If you’re looking to achieve a classic style, look no further than shaker-style cabinetry. The inset panel with the clean lines of the surrounding rails and stiles gives your kitchen a crisp, clean appearance that allows the smaller details to shine. Another benefit of this traditional look is that you can dress it up or down with various hardware depending on your desired design.
27 Unforgettable and Inspiring Shaker-Style Kitchen Islands
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Published: October 4, 2024
Updated: July 10, 2024
Shaker-style cabinetry, originating in England, is a testament to the enduring appeal of excellent furniture-making skills. Their iconic cabinet design features two rails, two stiles, and an inset panel, striking a delicate balance between the clean lines of contemporary style and an enduring, classic look. This versatile look is not just a trend but a timeless choice that will last for years, transitioning with you as your style and preferences shift and change.
If the expense of all-new shaker cabinets is out of reach, you can achieve a similar look on a small scale by focusing on your island. I always prefer adding a hint of color to kitchen islands to give the room a focal point and add some interest that may be more difficult to achieve elsewhere. It’s the perfect location to showcase more of your personality. The options are limitless! Get ready to be inspired by these unforgettable shaker-style kitchen islands we showcase below.
02 of Kitchen Island With a Soft, Colorful Hue
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I always look to include a swath of color in my home, particularly in rooms where neutral shades reign supreme. While some homeowners prefer bright, bold hues, I like to select muted colors that soften the room’s overall aesthetic. This modern farmhouse kitchen achieves this look with a gentle, pastel blue on the shaker-style kitchen island. The herringbone wood floors complement the classic cabinetry and white walls.
03 of Minimal Decor With White Cabinetry
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If you get creative, even small footprints can accommodate a kitchen island for additional seating and prep space. If you’re short on space, choosing white cabinetry and soft, gray walls can increase the sense of room in your kitchen. Minimize decor and let your fixtures become the focal point to avoid a cluttered appearance.
04 of Forest Green Island for a Modern Aesthetic
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I’m obsessed with dark, rich pops of color to help update a room. The stunning dark forest green on the shaker-style island in this kitchen is so earthy that it seamlessly matches the golden bricks and light wood floors. Adding modern black chairs around the island is a simple touch that boosts the sense of a modern space mixed with the classic accents of shaker cabinetry.
05 of Medium Gray Kitchen With Wood Accents
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I’m definitely leaning away from white cabinetry as my personal style and preferences evolve. That’s probably why I find the medium gray cabinets and butcherblock counters of this kitchen so appealing. While the look is still clean and open, the gray shade adds richness to the design, especially with the wood and brick accents around the room.
06 of Warm Tone With Cool Shades
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If clean and bright is your go-to style, you’ll love this kitchen design. The pure white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and brushed nickel fixtures reflect ample light from a nearby window. Thankfully, the glowing wood floors acts as a warm shade that helps the space feel less cold and sterile. I recommend including a few warm tones along with cool shades to help warm up a space.
07 of Playing Off Darker Shades
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Islands don’t always have to be used for additional seating; in fact, adding chairs may lead to tight walkways and a cluttered feeling. Instead, use your island cabinetry to store less-used items and decorate it lavishly to add a fresh pop of style. The floral bouquet seen here perfectly complements the rich, dark green shade on the island below.
08 of Timeless Blue Cabinetry
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When we were getting ready to sell our first home, I bought a spray gun and spent several days stripping and painting our kitchen cabinets. I chose a gorgeous shade of blue that added so much depth and richness to the home’s design. I paired it with brushed nickel pulls to add a hint of lightness to the space. I was so pleased with the overall result, and this kitchen reminds me of how beautifully the room came together.
09 of Light Shades Complement Neutral Tones
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Don’t be afraid to experiment with color, particularly if you choose a light shade that can play off neutral tones. This soft mint green in this kitchen is a stunning complement to the island’s white shaker-style cabinets and butcherblock countertop. Even the back cabinets with a strong black countertop look amazing next to this soft shade.
10 of Added Window for More Natural Light
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Having a window built into the backsplash is sure to inspire envy and not only for the views. I also appreciate how this extra detail pours even more natural light into this all-white kitchen. And don’t get me started on the spacious butler’s pantry in the back corner for extra storage and prep space! I always prefer to have a sink built into my island to increase its functionality, just like in this gorgeous room.
11 of Modern Lighting for an Instant Update
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If an all-white kitchen seems bland, but you don’t want to go through the expense, effort, and hassle of a full kitchen renovation, try a simple update to your lighting fixtures. The process is simple and possible for the most amateur DIY enthusiast, and it adds so much personality to a room. This simple kitchen showcases this well, with modern pendant lights infusing the room with a glamorous glow.
12 of Modern Coastal Vibe
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Embrace dramatic hues with a gorgeous rich blue on your kitchen island and cabinetry. The look is equally classic and modern, especially with the high ceiling and airy design. Wicker chairs set along the island give this kitchen a coastal vibe, matched with the deep purple hydrangeas displayed in Delft-blue-inspired crockery.
13 of Warm White for an Elegant Kitchen Design
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There are endless shades of white to complement any look, so choose your look carefully to achieve your desired style. For instance, a bright white tone can appear cold and sterile unless matched with natural wood accents and warm shades. On the other hand, a warmer white shade can give a more traditional, timeless appearance. This kitchen designer selected an ivory shade with classic shaker cabinets for an elegant look.
14 of Matching Walls and Cabinetry
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If you really want your kitchen to feel spacious, match the shade of paint on your cabinets to your walls and ceilings and watch your room increase in size. This effect means there is less to distract your eye, making the room feel much larger than it is. Clear acrylic chairs and light countertops also play into this design.
15 of Shaker-style Kitchen Island With Brass Hardware
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Go unique with interesting brass cabinetry hardware that is both stylish and interesting. The simple handles don’t detract from the large shaker-style kitchen island, allowing your eye to travel from the lush centerpiece on top to the charming breakfast nook on the opposite wall. Dark wood floors are a great style choice for a more traditional look.
16 of Layered Textures and Warm Shades
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I adore how this homeowner chose to add a fun pattern to the tile backsplash behind their stove. The room has so much personality and texture, along with the white cabinetry and copper hardware. Wood countertops and herringbone floors layer more details into the stunning design. I would never want to leave this room if I lived here!
17 of Stunning Cabinet Color
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Warm shades abound in this amazing kitchen, which features golden wood floors, brick detailing, and white walls. My favorite feature is the drop-dead gorgeous gray cabinets, which add so much interest. Depending on the light, they read bluish-gray to green and pair perfectly with the wooden accents decorating the space. The light walls and countertops center the attention on these gorgeous shaker cabinets.
18 of Light Gray Neutral Kitchen
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Add a hint of light gray to your cabinets to add warmth while staying true to a neutral design. Even the floor tiles play off the gray theme, while white walls and polished nickel fixtures and hardware are a bright addition. A sliding glass door pours in natural light for a simple effective design.
19 of Coastal Meets Rustic Kitchen Vibes
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I could gaze at this view all day, especially with the spectacular quartz countertops and modern appliances. The large, spacious island is painted my favorite shade of duck egg blue and surrounded by wooden stools, mixing coastal vibes with a relaxed rustic aesthetic. Large-format white tiles don’t distract from light and airy appearance in this kitchen.
20 of Keep Classic Brick Accent Walls
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A brick accent wall is many homeowners’ dream but notoriously difficult to achieve. If you’re lucky enough to find a home with this accent, don’t cover it up! Instead, let it take center stage and choose complementary shades for your walls and cabinets. Brass wall sconces and bright colors will help elevate the look with a modern touch.
21 of Balancing Rustic and Glamorous
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Who says cabinetry has to be painted? Although it’s the common style to paint cabinetry these days, classic wood cabinets will remain a timeless look. If you want your kitchen to look more modern, pair a light stain with beautiful quartz countertops and a solid-stone backsplash. Mixing gold and black hardware will help balance a luxurious and rustic design.
22 of Natural Light as Kitchen Decor
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Waterfall islands are a modern, luxurious accent that looks especially dazzling when paired with the clean lines of shaker cabinets. The feature that I’m most drawn to in this kitchen design is the wall of windows and skylights that pour in ample natural light. As someone who craves natural light and lives for long daylight hours, I appreciate how sunlight elevates even the simplest decorations and accents.
23 of Changing Centerpiece for Seasonal Accent
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Choose a bright, eye-catching centerpiece to accent your neutral kitchen and rotate it throughout the seasons to achieve maximum style. White cabinets and countertops are beautifully accented with a light shaker-style kitchen island and textured glass pendant lights hanging above. For a truly elevated look, install in-cabinet lighting for upper cabinets with glass panels.
24 of Dark Gray and Black for a Contemporary Space
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You can’t go wrong with the combination of gray and white, and you won’t regret the timeless appearance of this kitchen design. The darker gray shade reads more contemporary than lighter shades, especially with the modern wire light fixture hung above the kitchen island. Black appliances are a striking contrast to the black chairs and paneled walls.
25 of Bold Blue and Brass
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The combination of brass and navy blue speaks to my soul and captivates my attention. I think it combines classic and modern with its timeless glamour. The rest of this kitchen is fairly basic, with white cabinets and a simple white backsplash. The navy blue island, wood stools, and brass pendant lights are the true shining stars and make a bold statement you won’t soon forget.
26 of Simple Hardware Switch for Stylish Update
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If you need to quickly update your kitchen, try swapping out old hardware for new, such as polished brass cup pulls. With a little money and time, it can give your space a needed lift and create a whole new vibe that completely changes the aesthetic of your room. If you have an all-white kitchen or focus on neutral shades, your choices are almost limitless and can make a huge impact.
27 of Simple Kitchen Design With Classic Accents
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A classic farmhouse kitchen requires a timeless design, including an apron-front sink and warm white cabinets. Natural stone floors and a colorful tile backsplash retain their traditional charm, while simple updates make the space feel more contemporary. If a simple look works for you, stick with it!