This timeless Shaker kitchen was designed for a family in Wimbledon who were carrying out a full kitchen extension. They were after something calm, practical and beautifully crafted. The brief was to create an open-plan space that would enhance day-to-day life and feel just as inviting for the daily meals as it would weekend brunches & dinner with friends.
We worked closely with the owners to design a bespoke kitchen that would make the most of the generous, light-filled space. From layout choices to colour palettes, the result is a kitchen that feels effortlessly elegant and a pleasure to use.
Layout decisions led by real life
We explored a few layout options with our clients, including having the sink on the island and the hob along the main run of cabinetry. In the end, they opted for the hob on the island, as it felt more sociable; ideal for cooking while chatting to guests.
This decision set the tone for the rest of the design: a kitchen that’s not just beautiful, but also thoughtful and intuitive to use.
A timeless shaker kitchen, custom-made in Surrey
The custom-made timeless Shaker kitchen cabinetry includes a central island, painted in a deeper tone for contrast, which brings balance and function to the space. With a breakfast bar for seating, and plenty of prep surface, it’s become the heart of the room; a lovely spot for people to gather around, without getting in the way of the cook.
The kitchen blends luxury craftsmanship with everyday ease, solid oak dovetailed drawers, soft-close mechanisms, and beautifully fitted internals ensure that the quality is felt in every detail.
Mixing Timeless and Modern Design details
While this is very much a timeless Shaker kitchen, there are plenty of modern touches that give it a more contemporary edge. A continuous set-back plinth gives the cabinetry a clean, streamlined look, while the island, painted in Farrow & Ball Railings, ties in beautifully with the frame of the glazed patio doors beyond. Chrome knobs and hardware add a crisp finish, complemented by the modern black pendant lights suspended above the island. High-performance appliances have been seamlessly integrated into the design, including a Bora hob with built-in extraction, a Quooker boiling water tap, and a Fisher & Paykel American-style fridge freezer.
These contemporary features are balanced by classic Shaker details, beautifully made doors, solid oak internals, a traditional butler sink from Shaws of Darwin, bead and butt end panelling, and a decorative cornice. It’s this mix of old and new that gives the kitchen its quietly luxurious feel.
Wood Cupboard Internals: Elevating Functionality with Natural Beauty
Incorporating wooden internals within cupboards and drawers is a hallmark of bespoke Shaker kitchen design, marrying functionality with the natural allure of timber. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, wooden interiors offer durability and a tactile warmth.
Incorporating wood internals is a natural choice if you're looking for timeless appeal. Selecting high-quality hardwoods such as oak, walnut, or maple for cupboard internals not only ensures longevity but also introduces a rich, organic texture to the kitchen's interior. We love including wood internals, it's always beautiful and adds character with distinctive grain patterns.
We make all our kitchens to order, and as such, have a beautiful range of wood options and stain finishes available. The most popular choice is natural oak, with classic warmth and pretty grain patterns it works beautifully in both contemporary and traditional settings.
Wooden internals can be meticulously crafted to enhance kitchen organisation. Custom drawer inserts made from solid wood can house cutlery, spices, or utensils, ensuring each item has its designated place. Upright dividers inside cupboards for baking trays, are so practical.
The use of traditional joinery techniques, such as dovetail joints, in constructing wooden drawers and shelves underscores the commitment to quality and craftsmanship inherent in Shaker kitchen design. These methods not only provide structural integrity but also allow for customisation to meet specific storage needs. For example, creating specialised pullout compartments or boxes can be tailored to accommodate specific kitchen essentials such as oils and vinegar selections.
The natural hues of wooden internals can complement or contrast with the exterior cabinetry, creating a cohesive and inviting kitchen environment. Treated with oils and waxes to enhance their appearance and durability, wooden interiors contribute to a kitchen space that is both functional and harmonious.
Integrating wood within cupboards and drawer interiors is more than a design choice; it's an investment in quality, functionality, and timeless beauty that defines the Shaker kitchen ethos.
A kitchen suitable for a modern home in Wimbledon, that reflects the people who use it
Here’s what our clients had to say:
"The team is an absolute pleasure to work with, and we really valued the fact that they’re an independent business, passionate, personal, and fully invested in what they do.
We gave Mike free rein on the design, and he got it just right, from the layout to the lighting suggestions, everything works beautifully in our open-plan space. The craftsmanship is truly first-class. Andy’s attention to detail and quality of work is exceptional — every element feels beautifully made and built to last. The installation process was incredibly smooth, with great communication throughout. The team worked seamlessly with our builders, who were themselves hugely impressed with Shere Kitchens' quality and professionalism.
It’s become our favourite space in the house."
We love hearing that, because for us, a timeless Shaker kitchen isn’t just about looks. It’s about creating a space that feels right for the people who live there; simplicity and practicality are at the heart of the Shaker style.
Visit our showroom in Surrey
If you're planning a kitchen extension or thinking about a bespoke kitchen, we'd love to welcome you to our Surrey showroom in Shere. We have our own workshop so you can commission us to make exactly what you want, a timeless Shaker kitchen, something with more detail or something more unusual like our Hatchlands kitchen with patterned doors (see HERE). At our showroom you'll have the chance to meet our designers, see the craftsmanship up close, and talk through ideas for your own space.
To see more of this kitchen, our Wimbledon Kitchen, click HERE
You can also explore more of our work in our KITCHEN PORTFOLIO
