A contemporary shaker kitchen with bespoke walnut cabinetry, an expansive island with banquette seating and a handcrafted dining table.
Studio Nest was commissioned to design a bespoke contemporary shaker kitchen for a farmhouse extension between Harrogate and York. The brief called for a space that combined craftsmanship, sociability, and timeless design - a kitchen that would serve as both the functional and emotional heart of the home.
The finished space features walnut shaker cabinetry, a large island with integrated banquette seating, and a handcrafted oak dining table. Natural materials, fine joinery, and high-performance appliances come together to create a refined yet inviting atmosphere.
The clients wanted a kitchen that felt rooted in its rural context but with a modern sensibility. Their goals were:
To use warm, natural materials that would age beautifully
To integrate dining and social spaces within the kitchen
To ensure functionality and flow for everyday family life
To include discreet, high-performance appliances
Studio Nest guided the project from concept to completion, overseeing layout planning, material selection, and installation.
The design reinterprets the classic shaker style through a contemporary lens. Rich walnut cabinetry provides warmth and texture, while clean lines and minimal ornamentation keep the look current.
A generous central island anchors the space - both practical and social. The addition of banquette seating transforms the island into a natural gathering point, creating a sense of comfort and connection. Adjacent, a bespoke oak dining table - made from wide planks joined with traditional bow-tie details - continues the theme of craftsmanship. Its sculptural metal base introduces a modern edge that complements the natural timber.
The high spec details were key to the success of this kitchen. Every element was chosen for its quality and finish.
Cabinetry: Custom walnut fronts with solid walnut drawer boxes.
Hardware: Armac Martin “Gaumont” satin nickel handles add understated elegance.
Appliances: Bora hob and Siemens units integrate seamlessly.
Furniture: Locally crafted oak table and banquette seating.
Together, these details create a space that feels luxurious yet grounded - contemporary but enduring.
Scale & precision: The size of the island and the bespoke walnut joinery required close coordination with manufacturers to ensure perfect alignment and tonal consistency.
Balancing openness: In a large, light-filled extension, proportion and material transitions were critical. The walnut cabinetry anchors the space, while lighter finishes and subtle metal accents maintain visual balance.
Zoning for sociability: The layout defines functional and social zones without barriers, encouraging natural movement and interaction.
The completed kitchen achieves harmony between beauty and usability. The rich walnut tones and handcrafted details provide warmth, while the modern layout and integrated technology deliver everyday performance. Each element, from the joinery to the custom furniture speaks to precision, craftsmanship, and collaboration.
The Contemporary Shaker Kitchen exemplifies Studio Nest’s design ethos: crafted, considered, and client-centred. It shows how thoughtful material selection and bespoke detailing can transform a kitchen into a living, social space that feels timeless yet personal.
Working with a bespoke kitchen designer like Studio Nest puts you in control, creating a space that’s tailored to your lifestyle, home, and personal style.
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