Are shaker cabinets going out of style? How modern kitchens are re-imagining a classic

Shaker kitchens have been around for generations, so it’s no surprise homeowners are asking the question: Are shaker cabinets going out of style?

No, shaker cabinets are not going out of style, they are, however, evolving. 

Today’s shaker cabinetry looks very different to the traditional all-white Hamptons kitchens many people picture. Through refined detailing, modern colour palettes and contemporary layouts, shaker kitchens are being re-imagined in ways that feel current, sophisticated and perfectly suited to modern living.

What are shaker cabinets?

Shaker cabinets are defined by their simple framed design. Each door features a flat centre panel with a slim frame around the edge, creating a subtle recessed detail without ornate decoration.

Visually, they sit between classic and contemporary. The framing adds depth and character, while the clean lines keep the look timeless and versatile. This is what allows shaker cabinetry to suit both traditional kitchens and modern spaces.

In today’s modern shaker kitchens, the same framed profile remains, but with slimmer proportions, refined finishes and contemporary detailing, giving the style a lighter, more architectural feel.

Why shaker cabinets remain popular

Shaker cabinetry has never been about trends. Its longevity comes from its simplicity, proportion and versatility.

The clean, framed door profile offers subtle detail without feeling ornate. That balance is exactly why shaker cabinets adapt so well to different eras, homes and design influences.

Rather than disappearing and falling out of popularity, shaker kitchens continue to evolve alongside modern architecture, technology and lifestyles, making them one of the most future-proof design choices you can make for your kitchen.

Modern shaker kitchen ideas: How modern kitchens are redefining shaker style

The modern shaker kitchen isn’t about replicating the past. It’s about refinement and evolution. 

Here are some of the ways we have seen shaker cabinetry evolve alongside modern kitchen design: 

Slimmer profiles and cleaner detailing

One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is in proportion. Modern shaker doors feature slimmer frames, softer edges and far less visual layering than their traditional counterparts, an example being Polytec’s Torino profile and their Sussex profile. The result is a lighter, more streamlined look that works beautifully in contemporary homes.

More typical shaker profiles such as Polytec Hamptons, Ascot, Casino and Brooklyn are increasingly used with a lighter touch, introducing subtle detail without overwhelming the overall design. They are also frequently combined with flat cabinetry. 

Modern colour palettes replacing all-white kitchens

While white shaker kitchens will always have a place, modern shaker kitchen ideas embrace a broader, more confident palette.

Soft neutrals, warm greys, muted greens and deep charcoals are popular choices, often paired with contrasting islands or layered timber textures. These colour combinations add depth and warmth without compromising the clean lines that make shaker kitchens so appealing.

For homeowners wanting a refined, premium feel, darker shaker cabinetry combined with stone benchtops and subtle metallic accents creates a look that feels both timeless, luxurious and distinctly modern.

Mixing shaker and flat panel cabinetry

One of the most effective ways shaker kitchens are being modernised is through thoughtful contrast.

Pairing shaker cabinetry with flat panel doors, particularly on overhead cupboards or tall cabinetry, creates a contemporary balance of texture and simplicity. This approach maintains the character of shaker design while introducing the minimalism expected in modern kitchens.

It’s a subtle design move, but one that immediately lifts the space.

Contemporary materials and finishes elevate the look

Modern shaker kitchens go far beyond cabinetry alone.

Concrete-look stone, engineered stone, fluted glass and textured timber finishes are now commonly integrated into shaker designs. These materials bring depth and tactility, helping the kitchen feel layered and architectural rather than traditional and overly uniform.

Handles have also evolved. Contemporary options such as slimline pulls, half-moon shapes, stone finishes or even handleless designs are frequently used to give shaker cabinetry a more modern edge.

Shaker kitchens in modern layouts and open-plan homes

Another reason shaker cabinets are not going out of style is their adaptability to modern layouts.

Open-plan living demands kitchens that feel cohesive with surrounding spaces. Modern shaker kitchens achieve this through:

• Integrated appliances that maintain clean sightlines
• Concealed rangehoods and storage solutions
• Functional islands that work as social hubs
• Smart technology discreetly built into the design

These kitchens feel intentional and calm, allowing the cabinetry detail to add interest without dominating the space.

Are shaker cabinets a safe choice for long-term value?

For many Perth homeowners, longevity matters. 

Shaker kitchens continue to perform exceptionally well because they sit comfortably between classic and contemporary. They don’t date quickly, yet they’re flexible enough to evolve with changing finishes, colours and technology.

When designed well, a modern shaker kitchen feels relevant today and still refined years down the track, making it a smart investment for both lifestyle and resale.

The key is thoughtful, modern design

So, are shaker cabinets going out of style? Not at all.

What is going out of style are heavy profiles, excessive detailing and one-size-fits-all designs. 

Modern shaker kitchens succeed when they’re thoughtfully designed, tailored to the home, and finished with contemporary materials and proportions.

All of our cabinetry is custom made locally by skilled craftsmen in our Bassendean factory, giving us complete control over quality, detail and finish. This hands-on approach ensures every element fits your space precisely and performs beautifully as part of the overall kitchen design. If you’re drawn to the character of shaker cabinetry but want a kitchen that feels current, refined and built to last, modern shaker design may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Note: This post was originally published on  December 20, 2022 and has been updated on March 05, 2026.