Go With the Grain: How to Incorporate Timber Into Your Kitchen
Add warmth and texture to your kitchen space by incorporating elements of timber
The kitchen truly is the heart of the home, especially these days when our homes are moving more and more towards open plan living. Adding elements of timber to your kitchen, or indeed any part of your home, is a great way to create a natural, warm, homely feeling. Timber has been used in homes for centuries for its durability, character, availability and look. It’s a very tactile product that screams “touch me” and therefore adds a very inviting element to a room.
If you are considering adding timber to your kitchen, there are so many clever and stylish ways to do it. There are also so many different forms of timber, colours and finishes to choose from. Whether you have a traditional or modern-minimalist home, use this guide to help steer you in the right direction with your timber choices.
If you are considering adding timber to your kitchen, there are so many clever and stylish ways to do it. There are also so many different forms of timber, colours and finishes to choose from. Whether you have a traditional or modern-minimalist home, use this guide to help steer you in the right direction with your timber choices.
Timber benchtop
Solid timber benchtops may not be as popular today as they were in the past, but they are still a great way to add a softer feel to your kitchen. A common reason for steering clear of solid timber benchtops is often the concern that it will be damaged by water and will require too much maintenance.
Consider having a mix of benchtops materials. Here, the main workspace of the kitchen, where the cooktop and sink are positioned, is made from a natural stone that is hard wearing and isn’t affected by water. The timber benchtop has been reserved for the social end of the kitchen where guests will gather to enjoy a cup of coffee and homeowners will enjoy breakfast and a spot of lunch.
Solid timber benchtops may not be as popular today as they were in the past, but they are still a great way to add a softer feel to your kitchen. A common reason for steering clear of solid timber benchtops is often the concern that it will be damaged by water and will require too much maintenance.
Consider having a mix of benchtops materials. Here, the main workspace of the kitchen, where the cooktop and sink are positioned, is made from a natural stone that is hard wearing and isn’t affected by water. The timber benchtop has been reserved for the social end of the kitchen where guests will gather to enjoy a cup of coffee and homeowners will enjoy breakfast and a spot of lunch.
If you are planning to have a timber benchtop, think about oiling it yourself. If water droplets form a bead on the bench, you know the oil is doing its job and no moisture is getting down into the timber. However, if water droplets disperse and don’t form a bead on the bench, it’s time for a light sand and re-oil. This is what I do with my solid timber dining table, and although it sounds like a lot of work, it’s actually not – and it’s very rewarding when you see the fresh coat of oil bring your benchtop back to life again.
Feature panels: horizontal grain
Incorporating woodgrain feature panels into your kitchen colour scheme is a sure set way to add warmth to a space. You can also use some clever tricks of the trade to give the illusion of more space in your kitchen with the use of woodgrain feature panels. Placing the panels so that the grain runs horizontally will create the illusion of longer length. Here the horizontal woodgrain panels make the island look longer, as the grain leads the eye along the island. Continuing the woodgrain feature colour on the overhead cabinets in the main kitchen area ties the two areas together and again gives the feeling of greater length to the space.
Bear in mind that you may face some height limitations when using horizontal grain. As a general rule, the grain runs with the height on most timber look laminated board panels and timber veneer panels (which most commonly measure approximately 2400mm high x 1200mm wide). This is only an issue when using horizontal grain panels on tall doors, as pantry doors may just mean that you have to split the height of the door into two instead of one single tall door.
Incorporating woodgrain feature panels into your kitchen colour scheme is a sure set way to add warmth to a space. You can also use some clever tricks of the trade to give the illusion of more space in your kitchen with the use of woodgrain feature panels. Placing the panels so that the grain runs horizontally will create the illusion of longer length. Here the horizontal woodgrain panels make the island look longer, as the grain leads the eye along the island. Continuing the woodgrain feature colour on the overhead cabinets in the main kitchen area ties the two areas together and again gives the feeling of greater length to the space.
Bear in mind that you may face some height limitations when using horizontal grain. As a general rule, the grain runs with the height on most timber look laminated board panels and timber veneer panels (which most commonly measure approximately 2400mm high x 1200mm wide). This is only an issue when using horizontal grain panels on tall doors, as pantry doors may just mean that you have to split the height of the door into two instead of one single tall door.
Feature panels: vertical grain
In fashion, it’s commonly known that wearing vertical stripes makes the wearer appear slimmer and taller. The same rule can be applied to home decorating.
If you have low ceilings in your kitchen and would like to make the space feel taller, consider adding some woodgrain feature panels to the space, and run the grain vertically. The vertical grain gives the illusion of greater height because it continues to lead the eye upwards.
In this case, the use of a timber floor adds to the illusion of height because your eye is lead, almost seamlessly, along the floor and up the island bench.
In fashion, it’s commonly known that wearing vertical stripes makes the wearer appear slimmer and taller. The same rule can be applied to home decorating.
If you have low ceilings in your kitchen and would like to make the space feel taller, consider adding some woodgrain feature panels to the space, and run the grain vertically. The vertical grain gives the illusion of greater height because it continues to lead the eye upwards.
In this case, the use of a timber floor adds to the illusion of height because your eye is lead, almost seamlessly, along the floor and up the island bench.
Create contrast
Contrast is a great way to add interest to an interior. The contrast of light or white coloured cabinets teamed with a darker colour is a very elegant look.
Using a solid dark colour can sometimes feel a bit heavy, but using a dark timber colour that has variations in tones throughout will soften the look and make it feel more inviting.
If you are planning an all-white kitchen and are concerned that it may be a bit too stark, you could consider adding some extra interest and depth with the use of timber or timber look panels and cabinet fronts.
Contrast is a great way to add interest to an interior. The contrast of light or white coloured cabinets teamed with a darker colour is a very elegant look.
Using a solid dark colour can sometimes feel a bit heavy, but using a dark timber colour that has variations in tones throughout will soften the look and make it feel more inviting.
If you are planning an all-white kitchen and are concerned that it may be a bit too stark, you could consider adding some extra interest and depth with the use of timber or timber look panels and cabinet fronts.
Feature shelving
Open shelves are a great way to break up a continuous run of kitchen cabinets, adding another element of interest to the space and allowing you to show off some pretty accessories. Using timber to break up a colour in your kitchen cabinets can add a warm, homely feeling.
Consider choosing a timber colour that complements another timber feature in your kitchen or the surrounding space, such as timber furniture or floors, to tie the whole look together. For example, these kitchen shelves are lined with timber to match the panel fitted on the kitchen island.
Open shelves are a great way to break up a continuous run of kitchen cabinets, adding another element of interest to the space and allowing you to show off some pretty accessories. Using timber to break up a colour in your kitchen cabinets can add a warm, homely feeling.
Consider choosing a timber colour that complements another timber feature in your kitchen or the surrounding space, such as timber furniture or floors, to tie the whole look together. For example, these kitchen shelves are lined with timber to match the panel fitted on the kitchen island.
Timber furniture
A crisp, white kitchen immediately takes on a whole new feeling when elements of timber are added to the space. The look of this kitchen would be completely different if the bar stools were all black or even a metal finish.
If you are not ready to commit to adding permanent elements of timber to your kitchen, furniture and other accessories are a great way to add warmth, and can very easily be changed. Consider timber bar stools, pendant lights with elements of timber and accessories such as chopping boards, canisters and fruit bowls in timber colours.
A crisp, white kitchen immediately takes on a whole new feeling when elements of timber are added to the space. The look of this kitchen would be completely different if the bar stools were all black or even a metal finish.
If you are not ready to commit to adding permanent elements of timber to your kitchen, furniture and other accessories are a great way to add warmth, and can very easily be changed. Consider timber bar stools, pendant lights with elements of timber and accessories such as chopping boards, canisters and fruit bowls in timber colours.
Architectural details
Depending on the style of your home, you might consider adding timber in the form of architectural details. These details are often a more permanent fixture, so you will want to consider it if you are happy to carry these details throughout your home to create a continuous look.
Timber window frames, door frames and architraves all look stunning in almost any home. They can be combined with traditional or modern styling within your home. They will add warmth to the space and are an interesting feature.
If you decide further down the road that you would like to have white architraves, for example, it’s always possible to paint the timber, giving you a complete new look.
Depending on the style of your home, you might consider adding timber in the form of architectural details. These details are often a more permanent fixture, so you will want to consider it if you are happy to carry these details throughout your home to create a continuous look.
Timber window frames, door frames and architraves all look stunning in almost any home. They can be combined with traditional or modern styling within your home. They will add warmth to the space and are an interesting feature.
If you decide further down the road that you would like to have white architraves, for example, it’s always possible to paint the timber, giving you a complete new look.
Solid timber cabinets
The most obvious way to incorporate elements of timber into your kitchen is to use solid timber cabinet fronts (doors, drawer fronts and panels). Solid timber, depending on the species, has beautiful variation in grain and colour. This variation is what a lot of people love because it shows off the fact that it’s a natural product made by Mother Nature. Different timber species will have different colour and grain variations. The American walnut pictured here has been finished with a natural matt finish clear lacquer to protect the wood. If you are using a light coloured timber, it’s possible to have it stained a darker colour before it is lacquered for protection.
Be careful with excessive humidity, heat and moisture with solid timber cabinets as it can damage them and cause them to bow.
The most obvious way to incorporate elements of timber into your kitchen is to use solid timber cabinet fronts (doors, drawer fronts and panels). Solid timber, depending on the species, has beautiful variation in grain and colour. This variation is what a lot of people love because it shows off the fact that it’s a natural product made by Mother Nature. Different timber species will have different colour and grain variations. The American walnut pictured here has been finished with a natural matt finish clear lacquer to protect the wood. If you are using a light coloured timber, it’s possible to have it stained a darker colour before it is lacquered for protection.
Be careful with excessive humidity, heat and moisture with solid timber cabinets as it can damage them and cause them to bow.
Timber veneer
For some of us, the variation in colour and grain that is characteristic of natural timber is a little too traditional looking for our taste. If you crave a natural looking timber finish but are after a more consistent colour and grain to suit your contemporary style, a timber veneer might be the choice for you. Timber veneer is a more stable option than solid timber because it is constructed of a thin decorative covering of timber that is applied to another sheet of board, such as MDF (depending on the manufacturer).
For some of us, the variation in colour and grain that is characteristic of natural timber is a little too traditional looking for our taste. If you crave a natural looking timber finish but are after a more consistent colour and grain to suit your contemporary style, a timber veneer might be the choice for you. Timber veneer is a more stable option than solid timber because it is constructed of a thin decorative covering of timber that is applied to another sheet of board, such as MDF (depending on the manufacturer).
Get the look for less
Timber effect laminate is another great way to introduce the timber look into your kitchen. It’s a more cost-effective option than solid timber and timber veneer, and is also very hard wearing.
Most timber effect laminates are available in a variety of finishes, including matt, semi gloss and high gloss (such as the kitchen pictured).
Because laminate is a man-made product, it can be manipulated in ways that are not possible with real timber. For example, you can find timber effect laminates that are not necessarily a natural timber colour, such as greys and blacks. You could have some fun with this option and create an entirely different (and maybe even fun) look to what you would achieve with real timber.
TELL US
How have you incorporated timber into your kitchen design?
MORE KITCHEN INSPIRATION
15 Ways to Update Your Kitchen on a Shoestring
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Timber effect laminate is another great way to introduce the timber look into your kitchen. It’s a more cost-effective option than solid timber and timber veneer, and is also very hard wearing.
Most timber effect laminates are available in a variety of finishes, including matt, semi gloss and high gloss (such as the kitchen pictured).
Because laminate is a man-made product, it can be manipulated in ways that are not possible with real timber. For example, you can find timber effect laminates that are not necessarily a natural timber colour, such as greys and blacks. You could have some fun with this option and create an entirely different (and maybe even fun) look to what you would achieve with real timber.
TELL US
How have you incorporated timber into your kitchen design?
MORE KITCHEN INSPIRATION
15 Ways to Update Your Kitchen on a Shoestring
Kitchen Benchtops Worth Baking For
How to Double Your Kitchen Workspace
How to Plan a White Kitchen That’s Anything but Boring
Timber flooring is a great addition to any space. We spend a lot of time on our feet in the kitchen and this can become tiring. Timber floors are warmer and more comfortable under foot than tiles and are also less noisy. All of these elements combine to give a cosy and homely feeling to a space.
The sleek, crisp white cabinets in this kitchen are softened by the warmth of the timber.
Choose timber flooring for your kitchen carefully as leaks from sinks and dishwashers can cause it damage. If it’s real timber, ensure it is well sealed, or alternatively opt for an engineered or laminate timber that will give you the look of real timber without the possible maintenance issues.
Read more: 16 Timber Kitchens to Inspire You