Getting the "Shaker" Style

I am looking at different 'styles' that I am considering to introduce into my Cabin. - I really should be looking to give the Cabin a 'Name" - eventually LOL

This one is the Shaker's look:


Get the look

• Colour palette - keep the walls neutral. Bare white plaster is best if your walls are good enough. Stick to the Shaker colour palette: red, light and dark blue, warm yellow, and a blue-green. 

The Shakers used natural plant dyes and clays to make their paints and dye their fabrics. The paint should be matte rather than gloss and, for real authenticity, use casein or milk paints; some of them are still being made from the original recipes.

• Furniture - is key to the look. Cherry wood and maple were the most used woods. Choose simple shapes such as ladder back chairs with woven-tape seats in one of the colours of the palette. Use a simple trestle table for dining. Sofas and padded seats were comforts the Shakers did without. 

However, as not many of us are prepared to live so austerely, cover your sofa with a fabric in keeping with the colour scheme.

• Storage - everything should have its place. A typical look is peg rails hung all round the room at head height. The Shakers hung chairs off these, as well as mirrors and tools - basically, anything that could go up, went up. This kept the rooms neat and tidy plus it was easy to sweep underneath.

• Wardrobes - wardrobes and chests of drawers can take up whole walls. All the handles should line up.

• Fabrics - choose natural fabrics such as wool, cotton and silk. The Shakers made their own. A discreet check or denim is also suitable and gingham can be used for curtains.

• Flooring - the floor should be bare boards but can be varnished.

• Woodwork - this should be left plain or given an orange stain with varnish.

• Lighting - look for plain candlesticks and sconces, particularly in tin.

• Boxes - oval-shaped boxes in three different sizes, with a beautiful swallowtail and copper pin construction, are one of the quintessential Shaker looks.

• Have a clear out - the Shakers didn't believe in clutter or unnecessary objects. However, small details such as beeswax candles, lavender sachets and wooden toys can add to the overall look.