Wood is among the planet’s most versatile materials, and nothing proves that quite like a wooden kitchen. No longer confined to rustic styles in meal prep areas, designers are now using the material in many different aesthetics, from sleek Scandinavian designs to charming retro looks. Below, AD surveys 12 unique wooden kitchen ideas from top designers, showing just how many ways you can mix it up with the material.
Opt for an island anchor
A central wooden island in designer Thomas Lykke’s kitchen provides an anchoring element between two large double doors. Additionally, the unit provides more functional storage space.
Channel industrial rustic
The custom kitchen by Austrian firm Mühlböck includes three modular wall cabinets with reversible doors, a massive island, and even its own table. The white washing on the floors and walls offers an industrial touch.
Try hygge with a cool edge
In this kitchen, wood explores its darker, elegant side. V2 by Vipp combines a European, dark oak wood for the fronts and fine-pored, light Jura limestone with fossil inclusions for the countertop.
Mix terrazzo and light wood
When the owners of this pied-à-terre apartment designed by Ester Bruzkus Architecten are in Berlin, they like to host guests, and this open-plan kitchen serves as the center of a home dedicated to entertaining. The designer opted for a light oak cabinets and shelving, which pair nicely with the terrazzo countertops.
Use wood with a graphic grain
The Italian design studio García Cumini designed a kitchen system for Cesar that plays with contrasts: The linear form has wooden fronts with their grains arranged to create iridescent, graphic patterns.
Consider a dark varnish
“We chose ash because the grain can be brought out beautifully with a varnish,” says Sven Petzold, co-chief executive officer of Holzrausch, about this dark kitchen, which provides structure to the room.
Use a light wood for Scandi coziness
With its oak veneers, the Bossa kitchen from Leicht looks light and airy, making it a perfect match for Scandinavian-inspired interiors.
Mix harsh and soft elements for a striking finish
The vertical grain of the plain oak fronts is meant to evoke the height of a forest while also bringing a natural sense of calm to this kitchen by Garde Hvalsøe. The softness of the light oak contrasts with the harsh concrete, creating a visually striking product.
Go the rustic chic route
The island is the centerpiece of DeVOL’s “Bond Street Haberdashery” kitchen. By adding in textural interest through the leather armchair and floor runner, the room pulls off rustic chic in a way that channels a high-end antique store.
Use high-end appliances to make a statement in minimalist wooden kitchen
The Konvent Kitchen from Berlin-based studio Der Raum reflects several trends that are currently going strong in the high-end kitchen segment: a lavish use of high-quality, natural materials; a minimalist, timeless design language; and beautifully crafted appliances.
Use a statement material next to wood
To bring nature indoors, designer Constanze Ladner created the wall paneling, cabinets, and parquet flooring in this kitchen from light oak wood. The wood creates a frame for the island, which is made from a statement apple-green onyx. The wood is almost “like an embrace,” according to Constanze. The seating area with a round table at the other side of the room also adds to the cozy feeling.
Contrast wood with a pop of color
In New York’s hip East Village, the team at GRT Architects, based in Brooklyn, used oak wood and burgundy tiles to create a chic kitchen built on contrasts between colors and materials.
