Shaker vs modern: which style is right for you?

Shaker or modern? It’s a decision that comes up early when buying a kitchen, because door style sets the tone for the whole room. But this isn’t about trends or labels. It’s about choosing a style that feels at home in your space and supports how you actually live, day to day.

 

What is a shaker door?

Shaker kitchens have been a firm favourite in UK homes for decades, and for good reason. At its core, a shaker door is defined by a framed design. Traditionally, this meant a central panel surrounded by four frame pieces, known as stiles and rails, creating what’s often called a five piece shaker. Extra detailing, like beading around the inner frame,add even more character. Tap to explore our beaded shaker range Arundel, and our traditional shaker range Maine.

What many people don’t realise is how flexible shaker can be. You can choose smooth shaker doors with no woodgrain, such as our Jefferson range, for a cleaner look or opt for slim shaker styles with narrower frames that feel lighter and more contemporary. There are even hybrid options, such as shaker doors with integrated J pull handles, which bridge the gap between classic and modern. If this has piqued your interest, our Fontwell range may be for you!

Handles play a big role too. A traditional cup and knob combination keeps things timeless, but shaker doors are flexible. Pair them with modern bar handles, change the scale or play with colour, and the same door can feel completely different. You can even go handleless for a more modern edge.

   

What is a modern kitchen?

A modern kitchen is all about clean lines and simplicity. It typically uses slab doors, flat, smooth and free from decorative detailing. The result is a streamlined look that feels confident and uncluttered, particularly well suited to new builds and open plan spaces where the kitchen often flows into living areas. Paula Rosa Kitchens offers a wide selection of flat slab door ranges in a variety of colours and textures. Hamilton is a great choice if you’re drawn to gloss finishes and realistic woodgrains, while Franklin offers a wide palette of colours for a clean, contemporary look.

Slab doors act like a blank canvas when it comes to handles. Long bar handles can feel bold and architectural. Slim, discreet handles soften the look. Make a statement with a contrasting finish like black or brass. Or you can remove handles altogether with a true handleless rail system built into the cabinetry. Fewer visual breaks often help smaller kitchens feel more spacious, particularly when light moves across the room during the day.

Modern kitchens tend to suit people who like clarity and ease. Clear surfaces, easy movement, and a sense that everything has its place. They work well in homes where the kitchen needs to blend in quietly, not shout for attention, even when life’s happening around it.

   

When other people say it before you do

Sometimes it’s not you who notices first. It’s someone walking in and saying, “This really suits the house.” Not a comment about trends or finishes. Just an instinctive reaction that it feels right.

Kitchens that work well don’t feel dropped in from somewhere else. They feel connected to the home around them. When that sense of fit comes across without explanation, you’ve probably made a confident choice.