Oak kitchens are back, and this time around, the natural wood looks better than ever. In recent years, painted cabinets have been leading the way in the kitchen, however oak remains an unwavering favourite for contemporary and classic schemes alike. Designers are once more coveting the relaxed, natural appeal of oak and we’re sharing our favourite designs to inspire you. Think honey-toned woods and a light, bright and inviting ambience. This is a design renaissance to relish.
You’d be forgiven for imagining orangey wooden cabinets, a look once seen in many nineties kitchens. Not anymore. The oak kitchen renaissance is a much softer and more sophisticated affair.
Two-tone oak kitchen inspiration
Oak works exceptionally well with other materials and colours to achieve a coveted two-tone look. This project by Woodale Designs is a balance of light and dark with fumed oak cabinets paired with charcoal tones to highlight other details like the windows and seating and the veined marble. The brass trim and elongated hardware elevates the luxurious open-plan space.
Features our Sparkbrook collection in our satin antique satin lacquered finish.
The kitchen is the perfect place to add a playful pop of colour and the beauty of a material like oak is it pairs well with an array of colours to achieve a two-tone look. Blue and green hues are the most effective choice to keep the design feeling fresh and we love the choice of uplifting cerulean blue in this oak kitchen by Lark Interiors. Placement is everything and choosing just a few accent pieces within your oak kitchen gives the design a more current feel.
For an atmospheric aesthetic, draw inspiration from this statement oak kitchen design by Woodale Designs. Paired with a sophisticated navy shade, the dark oak brings an earthy feel and contrasts beautifully with the other materials within the design.
Features our Leebank and Longbridge collections, both in our satin antique satin lacquered finish.
Neutral oak kitchens
If your oak kitchen brief is a neutral aesthetic, look no further than this timeless design by Monika Hibbs, where oak is married with taupe tones and shell textures.
Features our Kingsheath collection in our aged brass finish.
This modern oak kitchen by Cherished Bliss channels a subtle European feel with statement elements like the bar-style island seating juxtaposed with understated industrial hardware details and reeded glass panels dressing the neutral cabinetry.
Features our Leebank collection in our dark bronze finish.
Oak naturally elevates an earthy interior and this contemporary meets country oak kitchen by AKB design is brimming with design choices to complement the warm wood. From a trio of brass pendant lights crowning the island to a rustic oak beam to frame the oven area, the space evokes an earthy charm that flows from every angle.
Oak kitchen islands
For those choosing to add an element of oak into the kitchen without opting for full cabinetry, an oak island centrepiece like this one by Damici Design creates an effortless contrast to an otherwise all-white space. An oak island beautifully anchors kitchen designs favouring a more pared-back interior. Pair with traditional brass fixtures and fittings for a warm, timeless and relaxed look.
Features our Queslett and Withenshaw collections, both in our burnished brass finish.
Evoking a modern quiet luxury look, this mushroom and oak project by The Woodworks features a reeded oak island framed by painted cabinetry and a statement marble backsplash and matching counters.
Features our Sparkbrook collection in our satin antique satin lacquered finish.
Oak throughout the home
If you’re opting for oak in the kitchen, you may also be exploring where else to feature the natural wood. An all-wood affair home office like this design by Lauren Woods Interiors creates a soothing natural look. From the authentically arranged shelving to a mirrored wall panel and sconce lights framing the desk area, the room flows beautifully with oak forming the canvas of the design. Equally, a bedroom or dressing room interior would be a well-suited space to experiment with oak.
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