Sometimes terms are interchangeable with modern language but not always accurate to use in context. For instance, many people will describe a building as ‘modern’ when they really mean ‘contemporary’… from it’s own time-period rather than from the modernist period. Often this is because the influence can be traced back to that period so it becomes more difficult to spot. Other styles have the same interchangeable terms, including ‘shaker’, ‘traditional’ and ‘country’.

Our enamel kitchenware was designed in the 1920s, which was the beginning of the modern period, but it is often associated with country kitchenware because it adopts a classic shape and comforting colour palette.

We often hear the term ‘shaker’ used when referring to a ‘traditional’ kitchen but there is a very specific design to Shaker. The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing developed the shaker style…a religious sect that had guiding principles of simplicity, utility and honesty. Shaker communities were largely self-sufficient: in their attempt to separate themselves from the outside world and to create a heaven-on-earth, members grew their own food, constructed their own buildings, and manufactured their own tools and household furnishings. Read a little more at the Met Museum’s website.

Country style is a much broader style than Shaker; in fact it can include many different styles all mixed together to create the feeling of a country design. With kitchens, country-style adopts traditional materials and patterns depending on the region it is drawing inspiration from. For instance, floral patterns are often found in a country kitchen, along with very traditional country kitchenware.

Falcon Enamelware products definitely do suit the interiors of a country kitchen. You might not hear us refer to our collection as country kitchenware but we’ve heard others include us in this when describing the 1920s design. Whilst Shakers didn’t use enamelware, we can see the similarities in the ethos being the design…simplicity, utility and honesty.

Our enamel teapot draws inspiration from traditional designs, with the soft curves found with most country kitchenware. Our contemporary colour palette of coal black and samphire introduced a new audience to our enamelware, but the pillarbox red colour is a bold statement that usually wouldn’t be found amongst country kitchenware. The tea towel and apron from our fabricware range draws similar inspiration from the Shaker style of simplicity, utility and honesty but is often associated in the wider context of ‘country’ style due to the traditional design shape.

As you can see, it isn’t wrong to refer to Shaker as Country or Traditional, but there is a deeper meaning to the Shaker style than aesthetics and certainly some Country styles that you could never say are Shaker. If you’re looking for some country kitchenware, then you could easily incorporate some enamelware in to your collection, especially if you are learning from the values of the Shaker style.

Image courtesy deVOL Kitchens