Shaker cabinets boast a timeless appeal

Timeless and versatile, Shaker cabinets are well-suited for antique, country-style and modern homes. They can lend your kitchen, bath or laundry room a clean, striking aesthetic. The original handcrafts of the Shakers, a religious group formed in the 1700s, were plain, durable and functional. Typically constructed out of pine and other inexpensive woods, they were primarily light in color. The modern take still features simple, utilitarian designs with mostly straight lines, moderate proportions and no embellishments.

You'll find cabinetry in ash, birch, cherry, hickory, maple, oak and poplar woods; these come in various tones and colors both light and dark, with shades ranging from white to espresso. Some have glaze finishes. Companies featuring this style include Thomasville Cabinetry in its Eden and Cottage lines; Timberlake Cabinetry in its Sonoma collection and Merillat's Masterpieces line. Prices depend on wood type, construction components and technique.