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Shaker-Style Cabinets: Classic, Versatile and Affordable

Kitchen with maple stained lower cabinets and blue-green painted upper cabinetsWhen it comes to remodeling your home, there are countless details to consider, from overall style to material selections. “One of the most impactful choices is cabinetry, which sets the tone for kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms and really any room that has cabinet storage,” Normandy Designer Bryan Brisky says. “Among the many options available, Shaker cabinet door styles have stood the test of time and blend well with most any aesthetic.”

This classic cabinetry design features a flat center panel and a simple raised frame that balances depth with clean lines. We talked with Bryan about why Shaker cabinets remain one of the most versatile, timeless and affordable options for home remodeling.

The Style Versatility of Shaker Cabinets
White kitchen featuring contrasting cherry stained arch top cabinets either side of the cooking surface and a cherry stained island“Shaker style doors are classic and have been around forever for a reason,” Bryan says. “They offer minimal detailing that still adds visual interest, so they can fit most any style depending on the hardware and finishes you choose.” Whether your home leans modern, traditional, or somewhere in between, Shaker cabinets can adapt. A slim Shaker profile with thinner borders fits seamlessly into contemporary designs, while a slight bevel finish leans more traditional. Stained woods in a Shaker style evoke a craftsman or prairie style and rich paint colors can work well in a farmhouse or cottage style. “This flexibility makes Shaker cabinetry a go-to for so many different aesthetics, but they are particularly powerful in a transitional design, where blending old and new elements is key,” he says.

Shaker-Style Cabinetry Offers a Neutral Canvas
Another benefit of Shaker cabinetry is its ability to serve as a subtle backdrop for other design elements. “With their straightforward design, these cabinets won’t compete with statement pieces like bold countertops or hoods, highly textured tile, patterned backsplashes, or polished metallic fixtures,” Bryan says. “Because they aren’t overly ornate, Shaker cabinets allow other materials and finishes to shine, making them the perfect canvas for mixing styles.”

The Affordability and Longevity of Shaker Cabinets
black double vanityIn addition to their adaptability, Shaker cabinets are one of the most budget-friendly choices in nearly every cabinet line. “They are an entry-level style in terms of budget, and whether you choose painted or stained, they are an effective design at a relatively low cost,” Bryan notes. Their simpler construction also makes them easier to clean and maintain compared to ornate cabinetry with intricate detailing, like cabinet mullions.

Shaker-style cabinets are also a popular choice in terms of staying power over the years, or if you decide to sell your home. “Unlike more ornate styles, which can quickly feel tied to a specific era, Shaker doors are always in style,” Bryan says. “Thanks to their design adaptability, they will likely remain a staple for years to come.”

Whether your vision includes a sleek transitional bath or a modern open concept kitchen, Shaker cabinets adapt to whatever story you want your home to tell. Set up a time to talk with Bryan about how to develop the perfect style for your home. For more design tips, check out our Instagram and Facebook accounts, and our photo gallery of past projects.

Rift cut white oak kitchen with full height slab backsplash and black trimmed windows   wet bar with wine chiller and beverage center   

   White painted cabinets with a dark gray countertop make up this sink wall with windows above

The New Wave of Microwaves: Sleek Designs and Microwave Alternatives

While many people enjoy the convenience of microwaves, they generally don’t like how they look. “Microwaves have gained a reputation as the eyesore of the kitchen, since the traditional countertop box can feel bulky and disrupt a clean design,” Normandy Designer Bryan Brisky says. “But there are new options available that offer the convenience of a microwave, but in a way that blends more seamlessly with the rest of your kitchen.”

Traditional microwave functionality is now available in a variety of styles, including drawer models or ones with doors that fold down to open like a typical oven. “If you don’t want your microwave to dominate a space, a great option is to incorporate them into the kitchen like you would any other appliance,” Bryan says. “Consider an integrated wall microwave that matches your wall oven, or a microwave drawer that works well below the counter.”

Many manufacturers now offer built-in microwave models that mimic the sleek styling of their full-size ovens. When stacked or installed side-by-side, the appliances appear as a coordinated suite rather than a collection of mismatched pieces. Bryan suggests considering the needs of your household during the design phase and when making selections.

“If you select a wall microwave, it’s important to take into account the height of people in your household and plan your placement accordingly. Lifting a hot liquid out of the microwave from above can risk spilling,” Bryan says. winter white kitchen cabinets“There is a strong case for mounting your microwave lower, for safety reasons. Microwave drawers placed below the counter either as part of your island design or your lower perimeter cabinetry can be a safer option as well, because you’re lifting hot food items upwards, which can offer better visibility and control.”

If you aren’t sure whether a microwave has a place in your new kitchen, a speed oven, which is a combination microwave and convection oven, may be the right choice for you. “If you want a second oven but are tight on space, a speed oven can be the perfect solution,” notes Bryan. “Most models have a comparable interface to a microwave, with your go-to buttons for things like popcorn, but they are also excellent at crisping up food with the convection function.” Speed ovens are smaller than a typical wall oven, closer in size to a microwave, making it good as a support appliance, but likely not the best option for your primary oven.

For those who want to move away from microwaves altogether, a steam oven is an excellent alternative. “Steam ovens are becoming more popular as a healthier way to prepare food. They’re great for cooking and reheating, by adding more moisture and not drying food out,” Bryan says. “Steam ovens also include a convection function so you can brown, crisp and cook more evenly than a standard microwave, often more effectively than a typical oven. You can even bake bread.”

If none of these options feel right to you, there are other ways to downplay your microwave, like installing it in the pantry or an appliance garage, according to Bryan. “Keeping your microwave in a less prominent place works well if you only use it sparingly, like to reheat coffee or melt butter,” he says. “This is also a good alternative if you don’t want stainless-steel elements as part of your kitchen design.”

Ultimately, whether you choose a traditional microwave, a microwave styled like an oven, a steam oven, or a speed oven, the key is selecting an appliance that contributes to your kitchen’s overall design rather than detracting from it.

Set up a time to talk with Bryan about how to make your next kitchen practical and beautiful all at once. Find more remodeling tips and design inspiration on our Instagram and Facebook accounts. Check out our photo gallery of past projects for more design ideas as well.

Large Appliance Garage   Upper white cabinets, rift cut white oak lower cabinets, coffee mugs in shelf nooks, light green tile backsplash, subway tile. cut white oak lower cabinets, coffee mugs in shelf nooks. Espresso machine on the left on counter. To the left, espresso machine on counter, to the right, stainless steel countertop microwave.   Kitchen island in a dark gray painted finish

  Stained kitchen island with drawers

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