As we continue to embrace natural elements inside our homes, there’s never been a better time to enjoy the organic beauty of timber with a real wood kitchen. But how practical are they, really?
If the thought of a wood kitchen has you conjuring up images of ‘70s and ‘80s-style orange pine cabinetry – complete with matching wood ceilings – then think again. Skip ahead to current times, and the trend for wood designs is seeing all manner of stylish tones and grains.
In fact, unpainted timber cabinetry has been on the rise, says KBB journo Laurie Davidson. And, you’d have to have been hiding under a stone not to notice the demand for wood; not just as a building material, but as a way of embracing the whole ‘outside in’ trend, too.
Why are wood kitchens popular?
Wood has a timeless beauty that radiates warmth and injects a slice of nature into our (often tech-filled) urban homes. Whether you opt for a rustic, country style or a sleek Scandi influence, no two trees are the same. The unique grain of natural wood can give your kitchen a charm that’s hard to beat.
“Raw and unpainted wood kitchens bring a warm, organic, natural aesthetic to interiors, aligning well with the growing interest in eco-friendly materials,” says Rhiannon Phenis, head of design at Sola Kitchens. “This trend celebrates the authentic, unrefined look of wood grain, highlighting each piece’s unique character. With people seeking comfort and connection to nature in their homes, the appeal of raw wood’s warmth and tactile quality has only increased.”
Of course, it could very well be that kitchen buyers are simply shifting in direction after a long period of buying painted cabinetry. “Wooden kitchens have always found favour with people who value the beauty of timber in its natural state,” muses Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio.
“However, for many years, it has been fashionable to paint Shaker-style wooden kitchens. Frankly, I think homeowners are bored with that and want to see something different. When you paint a kitchen, obviously the desired result is a flat finish where the grain of the wood isn’t revealed or celebrated, but rather the colour of the paint takes centre stage. An unpainted wooden kitchen, on the other hand, allows the grain and nature of the timber to take the limelight, and no manufactured finish will ever create more of a show-stopping effect than that.”
Trend or timeless?
But, how long do we think this look is likely to last? Is it a trend that’s going to pass by or is it here to stay this time?
Charlie believes that the return to craftmanship and the artisanal beauty of natural materials and textures means it’s a look that isn’t going anywhere – yet. “Wood is being celebrated for its unique imperfections that add depth and authenticity to kitchen spaces,” he says.
“In addition, there is a huge variety of colours and grains inherent in natural wood which can produce a myriad of finishes. For example, the close grain of oak can be stained to a wide range of colours. Or the beautiful figuring in wild walnut can create the wow factor in a kitchen design. Alternatively, textured wood finishes, whether through hand-carved detailing or treatments that highlight natural grain, can bring a sense of warmth and craftsmanship to kitchen designs. For that reason, I think wood kitchens are going to be in vogue for some years to come.”
That, in essence, is the beauty of wood: it never really goes out of style. Unlike other looks that come and go, it’s one that’s always there, even if it does forgo the limelight to a new trend every now and then.
Key considerations
Wood kitchens aren’t without their drawbacks, however, including the care required to keep the wood looking its best. “Sunlight and ageing can discolour timbers over time, and this is pertinent to kitchens in extensions with glazed panel doors and roof lanterns where a lot of light floods into the kitchen,” explains Darren Taylor, managing director at Searle & Taylor. “Oak can take on an orange hue, while walnut will become paler when exposed to sunlight. However, there are numerous intelligent lacquers and finishes that will protect the wood from UV light.”
How to get the look right
If you’re prepared to spend that bit of extra time maintaining your wood cabinetry, then you may want to start thinking about how to get the look right – the type of wood and cabinetry you choose and what materials you pair it with.
“I think you really need to be careful with the tones you choose,” advises Rebecca Nokes, design director at John Lewis of Hungerford. “This isn’t about going back to the yellow oaks and orange pines of the ‘80s (thank goodness!), but a more understated raw look. Mixing and matching with painted units also works well if you don’t want a full-on wood kitchen.”
Francois Damseaux, director of Wood Works Brighton, always advises his clients to spend time looking at the many colour shades, textures, and patterns of natural wood before buying. “There’s so many to choose from that you can almost never get bored of looking at wood,” he says. “As a natural material, it pairs with almost anything. Obviously make sure it is sustainably sourced – if you’re using an independent bespoke kitchen maker, then this would very much be on top of their agenda. Make sure it is actual wood, as the plastic alternatives these days could fool a bear.”
Finally, remember that although enjoying the beauty of raw wood can come at a cost in terms of budget, the end result is a look that is equally as (if not more) versatile as paint, set to last the distance.
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