Kitchen islands have become an indispensable feature of bespoke kitchen design. A natural way to increase both the working area and available storage, while also creating both a focal point and a social space, a kitchen island is a hallmark of sensitive design. Kitchen islands are particularly familiar in the Shaker kitchen tradition, and today we explore why.
Simplicity Is Central
Shaker kitchens are a celebration of pure simplicity. Their sophistication is in their unassuming elegance, and their tribute is to all things practical and ergonomic. This is one of the many reasons why a simple, sensible staple such as a bespoke kitchen island is a seamless addition to the aesthetic. Clean lines, minimalist design, and discrete storage emphasise the Shaker kitchen design idealism. This notion is equally valid whether the surrounding space is modern, traditional, or a blend of both.
Delicious Durability
Shaker kitchens celebrate durable materials such as hardwood and stone. The precision and colour of hand-painted Shaker cabinetry is often a defining statement, while countertops offer an opportunity to showcase the majesty of stone. Naturally flecked granite, with its unique blend of strength and beauty, is a traditional choice, while more recent designs have explored materials such as quartz. These materials require minimal maintenance to retain their clean, timeless appeal, without overpowering the space, while celebrating the sturdiness of the shaker kitchen island.
Focus On Functionality
Functionality may not sound like a fashion statement, but in a Shaker kitchen, it is an expression of intelligent design. A Shaker kitchen island is both an object of beauty and an object of practicality, incorporating highly detailed organisation. Storage is ergonomic, with everything positioned for instinctive and effortless access. Shaker kitchen island designs therefore place a strong emphasis on flexibility, especially in terms of recognising that spaces need to change, adapt, and grow as the lives around them evolve. As such, their future-focused design represents opportunity rather than stasis.
Personalised Precision
There is no overarching architectural command for Shaker kitchen design. It fits as neatly into a modern property as it does into a heritage space. By working with the simplicity of the Shaker framework, the style can be adapted to present a rustic idyll as easily as contemporary industrialism. As such, there is ample opportunity for personalised touches. This might be a bold or unexpected accent colour, a bespoke light fitting, or hand-made kitchen furniture, all of which can be carried easily by a Shaker kitchen island.
Contrast, Contour, Control
The Shaker canvass offers vast creative opportunity. One of the most sought-after styles is a seamless blend of the traditional and the modern, for which the Shaker kitchen is arguably the best framework. Contrasting colours, sleek hardware, or unusual materials can all be used to blend the old and the new without either encroaching on the domain of the other. This allows for modern appliances such as wine fridges to be beautifully incorporated into kitchen islands without jarring the aesthetic.
What Next?
To explore the beautiful, hand-crafted options that are waiting for you, book a design consultation with Drew Forsyth today.
