Shaker Style Is the Most Enduring Look in Interior Design
Shaker style has been around for more than 200 years, making it one of America’s oldest and most enduring design aesthetics. Defined by simplicity, utility, and fine craftsmanship, the Shaker style isn’t about overly ornate design; instead, it embraces simple silhouettes, enduring materials, and time-evolved pieces.
While the historic design style commonly translates as Shaker kitchens in today’s homes, Shaker decorating principles can apply to spaces beyond the cooking space. ‘For me, Shaker design is often misunderstood as simply being plain or minimalist. In reality it’s a philosophy of making rather than a visual style,’ says Paul Staden, founder of handcrafted furniture company Pilgrim House.
‘The Shakers believed that every object should have purpose, that beauty should arise from utility, and that craftsmanship was an expression of care and integrity. Their guiding tenets of honesty, utility, simplicity and quality of workmanship continue to feel remarkably relevant to me.’
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Why Is Shaker Style So Timeless?
Shaker style is one of the oldest design aesthetics in America, and remarkably little has changed over the past 250 years. The colors we use may have become slightly bolder, and the way we style it has evolved, but the classic forms and timeless principles established by the Shakers remain at the heart of this enduring design style.
Its longevity is down to the fact that Shaker is more than a design style; it’s a decorating mindset that focuses on the artisanal. As the interior design world adopts a slower, more enduring approach, the move away from fast fashions and fleeting interior design trends means hardworking design like Shaker has never been more popular. While the time-tested aesthetic is timeless in its simplicity, there are some on-trend ways to introduce the look into the home in 2026.
‘This almost accidental style was born from sheer hard work and strong beliefs of thoughtful, functional form and proportion,’ explains Helen Parker, Creative Director of DeVOL. ‘The lack of ornamentation and simple clean lines has become the go-to look for so many of us as it allows us to choose between keeping it simple or adding our own changeable ornamentation and decoration. This was not the purpose of this design or the intention of the Shakers, but it does allow it to be a very flexible and almost chameleon-like style which appeals to so many of us.’
1. Incorporate Shaker-Style Furniture
Shaker furniture continues to stand proud in today’s homes, bringing an understated elegance to every room.
(Image credit: deVOL Kitchens)
Beyond the kitchen, an easy way to bring this classic look into your home is through Shaker-style and original vintage pieces, such as ladder-back chairs or spindle stools, designed to provide comfort and endure. ‘The furniture wasn’t stripped back for aesthetic reasons alone; it was designed so that nothing was superfluous and everything earned its place,’ explains Paul. ‘That gives Shaker furniture a confidence and an enduring quality that feels as good today as it did centuries ago.’
‘When creating Shaker-inspired pieces, don’t set out to recreate period Shaker furniture. Instead, I try to apply the principles that informed it. That means designing pieces where proportion is carefully considered, and the design restrained, materials are allowed to speak for themselves, and construction is celebrated rather than concealed. Like the Shakers, I favor honest joinery, restrained detailing and natural materials, believing that longevity is one of the most sustainable forms of design.’
‘Those guiding Shaker principles influence everything I make, from cabinetry to freestanding furniture. I want my pieces to feel calm and settled rather than attention-seeking, objects that become part of everyday life and grow more beautiful through use. While the aesthetic is understated, a great deal of attention is given to the details that aren’t seen, the quality of the materials, the precision of the joinery, the way drawers glide and doors close. I believe these are the things people live with every day, and they’re what ultimately give furniture its lasting value.’
2. Experiment With Heritage Hues
Rich red tones are typical of Shaker design, bringing a heritage feel to today’s homes.
(Image credit: deVOL Kitchens)
When many think of a Shaker color scheme, it’s a very neutral affair, with lots of creams, whites, and beige. However, it was a far more varied palette, and one that feels right on trend for 2026. The Shakers created their own paints from local natural dyes. From deep navy blue to rich burgundies, these timeless paint colors blend beautifully with the clean lines and rich wood tones.
Historically, Shakers did limit certain color choices for homes to prevent vanity, but colors like blue and white were viewed as pious, prompting the use of mid-tone and dark blues in homes. Deeper reds are also typical of Shaker design; originally made from iron oxide pigments, they were commonly used on furniture and architectural features such as ceiling trim and window treatments.
‘Color is vital to bringing warmth to Shaker-influenced spaces,’ says interior designer Caroline Levenson. ‘Alongside chalky whites, putty colors, and natural wood tones, I associate Shaker interiors with clear, grounding colors: deep blue, ochre yellow, and earthy red. In a contemporary room, I might envelop the walls and millwork in a strong blue, then introduce yellow and red through towels, rugs, textiles, or other useful objects. Because the architectural lines remain simple, the room can carry these bolder colors without feeling busy. Also at home with Shaker lines, muted greens, blue-grays, and nearly black browns offer a softer interpretation for these spaces.’
When decorating with a Shaker palette, don’t forget earthy colors like mid-tone browns and organic greens. These understated hues were commonly used in hardworking areas of the home such as kitchens, hallways, and fireplaces.
3. Invest In Sturdy Storage
A Shaker-inspired cabinet designed by Pilgrim House feels right at home in this period setting.
(Image credit: Pilgrim House)
Shaker-inspired storage is also a timeless way to bring the style into your home – combine practicality with beautiful design. ‘Shaker storage is practical over everything else,’ says interior designer Michelle Squire of Studio Squire. ‘Everything has a purpose and a place, which makes a home feel calmer and more functional. That’s a principle I bring into almost every project, whether it’s custom pantry storage, built-in cabinetry, or appliance garages that keep everyday items tucked away. It’s less about having more storage and more about designing storage that supports the way people live.’
From entryway consoles to seamless built-in solutions for your bedroom, the best Shaker storage appears unassuming yet classic in design. Typically made from organic, hardwearing wood and finished in a heritage colorway, Shaker pieces have an understated quality that makes them fitting for any space.
4. Go Classic With a Shaker Kitchen
A muted palette, hardwearing materials, and farmhouse decor make this shaker-style pantry homely yet hardworking.
(Image credit: Ailsa Reeve)
Of course, where we see Shaker most often translated is in the kitchen. ‘It’s a simplistic beauty that has clean lines and zero fuss,’ explains interior designer Ailsa MacConnell of Studio Mac. ‘There’s a real feeling of craftsmanship and quality behind a shaker kitchen that makes it such a classic style.
While Shaker beliefs can be translated in any room, to Ailsa, nothing beats a traditional Shaker kitchen. ‘There’s a timelessness to a Shaker kitchen that I really love, so this fits perfectly in line with our design ethos. Whether you go for a lower budget range that is paintable or the more bespoke handmade route, they work perfectly in all of our properties.’
‘This property is a beautiful Georgian home (pictured above), that has extremely high ceilings and all of its stunning original features. We wanted to create a kitchen and utility room that really spoke to the property and gave the feeling that it’s always been there. The main space, the client really loved the tone of walnut, due to its warmth and the feeling it would never age, so, we used this in the main space and went for a painted finish in the utility room. Both rooms were designed with a real sensitivity to the soul and age of the property and we worked with a local cabinet maker (Charles Smith Joinery) to bring the vision to life.’
The Shaker Shopping Edit
Shaker style is one of the longest-standing interior design styles, and while it’s been slightly adapted for modern homes, the principles of function over form and simplicity over the ornate have never wavered. It’s a style that can go beyond the kitchen, adding a timeless look to any room. It’s also a style that blends so well with other eras, making it ideal for creating a more transitional home.
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