Shaker Style
1747 to 1900
The Shaker’s were a religious sect founded in England in the late 1700’s. The Shaker’s design philosophy is one of necessity and usefulness. Once these elements are achieved, they believed in beauty. They were strong believers of common ownership and communal living and were persecuted for their beliefs.
They later immigrated to America and led peaceful lives of abstinence and celibacy. Because of their celibate beliefs, the Shaker community is slow to grow and the only way they can survive is by conversion.
Shaker Style
The Shaker’s believed first and foremost in functionality, and veered away from unnecessary decoration. However, they were strongly focused on the quality of their word so each item was generally made to perfection. Their style was open plan, simple and uncluttered with a lot of natural materials such as handcrafted wood furniture and cotton quilting, wool and silk.
Shaker Furniture
Furniture was the key element of the Shaker design philosophy.
Shaker Color
The walls were walls neutral. Bare white plaster, The Shaker color palette was red, light and dark blue, warm yellow, and blue-green. The Shakers used natural plant dyes and clays to make their paints and dye their fabrics. The paint was matt rather than gloss.
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