Kitchen styles explained
From classic Shaker to sleek handleless, explore every kitchen style and find the companies that specialise in each.
Shaker
£5,000 – £60,000+
The UK's most popular kitchen style. Clean lines with recessed panel doors that work beautifully in both traditional and contemporary settings. A Shaker kitchen is defined by its simplicity — flat-panelled doors with a frame, minimal ornamentation, and timeless proportions. Originally inspired by the American Shaker movement's 'form follows function' philosophy.
Handleless
£8,000 – £40,000+
Sleek and minimal, handleless kitchens use push-to-open mechanisms or an integrated J-pull rail instead of traditional handles. The result is clean, uninterrupted lines that feel contemporary and spacious. Popularised by German kitchen manufacturers.
Slab / Modern
£4,000 – £35,000+
Flat, plain doors with no detailing or panelling. Ultra-contemporary and often available in matt, high gloss, or textured finishes. Slab doors let the material and colour do all the talking — perfect for minimalist spaces.
Traditional
£10,000 – £60,000+
Ornate detailing defines traditional kitchens — think pilasters, cornices, raised and fielded panels, and classical mouldings. These kitchens reference Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian design periods. Best suited to period properties and those who love classic British style.
Country / Farmhouse
£8,000 – £50,000+
Warm, rustic, and inviting. Country kitchens embrace open shelving, Belfast sinks, natural materials, and a lived-in feel. Timber, stone, and copper are key materials. The kitchen is the heart of the home — and a farmhouse kitchen feels like it's been there forever.
Painted
£10,000 – £60,000+
Hand-painted or spray-painted finishes that work across multiple door styles. From subtle Farrow & Ball heritage shades to bold contemporary colours. A painted kitchen allows complete colour customisation and can be refreshed with a new palette years later.
Natural Wood
£8,000 – £45,000+
Timber grain visible and celebrated. Oak, walnut, ash, and elm are popular choices. Natural wood kitchens bring warmth and organic beauty, and they age gracefully. From pale Scandinavian oak to rich, dark walnut — the material is the star.
High Gloss
£5,000 – £30,000+
Mirror-like reflective finishes that create a bright, spacious feel. High gloss kitchens make a bold statement, reflecting light beautifully. Available in acrylic, lacquer, or PET film. Best in open-plan living spaces where the reflections add drama.
Matt
£5,000 – £30,000+
Soft-touch matt finishes that feel contemporary and are fingerprint-resistant. Matt kitchens have dominated design trends in recent years. The texture adds depth and sophistication, working beautifully with both light and dark palettes.
Industrial
£8,000 – £35,000+
Exposed materials, metal accents, concrete-effect surfaces, and open framework. Industrial kitchens borrow from warehouse conversions and commercial kitchen design. Raw, honest, and urban — paired with warm wood to stop it feeling cold.
Scandinavian
£6,000 – £30,000+
Light wood, white or pale tones, minimal hardware, and clean, functional design. Scandinavian kitchens prioritise light, space, and simplicity. Every element earns its place. Birch plywood, pale oak, and muted colours create a calm, considered atmosphere.