If you’re constantly searching for ‘custom kitchens near me’, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is choosing the style of kitchen. In particular, at our showroom in Oxfordshire, we offer the choice between modern kitchens, traditional and shaker kitchens. 

All styles are hugely popular and each brings their own look, feel and lifestyle to the heart of your home. In this article, we focus on modern and Shaker kitchens- what’s the difference?

At Kitchenroom, we offer a wide range of fitted kitchens in both styles, with over 30 beautiful designs currently available. Whether you’re considering clean and contemporary or warm and traditional, here’s how to decide which is right for you.

What is a Shaker Kitchen?

Shaker kitchens are one of the most timeless choices. Known for their simple, clean lines and square-framed doors, shaker kitchens suit both period homes and newer properties where you want to inject more character.

The style dates back to the 18th century and remains one of the most popular traditional kitchen designs in Britain. A shaker kitchen typically features:

• Framed cabinet doors with inset panels
• Subtle detailing
• Neutral or soft colour schemes (think light grey, cashmere, porcelain)
• Classic handles or knobs

At Kitchenroom, our shaker kitchens come in multiple styles and colours. We can even offer colour-matched cabinets at no extra cost, so your kitchen flows seamlessly inside and out.

What is a Modern Kitchen?

Modern kitchens are all about minimalism, functionality and ‘clean’ aesthetics. They’re perfect for those who love an uncluttered look, sleek finishes, and integrated appliances.

Modern kitchen styles include:

• Slab door designs with flat, handle-free surfaces
• Handleless kitchens for a streamlined look
• High-gloss or matte finishes
• Bold colour contrasts or monochrome schemes

Our modern collections for 2025 includes the latest styles in surfaces and handleless doors, including soft-close hinges and runners by Blum fitted as standard. Plus, every cabinet is pre-assembled, with doors already drilled and hung. This will save you or your fitter both time and hassle.

Custom Kitchens: What’s Right for Your Home?

Your choice between a modern or shaker kitchen comes down to three main things: which style you prefer, practical needs, and your type of property. Let’s break it down:

1. Your Home’s Character

If you live in a period property, like a Victorian terrace or 17th century cottage, shaker kitchens often feel like a natural extension of your space. Their soft colours and classic designs complement original features like fireplaces, timber floors or sash windows.

In contrast, modern kitchens are usually best suited to new builds, apartments or extensions.  They enable you to create a clean, open-plan living area with strong visual impact.

2. How You Use Your Kitchen

Families tend to favour shaker kitchens for their warmth and traditional charm. If your kitchen is the hub of your home, a shaker kitchen offers a welcoming space.

Modern kitchens, on the other hand, suit busy professionals and interior design enthusiasts who want efficiency meets elegance. Handleless doors are easier to clean, and the sleek finish makes small kitchens feel larger.

3. Budget & Fitting Process

Shaker and modern kitchens can vary in cost depending on your choice of materials, finishes and layout. At Kitchenroom, we make it easy to choose one that ticks all the right boxes. 

We offer both supply-only kitchens and fully fitted kitchen installations, so you can choose the best option for your budget and project. If you already have a trusted kitchen fitter, we’ll supply your new kitchen ready to install. 

Local Kitchen Supplier with Free Design Service

If you’re Googling ‘custom kitchens near me’, what you really want is a local expert who knows the area, listens to your needs, and doesn’t waste your time.

That’s exactly what we do at the Kitchenroom. Based in Didcot and serving all of Oxfordshire, we’re available everywhere from Abingdon, Wantage and Wallingford to Oxford, Thatcham and Kidlington.

Here’s how we work:

A Free Home Visit

We visit your home with sample kitchen doors and worktops, ask the right questions, and measure up- all in under an hour.

Free 3D Kitchen Design

We’ll create a fully itemised 3D design of your kitchen, including all units, appliances and extras, with no obligation to buy.

Speedy Transformations

From final design approval, we can supply your stock-colour kitchen within just 3 weeks.

25-Year Cabinet Guarantee

All our cabinets are made to last, assembled in our factory, and backed by a 25-year guarantee. Our full kitchens come with a 10-year guarantee for total peace of mind.

Still Deciding? Let’s Help You Choose

Choosing between a modern or shaker kitchen isn’t about picking what’s trendy; it’s about selecting what fits your home and your taste.

If you’re in Oxfordshire and you’re ready to explore custom kitchens near you, let Kitchenroom show you what’s possible – without the showroom prices, the pushy salespeople or the stress.

Ready to start? Get in touch with Kitchenroom and bring your dream kitchen to life.