The Shakers were a small German religious community that emigrated to the United States in the late 18th century. His priorities were simplicity, craftsmanship, order, cleanliness and usefulness, which created austere and light furniture.
They believed in the second coming of Jesus Christ and assumed principles such as social equality, feminism, celibacy and the rejection of marriage. They were too exceptional inventors and, among other accessories, they are credited with the design of clothespins, the first washing machine, the flat broom and the circular saw. It is worth noting that for them work was a form of prayer.
Its simple lifestyle, traditional architecture and furniture designs sparked renewed interest and give life to this trend that seeks its place in 2024.
Basic principles
From interior design, the words that describe it are usefulness and honesty. Everything else is accessory and dispensable. For this reason, it is said that the shakers were the first minimalists.
Among its characteristics, simplicity, symmetry, a simple color palette, white bedding, furniture with clean lines, love for well-crafted solid wood and a special interest in shape and proportion stand out.
Key elements
To understand what this decoration trend that takes original concepts and brings them to the present is based on, it is necessary to review its key elements.
- Kitchen cabinets. Classics. Five-piece door fronts: a center panel and four stiles for strength.
- Furniture. Solid high-back rocking chairs and chairs, square-legged tables and sturdy cabinets.
- Interior shutters. To replace curtains and facilitate the entry of light.
- Wood. Cherry, pine, walnut and maple. The preferred one, the oak one for its grain.
- Handicrafts. The few decorative objects were made by the inhabitants of the house, in a traditional way.
- Colors. White, tan, grey, green and blue. Yellow doors. Waxed wood or with vegetable dyes.
- Coat hangers. Long and wooden, to hang all types of objects, even chairs.
- Order. Many storage options: tables with drawers, dressers and wall-to-wall cabinets.
- Boxes. Round or oval, they are one of its icons. They were arranged from largest to smallest, symbolizing a staircase to heaven.
- Environments. Clear and without decorative elements that lack functionality.
At home
To incorporate the shaker style into your home décor, you can start with a neutral color palette and furniture with clean, simple lines. Prioritize solid wood, white bedding, symmetrical, proportional and classic shapes.
Whenever possible, choose wide-plank wood floors, polished or varnished.
Natural light is another key. White curtains are added to allow as much light as possible. Opt for thinner, lighter and more translucent materials that will add clarity.
Although it is advisable for small spaces, due to its functionality and feeling of comfort it also adapts to large houses and especially country houses.
