repaired, refinished and loved for decades. Its grain, tone and texture bring warmth and individuality to a space, while its renewability makes it a natural choice for those seeking a kitchen with both elegance and environmental integrity.

Sustainable Manufacturing Without Compromise

Our Cotswolds workshop operates on principles that balance environmental responsibility with the exacting standards required for luxury cabinetry. We've invested in precision machinery that minimizes material waste, capturing timber offcuts for reuse and ensuring that sawdust and wood shavings are collected for sustainable disposal or energy recovery. This careful stewardship of resources reflects our craft ethos, where every piece of timber is valued and nothing is casually discarded.

Made to order, never made for stock

One of the most responsible choices we make is also one of the most fundamental to bespoke craftsmanship: every Evie Willow kitchen is made to order.

We do not mass-produce cabinetry, hold unnecessary stock or manufacture kitchens before they have a home. Each cabinet, drawer, door and internal detail is designed for a specific client, a specific space and a specific way of living. This means materials are ordered and prepared with intention, reducing unnecessary surplus and avoiding the waste that can come from standardised production.

Our made-to-order approach allows us to use timber, stone, finishes and hardware more intelligently. Every component has a purpose. Every measurement is taken with care. Every detail is planned before making begins, so the finished kitchen is not only beautiful, but efficient in the way it is created.

Efficient local manufacturing

Our kitchens are designed and handcrafted in our Cotswolds workshop, allowing us to keep the making process close, considered and carefully controlled.

Local manufacturing gives us greater oversight of quality, materials and waste. It also means our designers and makers work closely together throughout the process, refining details, resolving challenges and ensuring every element is made with precision before it reaches your home.

This connection between design and craft is essential to the Evie Willow approach. It reduces unnecessary error, avoids overproduction and allows each kitchen to be made with the attention and accountability that true luxury requires.

Rather than outsourcing the heart of the process, we keep craftsmanship at the centre. The result is a kitchen shaped by skilled hands, intelligent planning and a deep respect for the materials used to create it.

Plywood Carcass Construction for Lasting Durability

Plywood is also a highly considered material when made from responsibly sourced timber. Its construction process makes intelligent use of wood by layering thin veneers together, creating a panel that is strong, stable and efficient.

This layered structure gives plywood excellent durability, dimensional stability and strength-to-weight performance. In kitchen cabinetry, that matters. Carcasses need to withstand daily use, changing temperatures, moisture, movement and weight over many years. A strong carcass extends the life of the kitchen, and longevity is one of the most important measures of sustainability.

Plywood also makes effective use of the tree. By converting timber into thin sheets and bonding them in layers, manufacturers can create large, reliable panels from natural wood with less waste than many solid-board approaches. The result is a material that supports precision cabinet making while helping each piece of timber go further.

At Evie Willow, we choose plywood for our carcassing because it offers strength, stability and longevity. It allows us to create kitchens that are beautifully made on the outside and intelligently constructed within — designed not for short-term use, but for decades of family life.

Low-VOC Finishes and Natural Paint Systems

Sustainability is not only about the wider environment. It is also about the atmosphere within the home.

The finishes used on cabinetry can affect indoor air quality, especially in the months following installation. Low-VOC finishes help reduce the release of volatile organic compounds, creating a more considered choice for homes where comfort, wellbeing and environmental responsibility are important.

For a luxury kitchen, performance still matters. A finish must be beautiful, durable and suitable for daily life. The best low-VOC and waterborne paint systems can provide rich colour, smooth application and long-lasting protection while supporting a healthier interior environment.

They also allow flexibility over time. A painted kitchen can be refreshed, repaired or reimagined without losing the quality of the original cabinetry. This ability to evolve is another reason a handmade kitchen can be a more sustainable investment.

Low-silica worktops and considered material choices

Sustainable kitchen design is not limited to cabinetry. Worktops, finishes and surfaces all play an important role in creating a healthier, more responsible home.

Where appropriate, we can guide clients towards low-silica worktop options and natural stone alternatives that balance beauty, performance and considered specification. These choices are particularly important for clients who want their kitchen to reflect both luxury and responsibility, from the materials that are seen every day to the processes behind how they are made and installed.

Whether selecting natural stone, quartzite, ceramic, timber or another specialist surface, our role is to help you choose materials that suit your home, your lifestyle and your values. The most successful kitchens are not created by one decision alone, but by a series of thoughtful choices working beautifully together.

Timeless Appeal: Why Shaker Cabinets Endure in Modern Kitchens

Evie Willow — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:46:29 GMT

Are Shaker Style Kitchen Cabinets Still in Style? A 2026 Guide to Timeless Bespoke Kitchens.

Yes. Shaker style kitchen cabinets remain one of the most enduring choices for luxury kitchens because they balance simplicity, craftsmanship and adaptability. Their clean framed design works beautifully in traditional country homes, contemporary extensions, listed properties and elegant modern interiors.

The reason Shaker cabinetry has lasted for centuries is simple: it does not rely on decoration to make an impression. Instead, it depends on proportion, material quality and the precision of the maker. In a bespoke kitchen, that quiet confidence is exactly what gives Shaker doors their timeless appeal.

At Evie Willow, we see Shaker style cabinetry not as a trend, but as a foundation. It can be softened with warm neutrals, made architectural with deep colour, elevated with brass or bronze hardware, or refined with natural timber, stone and hand-finished details.

Shaker cabinets are not simply still in style in 2026, they are the reason timeless kitchen design never goes out of fashion.

Rebecca Coupland, Designer

What are Shaker style kitchen cabinets?

Shaker style kitchen cabinets are defined by a framed door with a recessed centre panel. The design is typically made from two vertical stiles, two horizontal rails and a flat central panel.

This construction is often referred to by cabinet makers as a stile and rail design. It is simple, balanced and practical, with very little ornamentation. The beauty lies in the proportions, the quality of the joinery and the way the cabinetry sits within the wider room.

A classic Shaker door usually includes:

A flat recessed centre panel
Square or subtly softened edges
A clean timber frame
Minimal moulding or decorative detail
A balanced, symmetrical appearance

In modern luxury kitchens, the Shaker style can be interpreted in many ways. A traditional in-frame Shaker kitchen might feel elegant and heritage-led, while a slimmer-framed Shaker door can feel cleaner, sharper and more contemporary.

Why do they call them shaker style cabinets?

Shaker cabinets take their name from the Shakers, formally known as the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing. The movement began in 18th-century England before becoming especially influential in America.

The Shakers believed in simplicity, utility, honesty and exceptional craftsmanship. Their furniture reflected these values. Every piece had a purpose. Every detail was considered. Nothing was added simply for display.

That philosophy is why Shaker furniture still feels so relevant today. In a world of changing interiors trends, Shaker cabinetry offers restraint, permanence and integrity. It is elegant because it is useful. It is luxurious because it is beautifully made.

Why are shaker cabinets so popular?

Shaker kitchen cabinets are popular because they offer rare versatility. They can look traditional, contemporary, rustic, architectural or quietly luxurious depending on the materials, colour palette, hardware and surrounding design.

For homeowners, Shaker cabinetry offers longevity. It is not a style that dates quickly. For designers, architects and developers, it offers flexibility. The same design language can be adapted for a Cotswold country house, a refined townhouse, a high-end development or a modern family home.

The appeal comes down to five key qualities:

Timeless Design - Shaker cabinetry has endured because it is beautifully simple. Its framed design creates interest without feeling ornate, which means it works across changing interiors trends.
Design flexibility - A Shaker kitchen can be painted in soft white, warm taupe, deep green, navy, charcoal or a completely bespoke colour. It can be paired with marble, quartz, limestone, oak, walnut, bronze, nickel or aged brass.
Craftsmanship - When handmade properly, Shaker cabinets showcase the skill of the cabinet maker. The proportions, joints, finishes and alignment all matter.
Suitability for heritage homes - Shaker kitchens are particularly well suited to period properties because they respect architectural character without feeling dated. They can be designed around uneven walls, original features, beams, alcoves and unusual proportions.
Modern practicality - Behind a classic Shaker door, a bespoke kitchen can include highly personalised storage: breakfast cupboards, coffee stations, larders, tray dividers, spice drawers, integrated bins, charging drawers and concealed appliances.

Can Shaker cabinets work in a modern kitchen?

Absolutely. Shaker cabinets work exceptionally well in modern kitchens when the proportions, finish and detailing are carefully considered.

For a more contemporary Shaker kitchen, consider:

Slimmer Shaker frames
A calm, architectural colour palette
Push-to-open or discreet hardware
Integrated appliances hidden behind cabinetry
Natural stone worktops with waterfall ends
Fluted timber, reeded glass or bronze accents
Full-height cabinetry for a seamless furniture-like effect
Clean internal organisation designed around daily rituals

A modern Shaker kitchen does not need to feel rustic or traditional. With the right details, it can feel sculptural, elegant and highly sophisticated.

Are shaker doors expensive?

Shaker kitchen cabinets can vary widely in cost. A mass-produced Shaker-style door will cost significantly less than a fully bespoke, handmade, in-frame Shaker kitchen.

The price depends on several factors:

The size of the kitchen
Whether the cabinetry is bespoke or off-the-shelf
The timber and materials used
The complexity of the layout
The internal storage requirements
The choice of worktops
The finish and paint specification
Whether appliances are concealed
Whether the property has unusual or heritage features
The level of installation precision required

In-frame Shaker kitchens are usually more expensive than standard overlay cabinets because the doors sit within a frame and require exacting craftsmanship. Every margin, joint and shadow gap must be carefully controlled.

A bespoke Shaker kitchen is an investment, but it offers something standard cabinetry cannot: a kitchen designed around your home, your rituals and the way you live.

What is the difference between in-frame and overlay Shaker cabinets?

The difference lies in how the door sits against the cabinet.

In-frame Shaker cabinets
With in-frame cabinetry, the door sits neatly within a solid frame. This is a traditional furniture-making approach and gives the kitchen a refined, handcrafted appearance. It requires exceptional accuracy and is often associated with high-end bespoke kitchens.

Overlay (layon) Shaker cabinets
With overlay cabinetry, the door sits over the cabinet frame. This can create a clean look and may allow for slightly more internal space, depending on the construction.

For a luxury kitchen, in-frame Shaker cabinetry is often chosen for its depth, elegance and sense of permanence.

What hardware looks best on shaker cabinets?

Classic – Ceramic Knobs – They remind homemakers of old-world farmhouses or a cosy cottage.

Elegant – Glass Knobs – Glass knobs add a subtle elegance to your cabinets, like a French perfume bottle or a vintage whiskey decanter.

Simple – Brass Or Nickel Knobs – Brass and nickel knobs are one of the best kitchen cabinet installation choices. This simple decorative alternative enhances stainless steel appliances and industrial lighting.

Modern – Tubular Bar Pulls – Today’s design pairs with darker finishes and bigger tiles. Tubular bars can also be as long or short as you want, horizontally or vertically.

Sleek – Flat Bar Pulls – They’re both sharp and smooth, perfectly coupled in your kitchen with other square edges. Use flat bar pulls to reinforce light and dark cabinets, quartz countertops, and intricate tiles.

Vintage – Bin Pulls – Bin pulls are also great for combining various door handle types together, so do not worry about mixing and matching.

Retro – Latches – Latches are a nostalgic trip back in time. Perhaps not the most functional one if you are in a hurry, but handy if you want some additional safety from pets or kids.
Industrial – Pulls With Exposed Screws – Pulls are sleek and trendy with their exposed screws. Combine this hardware with other minimalist features for the industrial-chic design, such as exposed bricks and stainless-steel houseware

Can Shaker cabinets be used beyond the kitchen?

Yes. One of the reasons Shaker cabinetry remains so popular is that it works beautifully throughout the home. Using Shaker-style cabinetry across several rooms can create a sense of flow, especially in larger homes, country properties and high-end residential developments.

Evie Willow also creates bespoke interiors for the spaces that surround the kitchen, from elegant boot rooms and utility rooms to bedrooms, dressing rooms and living spaces. Discover our other rooms and explore how handcrafted cabinetry can elevate every part of your home.

It is the little details that make all the difference…

You can create something stylish and functional with Evie Willow kitchens. We design personalised internals built to your requirements.

Our skills are not limited only to building kitchens. We also craft practical boot rooms, lovely bedrooms, and elegant living rooms. We have years of experience providing bespoke solutions for every room of the house.

Trends: Kitchen Design Trend Predictions for 2026

Evie Willow — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:33:03 GMT

From softly pigmented timber finishes to tactile stone, fluted details and contemporary interpretations of Shaker cabinetry, these are the kitchen design directions we believe will shape the year ahead.

Stained Timber

One of the most interesting finish directions for 2026 is the use of stains as opposed to paint to allow the wood grain to remain visible. These tinted layers introduce colour while still honouring the natural timber beneath, adding depth and character. From forest greens to dusky mauves and smoked navy, this approach brings personality to cabinetry without sacrificing elegance or long-term flexibility.

Light Timber & Soft Finishes

For clients who love light, open kitchens, we’re seeing a move away from pure white towards softer, chalky pastels paired with pale timbers. Think pale oak with gentle colourful accents. These combinations bring warmth and understated colour to contemporary homes, creating spaces that feel calm, practical and welcoming for everyday family life.

Warm & Mid-Tone Wood Shades

The dominance of very pale Scandi-inspired timbers is giving way to richer, mid-tone woods. Golden oaks, chocolatey walnut and toasted stains are increasingly popular, offering a grounded warmth and a quietly luxurious feel. They’re ideal for clients who want inviting, characterful spaces without going too dark or traditional, especially when combined with tactile details such as leather handles or warm brass hardware.

Earthy Tones & Natural Textures

We’re seeing growing demand for nature-led schemes, with earthy palettes becoming a favourite choice. Warm beiges, taupes, terracotta, clay pinks and muted olive tones are layered with stone, linen, timber and hand-finished metals. Together, they create a calm, grounded aesthetic that celebrates the beauty and variation of natural materials – a look that ages gracefully and feels reassuringly timeless.

Wooden Fluted Doors

Texture is taking centre stage in 2026. Fluted or slatted wooden doors continue to rise in popularity, offering a striking alternative to flat-front cabinetry. Whether set vertically or horizontally, these reeded surfaces add depth, rhythm and architectural interest, working particularly well on islands or tall feature runs. Paired with natural finishes and simple lines, they bring a refined, bespoke feel to the kitchen.

The Return of Stainless Steel

Once seen mainly in commercial spaces, stainless steel is returning to high-end domestic kitchens in a softer, more tailored way. Today’s versions are often brushed or matte, giving a warmer and more relaxed look. When combined with materials such as fluted oak, travertine or quartzite, stainless steel provides a sleek yet inviting contrast. Used on islands, worktops or integrated appliances, it delivers excellent durability while maintaining design integrity.

Modern Shaker in Oak Finishes

The enduring appeal of Shaker design is being carefully reworked for contemporary homes. Clients are asking for cleaner, slimmer frames and more minimal detailing. In oak finishes, this style blends heritage and craftsmanship with a crisp, modern silhouette. It’s a versatile look that feels at home in both period properties and new builds, and sits perfectly with Evie Willow’s focus on finely made cabinetry.

Leathered Worktops

For those wanting a more tactile alternative to polished stone, leathered worktops are set to be a key choice in 2026. Their soft, matte surface and naturally textured feel bring depth and character to granites, marbles and quartzites. The result is a worktop that looks refined yet understated, is highly practical in daily use, and complements both classic and contemporary schemes.

At Evie Willow, we believe in kitchens that feel timeless yet completely personal. These emerging trends reflect a wider move towards authenticity, longevity and a deeper emotional connection with the heart of the home – principles that sit at the core of how we design and craft our truly bespoke kitchens to last for decades.