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For splashbacks in the kitchen and bathroom, tongue-and-groove paneling fitted over part or all the way up the wall. Varnish or paint the wood to seal it and if you decide to use paint, pick a gloss or water-resistant vinyl.
Despite the Shakers calm approach to design, they were happy to use bright interior paint colors and this was noticeable in a bold range of shades on woodwork, which was often painted using browns, reds, oranges, mustard yellows, and deep greens and blues.
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Shaker style floors include natural stone or terra-cotta tiles for a kitchen or any of the other rooms. However, for true authenticity, polished hardwood floors are best.
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Shaker Style Designs
The Shakers had few material needs, and this was reflected in their furniture designs. In the kitchen, strong, large tables with trestle legs allowed plenty of room, and lightweight chairs that had ladder backs could be hung on the wall.
The pegboard was one of the most useful accessories. The pegs were used for hanging chairs to keep them out of the way, hold small cabinets, cooking utensils, tools, brushes, clothes and hats..
Complete Shaker style kitchens can be expensive, but you could simply choose cheaper units in plain styles or change the doors and drawer fronts on existing units and transform them with a few coats of paint in one of the classic Shaker shades. Replace ornate knobs with plain wooden knobs, varnish or paint to match the unit.
Shaker fabrics were made from natural fibers---wool, cotton, flax and silk. They were plainly woven, although checked fabrics using several colors were common. Fabrics were used for curtains, bedding, and table linen, with harmonizing colors mixed in the same way as paint colors.
Everything in the Shaker house had a role or function. Among the everyday items on display were wall sconces and metal or wooden candlesticks, tinware, baskets and brushes were all display.
Wood materials played an important function in Shaker decor, with doors, floors, window frames, baseboards, built-in-cupboards and peg boards featured throughout.
For certain aspects of decorating, it is impossible to be strictly authentic. However, simple styled, comfortable sofas and chairs, covered in a fabric with appropriate plain or checked colors will not look out of place.
When choosing accessories, remember that often the simplest items are the most pleasing to the eye. The revival of Shaker style decorating has led to plain wooden, wicker, and ceramic accessories being widely available.
