Trends come and go, but if there’s one material that’s perennially popular in bespoke kitchens, it has got to be natural wood. You’ll spot a timber moment in nearly every kitchen we make at our Malvern factory – whether it be wood kitchen cabinets throughout, or just one or two enticing dark wood cabinets concealed behind pocket doors. That injection of warmth, character and natural beauty is so compelling, who could resist?  If you’re dreaming of bespoke timber kitchens, we’ve got you covered. In this guide we’ll explain what types of wood work best for bespoke kitchens, and explore inspiring ways to integrate wood into your next luxury kitchen design.

Choosing the right wood for kitchen cabinets

Oak

Known for its strength and distinctive grain, oak has long been the most popular choice for hardwood kitchen cabinets, and with good reason. Oak has a high hardness rating, making it resistant to dents and scratches, and it is also incredibly versatile design-wise. All oak kitchen cabinets are sealed with a protective finish by our skilled craftspeople. Go for a clear finish to enjoy oak in all its natural glory. For a lighter, more modern feel, we often recommend white-washed oak, as shown above in our double award-winning Hardings project. White-washing removes the yellow tones that occur when sealing timber, creating the appearance of untreated, newly cut wood.

Dark stained veneer

If you’re looking for a more dramatic timber, a dark stained timber veneer is the answer and can look absolutely incredible combined with our exclusive metal finishes. For proof, take a look at our Brooks project in dark stained oak with burnished bronze – a stunning example of how, with some artfully applied wood stain, timber can be taken in a very contemporary direction. 

Walnut

The deep, rich tones of walnut are unrivalled for adding a touch of luxury to wood cabinets. Most bespoke furniture in the UK is made from European walnut, which is sustainably grown and harvested and more readily available than English walnut. We love walnut for its red-yellow undertones, which lend natural warmth and sophistication. In our Doepel project with Simon Whitehead Architects the walnut veneer was laid horizontally to emphasise its distinctive grain pattern and create a striking butterfly effect across the floor-to-ceiling doors.

Rustic timbers

For an inviting, relaxed atmosphere, consider a rustic wood kitchen. Rough-sawn timber, reclaimed wood, and distressed finishes are ideal for creating wood cabinets with texture and character. While rustic timbers are often used in traditional cottage kitchens and rural boltholes, they can also be used to provide a striking contrast within contemporary kitchen designs. In our Robinson project, for example, a Driftwood veneered feature island stands out against the matt black lacquered cabinetry.

How to incorporate wood into a kitchen?

Introducing wood into a kitchen is one of the best techniques we know for avoiding a stark, clinical space. However, there’s always the fear of wood overload – aka the ski chalet effect! The most impactful schemes balance natural wood kitchen cabinets with matt lacquered cabinets, creating a contemporary aesthetic that’s both warm and modern. For example, white and wood kitchen cabinets will look fresh and clean – go for a warm white that complements timber’s natural tones. In a black and wood kitchen design, aim for charcoal black rather than blue-black, which again will lend a hint of warmth. Another really effective way to balance the use of wood is to focus it on one elevation of cabinets – such as a tall run of larder and refrigeration or a beautiful glass display cabinet, like the one in our Hamilton project. Smaller timber moments can come via wood shelving, storage niches, breakfast bar worktops, and banquette seating.

Whether you opt for white-washed oak, rustic veneers, or rich walnut, wood introduces a sense of craftsmanship and comfort that will make your new bespoke kitchen feel truly inviting.

For more inspiration head to our wood archives here or visit one of our beautiful showrooms; Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Cambridge, Guildford & Cheltenham.