Shaker kitchens have proven themselves to be one of the great icons of kitchen design. Their celebration of simplicity, purity, and calm elegance is the ideal backdrop to the often vibrant and charged environment of the heart of the home. The Shaker design demands absolute minimalism and complete mastery of craftsmanship, paired with thoughtful paintwork. This is an arena where attention to detail is crucial, and where every brushstroke matters. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of how to select the correct colour scheme for your hand-painted Shaker kitchen.
Constructing The Backdrop
Long before considering any details, it is advisable to begin with the chromatic backdrop. This will form the basis of the resulting palette and will influence the overall psychology of the space. The backdrop colour for a hand-painted Shaker kitchen will likely be grey, white, or cream. White can be softened by a matte or powdery finish and can benefit from a hint of warm shading. Grey has found its vogue in modern interior design, but be wary of the risk of creating the wrong contrast if it juxtaposes too strongly with bright sunlight. When choosing your backdrop colour for your hand-painted Shaker kitchen, think very carefully about the natural light, the space, and the dominant emotion that you wish to express.
Persuasive Pairings
Once the subtle base colour has been selected, it is time to awaken your luxury Shaker kitchen with a few bold accents. Some pairings are naturally complimentary, for example, Grey is the enduring companion of ruby, burgundy, and claret, all of which command sophistication. White will always be the perfect partner for the full spectrum of blues, which in a Shaker-inspired kitchen design can range from seascape teal to dramatic cobalt. Cream is the natural counterpart for forest hues, offering a dynamic palette of greens. Don’t be afraid to use a brush of something as powerful as malachite, as long as the balance retains the overall base colour aesthetic.
Augment The Organic
Almost all luxury Shaker kitchen cabinetry designs will benefit from staying true to organic tones. Some designers have experimented with the full paintbox, but as a general rule, it is earth colours that will complement the natural wood and stone of a hand-painted Shaker kitchen. This is not to say that the colours must be boring, the natural world still offers a plethora of chromatograph opportunities. For instance, peridot green can be used to stunning and unusual effects, especially when partnered with brass fixtures and fittings. Tourmaline blue can invoke the crystalline calm of still water, offering a cool stillness that can be augmented with brushed chrome.
Work With Your Space
The size, shape, and natural light of the room will all have a major influence on the ideal colour scheme for hand-painted Shaker kitchen cabinetry. If your space is flooded with warm, natural light, it is the ideal environment for forest hues. However, the arrangement will depend upon the size. Small spaces can be made to feel a lot smaller when crowded by strong colours. As such, maximise the cream and keep the green accents to a minimum. The same is true in reverse if your space is so large that it risks losing its intimacy, you could consider creating a nest of greys and warm garnets. If in doubt, use 3D design technology to test your ideas with a model of your space, and the correct balance should quickly become clear.
What Next?
To explore the beautiful, hand-crafted options that are waiting for you, book a design consultation with Drew Forsyth today.
