Painted Shaker Kitchens Essex | SJB Trade Kitchens

Not sure which style is right for you? Browse all six of our kitchen ranges below — click any image to see the full range and individual product options.

Essex’s diverse housing stock, from the elegant Victorian terraces in Chelmsford and Colchester to the charming weatherboard homes along the Essex coast, offers a unique canvas for painted shaker kitchens. These kitchens complement traditional architectural features such as sash windows, ornate cornicing, and stone lintels without overpowering them. In new build areas like Basildon, painted shaker kitchens bring warmth and character, bridging contemporary living with the county’s rich heritage. Whether renovating a period property in Brentwood or fitting out a coastal home in Leigh-on-Sea, painted shaker kitchens fuse effortlessly with Essex’s architectural narrative.

Choosing the right colours for painted shaker kitchens is essential to reflect the local character and property style in Essex. For the classic Victorian terraces found in Saffron Walden and Chelmsford, muted Farrow & Ball shades like ‘Pigeon’ or ‘Down Pipe’ evoke timeless elegance and complement stone and brick exteriors. Along the Essex coast in Southend-on-Sea or Maldon, lighter hues such as ‘Light Blue’ or ‘Borrowed Light’ brighten up weatherboard homes, enhancing coastal charm. Meanwhile, new builds in Basildon and Brentwood benefit from modern neutrals like ‘Elephant’s Breath’ or ‘Skimming Stone’, which add sophistication without detracting from clean architectural lines.

Our painted shaker kitchens are rigorously crafted with 18mm Egger and Kronospan carcasses featuring solid 18mm backs — not flimsy hardboard — ensuring durability suited to Essex’s occasionally damp climate. Blum soft-close hinges and Blum Antaro drawer boxes come as standard, guaranteeing smooth operation every time. Priced 30-50% cheaper than Howdens, these kitchens offer exceptional value in Essex’s competitive renovation market, where property values in areas like Brentwood and Chelmsford continue to rise. Expect delivery within around 10 working days. For more details, call 0161 509 4221.

When choosing kitchen cabinetry for Essex homes, two popular shaker styles emerge: painted shaker and foil shaker. Both offer the classic clean lines and timeless appeal that Essex homeowners seek, but their suitability varies depending on property type, budget, and lifestyle needs. Understanding the distinctions can help you make the ideal choice for your Chelmsford terrace or Southend-on-Sea flat.

Painted Shaker (solid wood doors): Painted shaker kitchens are perfect for period properties such as the Victorian terraces in Colchester or listed buildings in Brentwood, where authenticity and attention to detail matter. The smooth painted finish enhances decorative mouldings and sash windows, blending seamlessly with traditional interiors. Their robust construction and premium finishes also suit large family kitchens in Leigh-on-Sea houses, delivering a durable yet elegant focal point.

Foil Shaker (smart mid-range alternative): Foil shaker kitchens provide a practical, budget-friendly alternative often favoured by buy-to-let investors or first-time buyers in Essex’s new build estates like Basildon or the outskirts of Maldon. Their easy-to-clean surface and quick installation make them ideal for compact galley kitchens typical of Chelmsford flats or rental properties where durability and cost-efficiency are priorities.

Both painted and foil shaker kitchens at SJB are built on rigid 18mm carcasses with high-quality Blum soft-close hardware for lasting performance. Whether updating a coastal home in Southend-on-Sea or a city-centre apartment in Chelmsford, our expert team can guide you to the right solution. Call 0161 509 4221 to discuss your Essex kitchen project.

Vinyl-wrapped shaker doors may seem like a tempting choice for kitchens in Essex given their low upfront cost, but they often fall short in durability and finish quality. Essex properties vary from compact galley kitchens in Victorian terraces to expansive family kitchens in Brentwood; vinyl wraps can peel or bubble over time, especially in areas of high humidity common to the Essex coast. This deterioration not only undermines kitchen aesthetics but can negatively affect resale values in a competitive property market.

At SJB, we don’t offer vinyl-wrapped shaker doors because we prioritise long-term quality for Essex homeowners. Instead, our foil shaker kitchens provide a tough, moisture-resistant finish at a comparable price point, making them a smarter choice for investment. If you want durable, stylish, and value-retaining kitchens across Chelmsford, Colchester or Leigh-on-Sea, speak to us on 0161 509 4221.

Browse our dedicated Essex kitchen pages for more detail on each range:

• Kitchens Essex — Full range of kitchen styles available for Essex
• Bespoke Kitchen Units Essex — Made-to-measure units built to your exact dimensions
• Rigid Kitchen Units Essex — Fully assembled rigid cabinets, not flat-pack
• Handleless Kitchens Essex — Sleek, modern handleless kitchens in Matt and Gloss

What painted shaker colours best suit a Victorian terrace kitchen in Chelmsford?

For Victorian terraces in Chelmsford, traditional yet subtle Farrow & Ball colours like ‘Pigeon’ and ‘Down Pipe’ work beautifully. These shades complement original features such as sash windows and cornicing while adding depth and warmth to the kitchen space. Their muted tones also harmonise with brick or stone facades typical of the area.

Can painted shaker kitchens be adapted to fit the narrow galley kitchens common in Colchester’s terraces?

Absolutely. Painted shaker kitchens are highly customizable, allowing for slimline cabinets and clever storage solutions ideal for narrow galley layouts found in Colchester terraces. Their smooth painted finishes also help reflect light, making compact spaces feel larger and more inviting.

Are painted shaker kitchens suitable for listed buildings in Brentwood requiring sympathetic renovations?

Yes, painted shaker kitchens are an excellent choice for listed buildings in Brentwood because their classic design complements period architecture without compromising authenticity. Our expert team can work with you to tailor finishes and colours that respect heritage restrictions and enhance traditional interiors.

How do painted shaker kitchens perform in Essex coastal homes with high humidity, like those in Leigh-on-Sea?

Our painted shaker kitchens use high-quality finishes and rigid 18mm carcasses with solid backs, ensuring they withstand the slightly higher humidity levels found in Essex coastal areas such as Leigh-on-Sea. Properly finished paint and robust construction reduce the risk of warping or moisture damage.

What is the typical delivery time for painted shaker kitchens in Essex, and is installation support available?

Delivery usually takes around 10 working days, which suits the fast-moving renovation market in Essex towns like Basildon and Maldon. We also offer guidance and can recommend trusted installers familiar with local property types. For personalised advice, call 0161 509 4221.

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Painted Shaker Kitchens | Solid Wood Doors, Made to Order & Delivered Nationwide

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 47 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Ameer Latif 
 
30 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
We will get back with a quote within 24 hours they say, 10 days, 3 emails with pictures, sizes and plans and not one reply.. Not even a we cant help you
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Fleetkleen UK 
 
26 July 2026
 
 
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Top service fantastic quality kitchen supplied with fully built units at an amazing price that I’ve not found anywhere else, would highly recommend giving Steve a call, will need his services again very soon.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Naz K 
 
25 June 2026
 
 
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Fantastic experience with Steve from start to finish. He designed an amazing kitchen in a small space and truly went above and beyond what I expected. He took the time to listen carefully to my ideas and requirements, and was never pushy throughout the process. His knowledge, creativity, and attention to detail really stood out at every stage. Everything was planned and executed with care, and he made sure even the smallest details were perfect. The end result is a beautifully designed, highly functional kitchen that I’m absolutely thrilled with. I couldn’t recommend him highly enough ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Emma Bradshaw 
 
13 May 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
After visiting a few "big brand" kitchen places & being absolutely gob smacked at the prices, the pushy salesmen & the amazing "discounts" they claimed were on for "1 week only".... I went searching for a small local business. I found SJB on eBay initially & then popped along to his Instagram account to have a nosey at his products etc. I dropped him a message & got a reply pretty much straight away. I sent our measurements, needs & ideas & Steve got to work & brought our design to life! He worked fast & was extremely helpful. He made changes if we wanted them, he went hunting for a particular handle I wanted (a lot cheaper too as 1 company wanted £12 a handle, Steve found them for just £4) We visited his show room to make sure because we weren't being charged the earth, we weren't getting a cheap / flimsy product. Well we absolutely weren't! We had a slight issue with one of the cabinets being damaged upon arrival, spoke to Steve, who immediately ordered a replacement to be sent. Steve was contactable throughout, nothing was too much trouble, & he's just a genuine nice guy, who runs a fantastic small business. 100% recommend using SJB Trade Kitchens especially over the giant money grabbing companies!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Elizabeth Orbell 
 
21 April 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Steve designed and provided all the quality parts necessary for my fitter to make up this beautiful kitchen. All arrived promptly and any queries were responded to immediately and efficiently. Steve is highly professional and easy to get along with which makes a huge difference in our busy world! I would definitely recommend Steve and will use him on my next build. Thank you !
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Scott 
 
1 April 2026
 
 
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Steve is absolutely epic! Really nice guy. 100% genuine & to be trusted. Really easy to work with. Couldn't do enough and always on hand. The kitchen was amazing quality and the kitchen looked exactly like the images he produced on his computer. The units came ready built which saved a lot of time! Even if you're not a joiner it was really easy to assemble and fit. The kitchen is great quality and a VERY competitive price! 100% recommended! Thank you so much!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Natasha Conway 
 
25 March 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I cannot stress how happy I am with my kitchen from SJB. We didn’t had a great experience with our builder during the renovation of our house however the final kitchen made up for it. SJB offered high quality finishes at quick turnarounds and even made a custom made island which is better than I ever expected. I will be returning soon to SJB for my bedroom wardrobes!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Tina Walsall 
 
12 January 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I came across SJB on Ebay, and contacted Steve. He was very helpful in inviting us to his kitchen showroom to look at the various kitchens. This helped  a lot as he was on site to talk us through ideas and suggestions. We chose, what we thought, a relatively priced kitchen as it was for a rental property, but the finished result has been just amazing! It looks so expensive, even the fitter said it was very good quality for a fraction of what other places charge. Steve kindly designed the kitchen, gave us good ideas and was always available on the phone if we ever needed advice. I have never purchased a kitchen without the company providing a fitter as I have always doubted if the kitchen would fit how it should, but this has completely changed my perception. It has been flawless and friends and family have compared it to their much more expensive ones, saying this looks amazing and better than theirs! If you need a kitchen, with a gentleman that goes over and above, SJB is the place to go. You will not be disappointed, the whole process has been stress free thanks to Steve, I honestly cannot thank him enough for all his efforts and kindness. We hope to come back very soon!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 James Hunter 
 
23 December 2025
 
 
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I've worked in the building trade for over 20 years, the kitchen supplied by Steven was a better quality then a Howdens or magnet kitchen and also a good bit cheaper. Steven's easy to deal with, everything arrived as quoted no problems no damaged items and on the exact day specified. Would highly recommend.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Alison Gregory 
 
13 November 2025
 
 
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I first came across Steve on Ebay last year when I moved into my bungalow and kept hold of his details. Fast forward a year, I checked Google reviews and finally contacted him sending measurements/photos and went to meet him when on holiday nearby. Steve was so helpful and came up with the exact kitchen plan I had in my head, two other companies couldn't do this, despite visiting my home and meeting with them. Took me a while to find a joiner and after lots of emails, Whatsapp messages and calls, I could actually place the order. All delivered to North East Scotland, a few doors followed on as were out of stock, a couple of damaged items replaced and when I needed a corner post and dishwasher door replacement due to longer screws being used in error, Steve was only too happy to send them. It's a very good quality kitchen at a great price and I'm not planning on needing another, but if I did, I wouldn't hesitate on contacting SJB again. We got there in the end Steve, with hard work from my plasterer, joiner, plumber, electrician and flooring guys and I love my new kitchen, so thank you, hard to believe it's the same room ❤️