With so many variations on Scandinavian-style kitchen designs, it takes time and effort to be original. But Corner, a Chicago-based kitchen renovation company, was challenged to prove otherwise. Their new kitchen collection Evoke combines the classic design of the shaker fronts with the modern trends of European minimalism.
“We've kept hearing from our customers that they wanted a kitchen design that wasn’t outdated but still matched the character of their older homes,” says Yuliia, the co-founder of Corner who was featured in Forbes 30 under 30. “We knew we had to create something special. That’s how our new collection of wooden slim shaker fronts came to life.”
To bring this collection to life, Corner partnered with Oleh Mykhailiuk, a gifted Ukrainian designer from Kyiv. "The starting point for the collection was the materials we wanted to combine," explains Oleh. "We chose a light, neutral white color, contrasting wood with natural textures, and a light, discreet texture of natural stone. In addition, we included an L-shaped kitchen open to the main room and a large, functional island as essential elements."
“Through the image, we wanted to capture the atmosphere of lightness, comfort, and tranquility that we aim to give to every client who comes to us for a dream kitchen,” says Oleh.
A distinctive feature of the Evoke collection is the kitchen cabinets with slim shaker fronts. This is considered a traditional element and, therefore rare for modern minimalist kitchens. In this design, slim shaker fronts, made from high-quality wood veneer, highlight the cleanness and symmetry of lines, which is typical for the Scandinavian style.
“We took the classic shaker style — a staple in traditional kitchens — and gave it a modern twist,” says Konstantin, a co-founder of Corner. “These fronts maintain the timeless look but with a slimmer, more refined profile, making them a perfect fit for homes that appreciate the heritage and contemporary design”
Advanced functionality is not limited to the kitchen cabinets. The pantry has a corner cabinet that expands storage options.
The kitchen island is an example of multipurpose performance. It is both a working area for cooking and a cozy place for family and friendly gatherings, made for true aesthetics.
The natural wood veneer used for the fronts gives the cabinets a vibrant color and unique grain and is also sustainably sourced.
“Large, spacious units with functional niches and a free and open work area will make the cooking process look like a cooking show, not a daily routine,” adds Oleh. “ An island where your guests can sit freely and share this time with you will be useful and allow you to gather everyone together more often.”
“This collection is for homeowners who want their kitchen to respect the past while staying relevant to today’s design standards,” as Yuliia and Konstantin point out. “It’s about bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, offering a solution that feels familiar and fresh.”
