Contemporary Open-Plan Shaker Kitchen-Diner

This contemporary bespoke shaker kitchen was designed for a client who was renovating a seventies house in Crockerton, Wiltshire in 2018.

We designed the extension and all of the custom furniture so they worked together. the brief was to create a modern, open-plan, family space that would become the heart of the home.

Read our blog post to find out more about the project.

An open-plan Shaker kitchen is a versatile and timeless design concept that combines the elegance of Shaker-style cabinetry with the modern trend of an open, spacious living area. Rooted in the simplicity and craftsmanship of the Shaker design philosophy, this kitchen style embraces clean lines, minimalistic details, and a focus on functionality.

Key features of an open-plan Shaker kitchen include:

  1. Shaker-Style Cabinetry: The hallmark of this design is its use of Shaker-style cabinets. These cabinets are characterized by their flat-panel doors, recessed panels, and clean, unadorned look, which gives them a timeless and versatile appeal.
  2. Open Layout: Unlike traditional closed-off kitchens, an open plan Shaker kitchen seamlessly integrates with adjacent living or dining areas. This layout fosters a sense of connectivity, allowing for easy interaction with family and guests while cooking.
  3. Natural Materials: The use of natural materials like wood for cabinetry and countertops is common in Shaker kitchens. This choice adds warmth and a touch of rustic charm to the space.
  4. Neutral Color Palette: A neutral color palette predominates, with white and soft pastels being popular choices. These colors create a bright, airy, and inviting atmosphere, making the space feel open and welcoming.
  5. Functional Design: Shaker kitchens prioritize functionality with ample storage, efficient workspaces, and a focus on practicality. This design ensures that the kitchen not only looks beautiful but also performs seamlessly for cooking and entertaining.

This contemporary open-plan shaker kitchen was designed for a client who was renovating a seventies house in Crockerton, Wiltshire. We designed the extension and all of the custom furniture so they worked together. The brief was to create a modern, open plan, family space that would become the heart of the home.

Date: September 2018

Cost: £34,500

Including the appliances, worktops, sink, tap and storage baskets.

open-plan shaker kitchen dining area and snug

The main feature of this room was the bespoke kitchen island. This was designed to be the central workspace; the induction hob sits in the middle with an integrated flip-top power socket in the handmade oak worktop to create a practical zone for cooking and baking.

Not only is the kitchen open-plan but it flows into the other spaces in the extension: the diner and snug.

The tall units at the back of the space house an integrated fridge, drinks cupboard, oven and larder. The large belfast sink sits in a run of cabinets with a built-in dishwasher, integrated bin and clever pull out storage baskets.

The open-plan Shaker kitchen dresser was designed to look more like a freestanding piece of furniture. It houses the microwave, kettle, coffee machine and toaster. It also has an oak plate rack and plenty of storage. The tiles are from Fired Earth and were chosen by us to complement the warm pink and plum tones of the kitchen cabinets.

The kitchen design process started in March, as soon as the client had an offer accepted on the house. We drew up designs and found a contractor to undertake the project. The work on the kitchen extension started in May 2018 and the handmade kitchen was completed by the end of August, when the clients were due to move in. We worked to a tight deadline and made sure that the project stayed within the agreed budget, offsetting any cost to the client from hiring us to project manage the build.