DESIGN NOTES – Natural Timber Kitchens: What You Need To Know
Have you noticed the shift away from all-white kitchens? If you’re considering the warmer tones of natural timber, here’s how to decide if it’s the right choice for your home.
Timber kitchens that embrace the inherent natural tones are a beautiful way to add more warmth to your interiors. But as with any building material, natural timber has its drawbacks and won’t be right for every project. Here are a few key considerations to help you know if it’s a good fit for your kitchen renovation or interior design project.
Introducing… DESIGN NOTES
A new series to help you transform your interiors with expert tips, creative ideas and sustainable solutions. In today’s deep dive, explore the world of natural timber kitchens, design ideas for how you can incorporate it cohesively into your interiors, and get an understanding of how to select and maintain the ideal timber for your space.
Photography Lynden Foss for Imprint House
Why Natural Timber Kitchens?
As a designer, I’m always drawn to materials that offer both beauty and functionality, and natural timber kitchens deliver in both these areas. Natural timber kitchens are a timeless and sustainable design choice. Using solid wood, harvested from sustainably grown trees, natural timber has been the go-to choice for thousands of years. Unlike modern materials, which often contain synthetic (and sometimes toxic) components and glues, natural timber is entirely organic. This gives it unique benefits over contemporary options such as laminate or engineered wood, making it a better choice for you and your kitchen.
Photography Lynden Foss for Imprint House
4 Reasons to Choose Natural Timber Kitchens In Your Renovation
1. Authenticity and Warmth
One of the reasons that timber is one of my go-to choices is that there’s a beauty and warmth to real wood that can’t be replicated by synthetic materials. The grain patterns, textures, and natural variations in colour add depth and make spaces feel more inviting, creating a welcoming and cosy atmosphere that’s ideal for the heart of your home.
2. Durability and Longevity
Natural timber is incredibly durable, capable of withstanding the daily wear and tear of a busy kitchen. It also ages beautifully over time. While engineered products might chip or discolour, timber develops a natural patina. With proper care and maintenance, a timber kitchen can last for decades, even generations. Another added benefit is that it can be repaired, sanded back and re-stained, painted or fixed in other ways. This longevity makes it a worthwhile investment, both financially and aesthetically.
3. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
In today’s design world, sustainability is more important than ever. Natural timber, when sourced responsibly, is an eco-friendly choice. It’s a renewable resource, and choosing certified timber ensures that your kitchen supports sustainable forestry practices. Additionally, timber has a lower carbon footprint compared with many synthetic materials, making it a greener option if you want to be more environmentally-conscious with your home and renovation.
4. Health Benefits
Natural timber also offers health benefits by contributing to better indoor air quality. Unlike synthetic materials, which can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), natural wood doesn’t off-gas harmful chemicals. This makes your kitchen a healthier place for you and your family.
Sustainable Design Tip
To keep costs down, we used plywood rather than Tasmanian Oak for the kitchen carcass. However, we chose plywood that is rated according to E1 or E0 Standards. This is the European emission standard for formaldehyde in plywood. E1 indicates low emissions and E0 is even lower in terms of emissions, and often considered the best in terms of indoor air quality. You can look for plywood that is CARB (California Air Resources Board) Phase 2, FSC Certified, EP TSCA Title VI, compliant with the Environmental Protection Agency.
Photography Lynden Foss for Imprint House
What You Need To Know About Natural Timber Kitchens
1. How to Choose the Right Timber
The type of timber you select will greatly influence the overall aesthetic and durability of your kitchen. Some of the more popular choices include:
Oak: Known for its strength and versatility, oak offers a classic look with prominent grain patterns.
Walnut: With rich, dark tones, walnut brings a sense of luxury and depth to your kitchen.
Maple: Lighter in colour, maple is ideal for creating a bright, airy feel while maintaining the natural wood look.
Teak: Highly resistant to moisture, teak is an excellent choice for areas around the sink or for countertops.
Plywood: Ideal for achieving a contemporary look, thanks to its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic. You can choose from a range of grades to enhance the natural wood or opt for a light veneer that feels more aligned to a Scandinavian design style.
2. Finishing Touches
Finishing your timber surfaces is crucial to protect them from daily wear and tear. Consider the following options:
Oil Finishes: Enhance the natural beauty of the wood while providing a matte, subtle sheen. Oils penetrate deep, offering good protection against moisture. We used Rubio Monocoat on the kitchen cabinetry, pictured above. It is a 0% VOC hardwax oil finish.
Lacquer: For a more durable finish, lacquer adds a protective layer on top of the wood, available in various levels of gloss.
Wax: Provides a natural, low-sheen finish that is easy to maintain but may require more frequent reapplication.
3. Balancing Natural Elements
To avoid overwhelming the space, balance the natural timber with other materials:
Stone or Quartz Countertops: These surfaces complement timber cabinetry and provide a durable, easy-to-clean work area. We used marble as the countertop.
Metal Accents: Stainless steel appliances, brass handles, and copper fixtures can add a modern touch and contrast beautifully with timber. The brass handles were sourced from Imprint House.
Character Sinks: There are many more choices available than a white sink. Try stone such as travertine or marble. Also, copper sinks create lots of character.
4. Lighting Considerations
Proper lighting enhances the natural beauty of timber and ensures functionality in your kitchen:
Natural Light: Maximize natural light with strategically placed windows or skylights. Timber glows warmly in natural sunlight.
Task Lighting: Install under-cabinet lighting to illuminate work areas and highlight the wood grain.
Ambient Lighting: Use pendant lights or recessed lighting to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere. Tadelakt pendants were installed for their off-white appearance.
5. Sustainable Choices
Opting for sustainably sourced timber ensures your kitchen is eco-friendly:
Certified Timber: Look for certifications from organisations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure the wood is responsibly harvested.
Reclaimed Wood: Incorporate reclaimed timber for a rustic, character-filled look that’s also environmentally conscious.
6. Maintenance Tips
Maintaining the beauty of your timber kitchen requires regular care:
Clean Spills Promptly: Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining or water damage.
Use Gentle Cleaners: Avoid harsh chemicals; instead, use mild soap and water for routine cleaning.
Reapply Finish: Depending on the finish, you may need to reapply oil or wax periodically to keep the wood protected.
7. Styling Your Timber Kitchen
Complete your timber kitchen with thoughtful styling:
Art and Accessories: Choose artwork and decorative pieces that reflect your personal style while harmonising with the natural materials.
Elevate the Everyday Try tonal ceramic plates and bowls to elevate the everyday. Available from Imprint House.
Textiles: Use natural fabrics like linen or cotton for curtains, tablecloths, and kitchen towels to complement the timber.
Photography Lynden Foss for Imprint House
Is a Timber Kitchen the Right Choice for Your Home?
With its natural beauty, durability, and eco-friendly properties, timber is a timeless choice for kitchens. If you have room in your project timeline and budget, and are willing to invest in quality materials and skilled craftsmanship, you can create a standout kitchen that you’ll love for years to come.
Curious about more ways to transform your spaces with thoughtful, sustainable design choices? Discover 10 ways to create a home that truly reflects your style and values here.