Homeowners in Perth are increasingly choosing kitchen designs that balance functionality with visual appeal. Two kitchen trends that have taken off in Perth are modern shaker kitchens and mid-century modern kitchen design. Although different, these styles share characteristics that are perfect for the contemporary Perth home. This post explores how these design philosophies influence kitchens in Perth and how you can incorporate them into your home.

The Resurgence of Shaker Style in Kitchens Perth

The Shaker-style kitchen has a long history, but it has only recently gained a revival as its style is so easy to adapt to contemporary tastes. Perth homeowners who appreciate clean lines and minimalist decor enjoy functionality but with a no-fuss, pared-back aesthetic reminiscent of the Shaker’s simplicity, utility, and honesty philosophy. However, modern shaker kitchens in Perth refresh the time-honoured attributes of its style, which can include frame-and-panel cabinet doors and subtle hardware for contemporary living over the next century.

Common in shaker kitchens across Perth, the interiors typically feature neutral-toned colour palettes, favouring whites and greys with some pastels to accent spaces like soft blues. It is scattered with pops of colour to help liven the area, and for a more casual coastal scenery we typically hear about in Perth. Two-tone Shaker kitchens with lighter upper cabinetry vs darker lower cabinets also remain popular, as they allow the homeowner to play with contrast and a sense of depth or interest within the culinary space.

Using natural materials is one of the hallmarks of contemporary Shaker kitchens Perth. Natural surface materials such as wooden countertops, stone backsplashes, and metal hardware bring a pleasing sense of warmth and originality to the space that design-focused Perth homeowners appreciate. These materials are visually appealing and withstand the daily grind of bustling Perth family life, allowing for functionality that suits a busy home.

Mid-Century Modern: A Perfect Fit for Perth’s Architectural Landscape

The Shaker style originated in the United States in the 18th century, where mid-century modern design developed into the mid-20th century. This style has a natural home in Perth architecture, featuring clean lines and organic forms connected with nature. This kitchen style is ideal for renovation projects, as many of Perth’s post-war homes already contain mid-century modern aspects.

In kitchens Perth, the mid-century modern style takes shape in streamlined cabinetry with little to no frills. This style is characterised by flat-panel cabinet doors (usually made from a warm wood, perhaps even teak or walnut). These warm woods are often complemented by bright, vivid colours—like fiery oranges, dark greens, or cherry yellows—that lend personality to the kitchen space.

With an ability to truly encapsulate Perth’s indoor-outdoor way of living, one of the other core tenets of mid-century modern design principles is that they combine the inside and outside. Many mid-century modern kitchens in Perth also feature large windows that let in natural light and overlook the garden. Many homeowners inject their kitchen designs with indoor plants to further blur the borders between inside and outside.

Blending Modern Shaker and Mid-Century Modern in Kitchens Perth

Modern Shaker and mid-century modern have their features, but Perth homeowners are getting clever with the combinations of these styles. The result is a timeless, contemporary, practical, and beautiful space.

Cabinetry: A Fusion of Styles

One of the best ways to achieve this mix is through cabinetry. For example, you could go with Shaker-style cabinet doors in deep wood associated with mid-century modern design. Or go with flat-panel mid-century style cabinets and a colour palette right at home in any Shaker kitchen.

Hardware and Fixtures: The Best of Both Worlds

Mixing styles also play a role when choosing hardware and fixtures. Mid-century modern kitchen design, with its denser sculptural forms, can update the simple utilitarian hardware of the Shaker style. Shaker cabinets with elegant, modern curve drawer pulls grab brass or copper.

Lighting: Balancing Function and Form

These styles could also be mixed for lighting. Shaker design usually alludes to simple, practical illumination, while mid-century modern utilises more dramatic, sculptural light fixtures. For example, in a kitchen in Perth, minimalist Shaker pendant lights are grouped over the kitchen island, with an iconic mid-century modern chandelier above the dining area.

The Kitchen Island: A Centrepiece of Blended Design

You could also use the kitchen island, a common feature in many Perth homes, as another platform to appropriately mix these two styles. A Shaker-style island with a wood top may be paired with the rest of the feel of mid-century modern bar stools. Not only does that look the part, but it also makes for a valuable area to prepare food and hold informal meals, ideal for Perth’s laid-back lifestyle.

Materials: Mixing Textures and Finishes

The best parts of a modern Shaker kitchen play well with a mid-century modern space due to their emphasis on fresh materials. For example, you can pair the natural wood and stone familiar in Shaker kitchens with a few clean metals and plastics characteristic of mid-century modern. For example, a Perth kitchen may feature a stone countertop with moulded plastic chairs or a wooden dining table surrounded by metal-framed chairs with leather seats.

Colour Palette: Neutral Meets Bold

Colour is another realm in which these styles can be beautifully combined. Mid-Century Modern goes for bolder hues, so shaker kitchens often sport a neutral palette. Meanwhile, Perth homeowners are discovering ways to embrace both methods. For instance, you may get a primarily white Shaker-style kitchen and a deep, mid-century stylish backsplash in turquoise or orange.

Appliances: Modern Functionality with Retro Flair

Perth homeowners are choosing appliances that suit both styles. Stainless steel appliances are a win-win compromise with their modern and timeless look, fitting right in with either the shaker or mid-century lines. But some homeowners install appliances with loud hues or retro appearances for a truly midcentury feel in Shaker-style shelters.

Storage Solutions: Practicality Meets Innovation

Here, the storage solutions within these mixed spaces often fuse Shaker practicality with a mid-century modern, almost experimental feel. Market harbours use open shelving, which we have in kitchens Perth from both styles. These shelves are not only easily accessible for frequently needed items but also allow for decor that compliments a homeowner’s personal style.

Layout: Open-plan Living with Functional Zones

Many Perth homes feature open-plan kitchens that flow into dining and living spaces, a layout popularised by mid-century design. Many Perth home designs have kitchens that spill into dining and living spaces—ideal for entertaining or family life.

Conclusion

Kitchens Perth is excited about the new Shaker and mid-century modern kitchen designs. These fit perfectly, including functionality, visual appeal, and agelessness. Perth homeowners are crafting kitchens that are both on-trend and well-suited to their lifestyle (as well as the quirky mix of influences that make up the character of their city) by skilfully blending styles from the East and West.