Without doubt one of the most timeless aspects of kitchen design, the trend for wooden finishes continuously recurs, with different interpretations. This blog post brings together different ways of incorporating wood into a kitchen design, in ways inspiring, creative and stylish.
Polished perfection
Just imagine this streamlined kitchen island taking centre stage… With such a statement piece in the room, cabinets can remain a simple matt white. Clever use of under-cabinet lighting highlights the feature-some curve of the island, and reflects in the highly polished wooden sides. A rich colour and dramatic natural grain are all that is needed for the beauty of this island to shine, thanks to the many styles in which wood can be channelled.
Oak casked
Contrasting sharply with the matt navy and white marble finishes, the warm oak cabinet fronts are conformed to this kitchen through their simple, handless design. Adding a depth and character to what otherwise might have been a bland though modern kitchen, the tones of brown are echoed in the stone-look wrap around on the central island. Perfect!
Authenticity
There’s something about the rugged texture of raw wood that provides the perfect backdrop for food. Although rough worktops as shown above would prove impractical as worktops, the perfect combination of cooking elements and natural wood is portrayed in this photo. On the same point, aged wooden chopping boards, hand-carved spoons or utensils can be used to effectively incorporate the quality of old wood into a modern kitchen.
Parquet pride
This is one kitchen that excels in it’s tasteful incorporation of wood. The brass fittings and matt black pendants show the scheme is trend conscious, but it’s the gorgeous parquet flooring that really makes this kitchen so successful. Defining the bar area of the island is a wrap-around feature from the same dark wood, almost seeming to emerge from the floor…
Raw and untreated
New and groundbreaking textures are making their way into the progressive kitchen market – this raw slatted wood example being one of them. A background of reclaimed natural stone sets the scene for a gloriously textural kitchen, with the cupboard fronts being the focal point. Lightly washed in a soft khaki shade, the slats of rough wood combine to form soft and neutral cabinetry.
Out of the ashes
Elegant black ash cupboard fronts create an impact in this creative ‘elemental’ kitchen. Mixed with individually aged copper doors, and an arabescato marble sink – the result is nothing short of incredible. This kitchen perfectly shows the versatility of natural wood – once aged, painted, or treated to accentuate the grain, the results can add texture and beauty to any kitchen style.
Balance with brass
Although not always the most popular wood choice, a light teak lining a bar area looks stunning when paired with camel-hued velvet bar stools and plenty of brass. A subtly whitewashed wooden floor bridges the gap between the crisp white cabinetry and the island. Choosing a close colour spectrum, spanning gold to a rich camel-beige, keeps the design constrained for maximum impact. And how incredible is the trio of pendants?
Light, scandi appeal
Combining soft greys, whites and glass with light wood finishes has long been a popular style. Inspired by Scandinavian simplicity and love of light neutrals, this impeccable cupboard is aesthetically pleasing, with an immaculate storage space for every element within. See below also, it’s the inside that counts!
Breakfast bar
This Portland project used oak for a feature breakfast bar. Nothing else in the kitchen is finished in wood so attention is drawn to the cosy area, illuminated by a single hammered brass pendant. Warmth and quality enhance a neutral shaker kitchen, creating an inviting nook to sit at over breakfast or for guests to gather at.
Farmhouse style
Traditionally piled with sacks of potatoes, fresh produces and topped by a freshly baked farmhouse loaf – the iconic farmhouse island unit always looks best when crafted from wood. This large example incorporates a heritage green-grey to really capture a timeless feel, anchoring the entire neutral kitchen design.