"Soaking Wood for a High-End Kitchen Aesthetic: A Challenging yet Rewarding Cabinet Transformation"
Wood-drenched kitchens are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, marked by their warm, inviting design and enduring appeal. This trend combines earthy tones, organic elements, natural materials, and a focus on sustainability.
Interior designer Cyndy Cantley observes that wood-drenched kitchens, particularly those featuring walnut cabinetry, exude a sophisticated charm that resonates with both classic and contemporary design. The timeless appeal of these designs, coupled with their contemporary vibe, is believed to be the primary reason for their rising popularity.
Johan Lundkvist, co-founder of bespoke Nordic kitchen company Nordiska Kok, notes that the broader trend toward using more natural materials and earthy tones in design reflects our increased desire to incorporate these elements into our homes. He adds that durable, high-quality materials like wood and stone are here to stay, making the wooden kitchen in Scandinavian design a sustainable choice.
Mid-century modern kitchen designs also align well with the wood-drenching trend, as they revolve around the use of warm-toned woods and sleek lines. Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL, believes that the mid-century look offers a calming, tranquil atmosphere, with less ostentatious feel and a more authentic look.
When it comes to pairing materials with a wooden kitchen, designers suggest a combination of natural materials such as natural stone and wood, along with stainless steel for a contrasting edge. Some of the favorite designs incorporate other natural materials, while still showcasing the wooden elements, creating a Visual interest and cohesive palette.
By eschewing blacklisted wood types for environmental and sustainability reasons, Nordiska Kok upholds the principles of sustainable interior design. They exclusively work with oak and offer the option of staining it to resemble other popular wood types like walnut. European white oak, for instance, has been used to create a contemporary yet warm design in a recent project by Roundhouse.
When styling a wooden kitchen, homeowners can decorate with personal items that reflect their style and taste. Incorporating glass, porcelain, and even branches or flowers can bring nature indoors and counterbalance the visual weight of the wood. Glass doors or a metal mesh panel on upper cabinets add another layer of texture and create visual interest.
When it comes to choosing the best wood for an all-wood kitchen, location plays a significant role in determining the available local species. Maple, white oak, walnut, and cherry are abundant in the U.S., while ash, European oak, beech, and European walnut are more prevalent in the UK. Choosing local species is essential for building a more eco-conscious kitchen.
While wood is more durable than some other materials, it requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. The correct finish is crucial for protecting wood surfaces, particularly timber bench tops, from stains, splitting, and warping. Application of mineral oil, beeswax, linseed oil, or grape seed oil can help condition and protect the surface.
By taking appropriate maintenance measures and choosing the right wood finish, homeowners can ensure their wooden kitchen remains beautiful for many years to come. Nordiska Kok emphasizes the importance of wiping off water from wooden surfaces and avoiding harsh cleaning agents with acids or abrasives for long-term preservation.
- The wooden kitchens, often with walnut cabinetry, exude a sophisticated charm that appeals to both classic and contemporary design.
- Designer Cyndy Cantley notes that the rising popularity of wood-drenched kitchens is due to their timeless appeal and contemporary vibe.
- Johan Lundkvist suggests that the trend towards using natural materials like wood and stone in design is a response to our desire to incorporate these elements into our homes.
- Mid-century modern kitchen designs align with the wood-drenching trend, offering a calming, tranquil atmosphere with a more authentic look.
- Pairing materials with a wooden kitchen should include natural materials like stone and wood, contrasted with stainless steel for added Visual interest.
- Interior design company Nordiska Kok upholds sustainable practices by using oak in their projects and staining it to resemble other wood types like walnut.
- To style a wooden kitchen, decorating with personal items that bring nature indoors, such as glass, porcelain, or branches, can counterbalance the visual weight of the wood.
- For an all-wood kitchen, choosing local species is important for a more eco-conscious kitchen, with maple, white oak, walnut, and cherry being abundant in the U.S.
- To ensure the long-term beauty and maintenance of a wooden kitchen, homeowners should use the right wood finish, wipe off water, and avoid harsh cleaning agents.
