How to use timber in a kitchen design – ideas, tips and inspiration

Written by Andrew Published Feb 12, 2025 Category The Kitchen Expert

It’s beautiful, warm and incredibly versatile – from subtle touches to big bold statements, here’s how you can use exposed natural timber to create a stunning kitchen that’s as unique as you are...

At Naked Kitchens we love working with timber – in fact, applying English craftsmanship to the very best Appalachian oak and walnut is the foundation of our business.

Over the years we’ve crafted countless bespoke cabinets, units, shelves, pantries, worktops and one-of-a-kind features from beautiful, natural wood – and it’s given us a unique insight into just how versatile timber really is. From very traditional, farmhouse style kitchens, to super-smart urban apartments – high-quality exposed timber can enhance any look.

Why timber?

There are many reasons to love exposed timber…

Warmth and character – Wood adds a natural warmth that makes a kitchen feel inviting and homely.
Versatility and timelessness – Timber works beautifully in both modern and traditional designs, complementing almost any material or colour.
Texture – The grain patterns and finishes create visual interest and depth, bringing life and personality to the space.
A connection to nature – That subconscious feeling of being in touch with the natural world while in your home is known to enhance a feeling of well being and contentment.
Durability – High-quality hardwoods are exceptionally strong and will last a lifetime.
Sustainability – When sourced responsibly, timber is a planet-friendly choice.

Inspiration: Six different ways to use timber in a kitchen design

Whether you’re looking for subtle wooden accents or want to make timber the star of the show, here are some creative ideas to bring timber into your kitchen:

1) Use exposed timber as a neutral

*Exposed timber as a neutral alternative in the* *St Albans Cottage kitchen*

As an alternative to a neutral like white or grey, natural wood can make a wonderfully warm foundation for a colourful kitchen, creating a rich, layered effect. In the St Albans Cottage kitchen, designed by architect Jake Lai, frameless Ladbroke doors in a brushed limed oak finish do precisely this job. As Jake puts it: “the beautiful natural grain pattern provides a neutral background for colour and lifts the space.”

2) Use timber as a colour pop

*The oak breakfast bar acts as a gorgeous colour pop in the* *Westward Ho kitchen* *kitchen*

Alternatively a single feature in natural wood amongst painted cabinetry can make for a surprising and striking colour ‘pop’. The effect is particularly dramatic in a dark scheme, like the Westward Ho kitchen (above). The breakfast bar in oak, built into the island at table height, makes a wonderful contrast to the cabinets in dark green and feels friendly and welcoming in the otherwise very smart and contemporary design.

3) Use timber to create texture contrasts

*Beautiful texture contrasts in the* Staithe kitchen

Colour is the most obvious way of creating contrasts in interior design, but you can also do it with texture – and the beautiful grains and natural ‘feeliness’ of timber are just the job for that. The Staithe kitchen may be neutral in colour, but the gorgeous texture contrasts provided by the warm limed oak means that it’s packed full of character.

4) Juxtapose timber with other strong materials for a layered effect

*Stunning layers of material in the* *Anmer kitchen*

You can also create textural layers by pairing timber with other high-quality materials like marble, brass, stainless steel, or glass. In the Anmer kitchen the striking textural contrast between the warm timber and the cool, hard white marbled worktop and splashbacks really brings out the natural beauty of both.

5) Use timber touches to give a contemporary kitchen timeless style

*Rustic charm in a very modern kitchen at* *Albany Road*

Introducing just one or two natural timber items into an otherwise very modern kitchen design can have a dramatic effect, somehow anchoring the scheme in history and nature. The Albany Road kitchen, for example, is like a contemporary work of art, with its sleek white cabinets with colourful handles and swirling pastel splashback.. It’s a very sophisticated, urban look, but the beautiful timber dining table gives it a big dollop of homely rustic charm – and it all works perfectly.

6) Use large timber items to make a serious statement

*Walnut is the star feature of the* *Georgian Hall kitchen*

But as well as being rustic and homely, timber can be grand and imposing – especially if it’s used for a large kitchen centrepiece. In the Georgian Hall kitchen the star of the show is the sensational central island with walnut worktops. This is timber at its imperious best: natural, expertly crafted, quite timeless and built to last forever.

Bringing timber into your kitchen with Naked Kitchens

Whether you’re drawn to the warmth of oak, the luxury of walnut, or the versatility of mixed timber finishes, there’s no shortage of ways to incorporate wood into your kitchen. At Naked Kitchens, we craft bespoke wooden features with precision and care, ensuring each piece enhances the beauty and function of your space.

As well as cabinets and worktops, we can help you to introduce subtle timber touches through items like: