SHAKER IT UP

Black is the new white in kitchens — and incorporating the shade is the perfect way to put a modern spin on a traditional Shaker-style design. Get the look with stylish yet practical designs from Freedom Kitchens.

As people seek to balance their increasingly busy lives, it’s no surprise that Shaker-style kitchens — characterised by a focus on simplicity, utility and quality — are making a comeback, albeit in a revised form. The ‘Modern Shaker’ look from Freedom Kitchens (pictured), which was created by interior designer Darren Palmer and Freedom Kitchens senior designer Susan Hasler, fuses traditional elements with on-trend finishes. The Sierra cabinets in matte black, Caesarstone benchtops in Pure White and gold highlights give the look a luxe, contemporary feel, without adding a high-end price tag. ON THE BENCH Designed for a Melbourne family of four, this kitchen needed to be as functional as it is beautiful. As well as providing a striking centrepiece, the large island bench offers plenty of seating and storage space plus a dishwasher and an integrated cooler drawer. The clean lines, tall overhead cabinets and glass display doors give an elegant nod to classic Shaker kitchens, while the black, white and gold colour scheme keeps the overall effect fresh and sophisticated. SPACE RACE Especially in a family home, ample storage is key to maintaining the fuss-free look that forms the basis of the Shaker aesthetic — and this kitchen delivers in style. A butler’s pantry (top right) offers even more cupboard space than the main kitchen, including a wine fridge, tea station and cabinets with roller shutters designed for easy storage of small appliances. It also houses a laundry space with a stacked washer and dryer plus a sink and additional storage.