Solid wood kitchen (30+ photos): noble luxury and home comfort

2019-05-28

Author: Belfan

Issues discussed in the material:

What are the advantages of a solid wood kitchen?
What types of wood are used to make solid wood kitchens and what are their features?
In what style can you decorate a solid wood kitchen?
Which solid wood furniture to choose for the kitchen
How to properly care for a solid wood kitchen

Despite the huge number of various materials, kitchens made of solid wood continue to be especially popular. And this is not surprising, because it is difficult to compete with their beauty - they always look noble, solid, speak of the good taste of the owner of the home, and are also an indicator of luxury and create a warm, cozy atmosphere. Read on to find out what features a solid wood kitchen has, as well as the rules for its design.

What you need to know about solid wood

Solid wood is a natural material that is used to make luxury furniture.

The array comes in the following types:

Solid wood, which is a board obtained by sawing a log lengthwise. The disadvantage of this material is its limited width, which is usually 40–50 cm.
Furniture panel, that is, an assembly of lamellas. This option is the most common and consists of gluing wooden boards into a shield so that the seams are as invisible and durable as possible.

If we talk about solid wood, which is produced at domestic enterprises, then it is usually made from spruce or pine. Not so often, but alder, birch, ash, beech and oak are also used for gluing panels. Their cost is slightly higher than products made from coniferous trees, but such furniture is more durable and durable.

Furniture made from solid wood is often confused with the veneered version, that is, when the product is covered with thin wooden plates, and inside there is a budget material, like chipboard. This allows you to create the look of natural wood. If we talk about solid wood, then these are thick beams that are connected to form a facade, countertop or other similar elements.

Today there are the following material options:

Combination of solid wood and veneer.

As an example, we can take a frame, the main part of which is made of natural wood, and the inner part is made of veneer. Due to the similarity of their texture and color, it may seem that the product is made from the same material. In some cases, if it is necessary to hide differences, it is necessary to resort to painting.

Wood production.

In some cases, the façade is made entirely of wood.

Manufacturing from type-setting solids.

It is worth noting that finding such an option is quite difficult. The facade in this case is made of wooden planks glued together. Typically, this method is used in the production of countertops.

Why white kitchens are trending

Many question the practicality of white for the kitchen. The arguments in favor of this finishing option are as follows:

High-quality materials are moisture-resistant and wear-resistant. Therefore, cleaning will not be difficult, and the surface of the working area will remain in its original form for a long time.
A white kitchen is a great motivation to keep things clean.
This solution allows you to preserve maximum light, air, and space in the interior.

At first glance, a cold, “empty” white monotone in tandem with warm shades makes a very positive impression.
It’s even hard to imagine: is it possible, in principle, to overload and make the white interior obtrusive?

Pros of a solid wood kitchen

Solid wood kitchens have the following advantages that you should pay attention to:

Natural wood is an absolutely environmentally friendly material, since it does not emit harmful substances into the environment. In addition, it creates a favorable microclimate in the room.
Furniture made from natural wood is strong and durable. It can last for decades, but only if it is properly and constantly looked after.
Wooden furniture is universal, so it can fit into the interior of any style (classic, empire, baroque, country, loft, hi-tech, Provence, modern).
You can buy a solid wood kitchen of any style, since designers treat this material with special care and offer a fairly wide range.
Even if chips or cracks appear during use of wooden furniture, they can be easily eliminated, which is not always possible with other materials.
Aging beautifully. Kitchen facades made with natural patina look more noble and are valued much higher.

If we talk about the disadvantages, they most likely relate to the peculiarities of using kitchens made of solid wood:

Difficult care.
In order for natural wood to retain its original qualities and appearance for as long as possible, and also to serve for decades, it should be regularly treated with special means, in particular, wax, impregnations with protective properties and varnishes. If this is not done, then over time the furniture may become deformed and lose its beauty under the influence of ultraviolet rays, temperature changes, humidity and other external factors. However, this cannot be called a minus if the solid wood kitchens are from a professional manufacturer who handled the processing of raw materials responsibly. In this case, no negative influences of wooden furniture are scary, and it will serve its owner for a very long time, delighting him with its beautiful appearance.
Considerable weight of solid wood. This requires special attention to the fixation of wall cabinets and shelves.
Small choice in terms of colors. Even if we take into account that there are quite a lot of wood species that differ in pattern and shade, all of them are not as diverse as materials of artificial origin. However, even in this case, they resort to tricks, namely painting and tinting, which can significantly expand the designer’s capabilities.

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Nuances of kitchen design in a wooden house

A wooden house is usually built from logs or timber. It is worth noting that the material from which the house is built plays a very important role in the design of the kitchen:

The kitchen in a house made of timber is warm and cozy, so it is very important to initially think through the cooking area and dining room with all the nuances. It is necessary to take into account that all materials and pieces of furniture, equipment must be suitable for the log house; very often natural or artificial stone is used.
A log house is most often built from pine, which darkens over time and this should definitely be taken into account when choosing a color scheme for the kitchen. It is also worth noting that most modern styles would be out of place in a kitchen in a log house; it is better to choose some modern elements, such as a bar counter.

Wood species for making kitchens

To make kitchens from solid wood, cherry, linden, chestnut, beech, oak, pine, ash, birch and some other species are used. It is worth noting that each of them has its own structure. For the manufacture of some elements, rare wood species such as Anergy, Tulipie (tulip wood) and Tiglio can be used.

Kitchens made of solid ash.
This type of wood has a special structure and energy. If you properly care for furniture made from ash, it will last a very long time. As for the distinctive features of such kitchens, they are usually simplicity of execution, high quality, smooth lines of facades with the absence of decorative elements. They fit almost any interior style.
Oak kitchens.
Kitchens made from solid oak are distinguished by reliability, comfort and stability. Furniture made from this wood is especially durable and comes in a variety of colors. Another undoubted advantage is that oak kitchens are not subject to deformation, so they are not afraid of changes in temperature and humidity. In addition, they look great in absolutely any interior.
Kitchens made of beech.
Beech is one of the most popular types of wood used for the production of kitchen sets. Such furniture is particularly durable and reliable. In addition, at the customer’s request, solid beech kitchens can be tinted in any color. The sophistication of the shade of this wood, as well as its fine structure, make the interior more cozy.
Kitchens made of solid alder.
For connoisseurs of classics and comfort, kitchens made from this type of wood are ideal. Such furniture is distinguished by restraint in terms of fittings, as well as the absence of decorative elements and pretentious details. Its main advantages are resistance to moisture and mechanical influences, durability, ease of processing and the ability to create facades of different sizes and shapes.
Pine kitchens.
Kitchens made from solid pine are especially popular due to the positive qualities of the material and its price. In addition, pine secretes substances that kill bacteria - phytoncides and help a person cope with certain diseases, increasing immunity. Furniture made from such wood is very durable, since only trunks that are at least 100 years old are used for its production, and it is also aesthetic and hypoallergenic.
Birch kitchens.
For Russians, furniture made from birch is native. In addition, it is strong, durable and at the same time unpretentious in terms of maintenance. Kitchens made from solid birch go well with built-in appliances, and glazed facades and high-quality fittings make it more sophisticated. The only disadvantage of birch furniture is its susceptibility to rotting, although this can be easily eliminated by treating the wood with special means.
Solid cherry furniture.
The attractive brownish-pink color of a set made from this type of wood can decorate any interior. In this case, you don’t even need additional decorative elements. The main thing you should pay attention to in the case of cherry wood is the processing of the boards, which must be of high quality.

Finishing materials for the kitchen

Regardless of whether it is a standard kitchen or a living room kitchen in a wooden house, it requires high-quality finishing materials that meet the following requirements:

Durability;
Hygiene;
Easy and simple care;
Water resistance;
Resistant to temperature changes.

Solid Wood Kitchen Styles

Furniture made from natural wood can be made in different styles:

The most common option is classic kitchens made of solid wood, when the furniture is complemented by glass doors, bronze fittings and carved elements.
Country involves artificially aging furniture, covering it with enamel or treating it with patina.
It is worth noting that there may be several options for this direction: French, Russian, American, English and others. If you pay attention to the American and Italian country styles, they are characterized by dark-colored furniture, while English and French furniture is made of light wood, which is perfect for small rooms, making them visually more spacious. Country-style solid wood kitchens are characterized by framed fronts, often complemented by grilles or vintage glass. Since this direction is often called the “rural” direction, a cabinet with open shelves, an antique display cabinet with a tea set and a tabletop made of artificial stone or wood will look good in the interior.
A modern solid wood kitchen tends to eliminate unnecessary details.
In this case, transparent varnish is used as a finish. One of the modern trends in interior design is high-tech. Solid wood kitchens made in this style have a laconic design with straight, streamlined lines. The facades have no decorative elements. The main feature of such a kitchen set is its fittings. In this case, for a smoother and quieter closing, the cabinet doors are equipped with hinges with closers. Push mechanisms are provided to open drawers and cabinets. The doors also have hinges that allow you to raise and lower them without much effort. As for color, cool shades are suitable for high-tech: black, white, beige, silver, brown.
Provence style. When decorating a room in this direction, two rules are often followed: the first is to have a white solid wood kitchen, and the second is to give it an aged look. In addition, forged decorative parts must be present in the interior. As for the countertop, it may be shabby, with cracks and chips.
It is impossible not to note the loft style, in which it is possible to combine modern objects of various shapes, and ancient, and sometimes even antique furniture.
Solid wood kitchens are especially popular among eco-style connoisseurs who adhere to the principle of using only natural materials. Furniture made in this direction is distinguished by its laconicism, that is, there are no frills in it. The main decoration of a solid wood kitchen is its texture and natural color.

Expert tips for finishing a white kitchen with wood countertops

A white kitchen in combination with wood is considered one of the simplest and most versatile solutions, which will look good in any case. The room will immediately create an atmosphere of lightness, simplicity, and naturalness. If you follow all the advice of professional designers, even a beginner can decorate the interior stylishly. When choosing a white kitchen and a wooden countertop, it is worth considering the following points:

Maintaining proportions. In order for the interior to look harmonious, it is necessary to strictly maintain the proportion of 70/30 (70% white and 30% wood). If you make only the tabletop wooden, it will stand out, and therefore an imbalance will arise. To prevent this from happening, you should immediately decide on companions for the wooden tabletop. This could be the floor, a dining table, door frames, just decor, an apron, a table with a sofa.
Wooden apron. White kitchens with a wooden countertop and apron look very interesting and harmonious. In this case, it is not at all necessary to make an apron from solid wood or MDF. It's expensive and impractical. It is better to use tiles, porcelain stoneware, artificial stone. Modern technologies make it possible to produce such materials in a wood-like shade.
Two-color headsets. White kitchen furniture sets, in which several cabinets are covered with wooden facades, look very interesting. If the tone matches the shade of the wooden tabletop, this option will look stylish and original.
Wooden bottom. Not everyone likes their countertop to stand out. A very good option would be a set in which the upper facades are white, and the lower facades and tabletop are wooden. In this case, the shade of the wood is the same or differs by only a tone.
Adding color. If 2 shades in the interior seem insufficient, it is permissible to add a third. It can be gray, green, brown. Bright colors, however, should be avoided, since the combination of white and wood does not combine well with orange and light green. If you want brightness, you can choose a tabletop to match the facades and add catchy accents.

Specialists consider the design of a white kitchen with a wooden countertop to be a win-win option. You just need to achieve a harmonious combination of furniture and surfaces. It is worth considering that the shade of the wood may be different. It is not at all necessary to use classic wood in light colors. Beech, silver oak, and wenge look very interesting.

White kitchens are currently at the peak of popularity. Such interiors look beautiful and modern. In addition, they are quite practical. White goes well with all colors and shades, which makes it possible to bring to life any decisions, even the most daring and unexpected.

Types of solid wood kitchens

As you know, solid wood kitchens can be purchased ready-made or ordered according to an individual project. The first option is, of course, simpler. However, headsets developed to special order are made taking into account all the features of a particular room, that is, the buyer receives a completely ready-made set. In this case, designers take into account everything, from where the household appliances will be located to switches and sockets.

Corner kitchens made of solid wood.

Most often, this type of furniture is used in rooms with a small area, which allows for the most efficient use of space. However, a compact arrangement will require correct calculation of areas for storing food, preparing it, etc.

A corner kitchen made of solid wood will allow you to divide a small room into a dining area and a work area, which will ensure practicality and versatility.

U-shaped kitchens.

For owners of apartments with large and medium-sized areas, the option of placing the headset along three walls is ideal.

Island kitchen shape.

In this case, the work area is located in the center of the room. However, this option is not suitable for small kitchens, since there should be free space on all sides.

Direct placement.

The classic option for placing a kitchen unit is when it is located along one wall. This is the best option for narrow spaces.

Kitchen design tips

When decorating a kitchen in a wooden house, experts recommend:

If you want to paint wood, it is better to choose calm, natural tones.
It is recommended to place built-in furniture only after the wood has settled.
Lighting and decorative items should highlight each area of the kitchen.
In a small kitchen you should not use drywall.
It is best to place the work area by the window.
To prevent the wood from absorbing aromas when cooking, it is necessary to coat the wood with a special product, wax or varnish before starting repairs.
The hood must be powerful regardless of the size of the kitchen.

Features of kitchen facades made of solid wood

Today, the market offers a huge range of facades for kitchens of various configurations. It is worth noting that how harmoniously the set will fit into the interior depends on its shape.

In some cases, it is enough to replace the façade of old furniture in order to give it a new look. If you have the skills, you can even make them yourself, using any type of wood.

The façade is usually selected based on the style of the room itself.

Depending on how the wooden facade was made, it can be given a different look and shape:

clear and even contours;
milled surfaces;
trim or carved edges;
romantic style of doors with curved silhouettes;
deliberately rough processing in a rustic style.

Durable pine, oak or other wooden panels will fit perfectly into an interior designed in eco and classic styles. In both cases, the wood retains its natural color. Only slight tinting with furniture varnishes or dyes is allowed.

Cladding panels made from veneer, solid wood, multiplex, are an excellent option for kitchens decorated in any style, from elaborate baroque to modern, loft and minimalism.

There are two types of wooden facades:

paneled;
whole.

Solid wood is used to produce solid-type facades. The main significant disadvantage of solid wood is its susceptibility to mechanical damage, as well as deformation. In order for the products to last longer, as mentioned above, special products are used to coat the material.

As for paneled facades, their cost is lower, but despite this, their manufacturing technology guarantees a service life that is not at all inferior to their solid wood counterparts, and often even exceeds them.

Therefore, if you focus when choosing a facade not on prestige, but on the ratio of quality and price, then you should give preference to paneled options, which are made of multiplex or veneer.

Features of finishing the kitchen in a house made of timber

When choosing finishing materials for the kitchen, there are no special restrictions; the main thing is to choose moisture-resistant materials that have an attractive appearance. Of course, the best solution would be to use natural material while preserving the structure of the wood. This will create a cozy room, but it is important to remember about high humidity, which requires special protective treatment of wood.

To finish the floor, you can use wooden boards and linoleum, moisture-resistant parquet and ceramic tiles. As for the ceiling space, it is enough to paint the surface, complementing it with wooden beams. You can also leave the ceiling open or use tension structures or plasterboard to decorate it. For walls you can use the following options:

Plasterboard covering with decorative elements.
Wood and stone finishing.
Installation of wall panels.
Coating wood with paints and varnishes.

Basic solid wood furniture for the kitchen

The kitchen table is made of solid wood, the supports of which are made of solid bars, and the tabletops are made of a solid board or several connected boards.
When using furniture board instead of a tabletop, veneer made of oak, cherry and other similar types of wood is used for cladding.
Solid wood kitchen chairs for dining area are traditional furniture.
Finished furniture is varnished, painted or polished. Low-back bar chairs and stools will decorate any kitchen interior, both classic and modern.
Wall-mounted cabinets, the facade of which is made of solid wood, and the body is made of more budget materials.
Attention should also be paid to the fact that, since wall cabinets made of solid wood are quite heavy, both the walls on which the furniture is mounted and the fastening elements must be strong.
Wooden kitchen cabinets.
Corner or separately located chairs. The traditional furniture used in the kitchen is the corner. If you buy a corner sofa not from particle board, but from solid wood, it will last for decades.
Prefabricated shelving or individual shelves. They can be used instead of wall cabinets.

Furniture and kitchen appliances

The interior of a kitchen in a wooden house depends entirely on the chosen style, but also requires certain rules when selecting furniture and appliances. Cabinet furniture will look most harmonious and stylish in a kitchen in a wooden house.

Based on color and type, you can choose from:

White kitchens;
Natural or artificial wood;
Furniture in dark muted tones;
Black furniture with a glossy or matte finish.

These criteria should be chosen relative to the overall style of the kitchen. It is worth noting that for this kitchen it is not recommended to use furniture with plastic or chrome elements.

The table can be chosen in any shape from solid wood or with a glass top. If the kitchen is small, it is recommended to replace the dining table with a bar counter.

For seating, you can choose chairs, a wooden bench with decorative soft pillows, or a small sofa.

Equipment items should be of simple shape, functional, but with a minimum amount of decor and not be too conspicuous.

Tips for choosing solid wood furniture for the kitchen

1. Choose a type of wood.

Before purchasing a solid wood kitchen, you need to decide on the type, since each has its own characteristics. The most noble and durable is oak. If you choose an analogue in terms of quality, then beech is almost the same, with the exception of a lighter shade.

Ash is also a good species for making kitchen furniture, which is durable. In addition, it lends itself well to artistic carving. Cherry is a little worse in quality, but tinting works well on it. Coniferous species, in particular pine, have the lowest price tag, and they are less durable compared to the above.

2. You should purchase quality furniture.

When purchasing kitchen furniture, there are a few selection tips to consider. If you purchase products made from coniferous trees, there should be no resin discharge on the surface, otherwise it is better to refuse such a purchase. In addition, the following phenomena indicate low quality furniture:

The presence of putty covering defects and cracks located along the fibers.
A large number of wormholes and scorch marks.
The presence of dried or falling out knots.

You should not purchase solid wood kitchens that have been left outdoors for a long time and exposed to ultraviolet radiation, high humidity and temperature fluctuations. It is better not to look for furniture on the market; preference should be given to furniture shops and hypermarkets. In the first case, a kitchen made of solid wood can be custom-made in accordance with the buyer’s requirements regarding the design, texture and color of the future set.

If coniferous materials are chosen, it is worth considering that pine trees of northern species, for example, Angara or Karelian, have the best performance qualities. They are characterized by increased weight and high density, which makes furniture made from it more durable and resistant to temperature fluctuations and moisture.

3. Finishing and finishing of furniture are of great importance.

The design of the kitchen depends on the finishing coating and processing. Most often, translucent, transparent and opaque, that is, opaque coatings are used for this. In the second case, the natural wood pattern, texture, and in some cases, color are preserved, because they are only covered with stain, and only then with the following means:

Varnish treatment. This method is the most practical, since it provides reliable protection of the fronts from household pollution, moisture, and the absorption of odors. Although it is worth considering that the varnish can be different: matte, glossy, polyurethane-based (preferable) and water-based (worse). As a rule, the service life of the coating is 5–7 years, after which the facade requires restoration.
Wax or oil. This is the most common and traditional method of wood processing. The surface becomes beautiful and pleasant. This is exactly how Italian furniture is made, but its performance characteristics are not the best, since the fronts very quickly absorb moisture, odors and are afraid of grease.

What color the kitchen will ultimately be depends not only on the type of wood that was used for manufacturing, but also on the tinting. Light-colored ash can be given the appearance of dark walnut, and oak can be given the appearance of cherry.

If we talk about the colors of the facades, when the natural pattern of the wood is visible, then they are divided into the following groups: dark brown, red-brown, light (and bleached).

As for the opaque coating, it is usually enamel of some color. After painting, the natural color of the wood becomes invisible, but the relief is partially preserved, depending on how pronounced it was initially.

Furniture painted with enamel can be of different colors, but the most popular are beige, gray, and white solid wood kitchens. When decorating a room in country or Provence style, green or blue can be used.

4. Look for a reliable manufacturer.

When buying a kitchen made of solid wood, you should choose only trusted manufacturers who provide a guarantee, since wood is a fairly demanding material in relation to each stage of processing, and is also sensitive to external influences. Even the most famous and respected factories admit manufacturing defects, not to mention ordinary manufacturers.

The buyer may only find out that the furniture is defective some time after purchase, so it is better to buy a kitchen with a guarantee. If some time after installation, for example, a month, it is discovered that it is beginning to “lead” or the varnish is peeling off, we can conclude that raw wood was used for manufacturing.

5. Pay attention to the subtleties of design.

Facades, which are most often made in a classical style, are decorated in various ways, for example, with the help of pilasters, cornices, decorative carvings, balustrades, milling, curly details, and are also covered with gilding. However, it should be taken into account that the fewer decorations on the doors, the easier it is to care for them. In addition, this can lead to the kitchen interior being overloaded.

The smaller the kitchen itself, the lighter in color the facades should be and the more laconic.
Dark brown, black and dark blue surfaces require constant care, since even a small amount of dirt and dust on it becomes immediately visible.
Much also depends on the texture of the tree: the more it is expressed, the less decoration is required, since it does not need unnecessary decorations, its beauty is already self-sufficient.
If solid panels are used for kitchen doors in a modern style, then you can safely choose facades made from exotic wood or with original processing, for example, brushed.

Choosing an apron

The choice of an apron should be taken no less seriously than the selection of a suitable material for the countertop. It should be in harmony with the interior, but at the same time, be practical. The following can serve as an apron:

tiles (classic size or mosaic);
glass panel;
plastic panel;
MDF or wood panel.

Panels made from various materials have become in demand over the past few years. Wood looks beautiful and harmonizes with the countertop, but it is not the most practical option.

Plastic is easy to clean and inexpensive, but it should be noted that it greatly reduces the cost of the interior. For a classic kitchen, as well as rooms in country, rustic, and Provence styles, this option will not work. The plastic apron should not be used near gas stoves.

Glass is considered quite versatile. It is easy to clean, since there are no seams on such a surface. Such aprons are quite durable and temperature resistant. But glass surfaces do not fit into many styles.

Tile is considered a universal option. You can choose a material of various sizes and shapes. Mosaic is popular, but it is applied to slabs of standard sizes, which makes installation much easier. Depending on the choice of a specific style, both matte and glossy tiles are perfect for a white kitchen. The most preferred following shades:

White. Such tiles will make the kitchen unusually bright. But it is better to choose a slightly different shade. It can be darker or lighter than the kitchen set by one tone, so that they do not visually merge.
Black. The game of contrasts is at the peak of popularity. This option is suitable for lovers of minimalism style.
Brown. A white kitchen with an apron in this color and a wooden countertop looks very cozy. This option is suitable for a rustic style.
Red. This decision, at first glance, seems very bold. But you can make red not bright, but muted. Then the contrast will not be so pronounced. A mahogany-colored tabletop will help balance this color.
Blue, blue. These colors go well with white and lift your spirits. It is better to use blue mosaics of different tones.

Do not overload a white kitchen with a variety of additional shades. It is important that this active color comes to the fore. If you decide to make the apron brown, gray, or terracotta, the tiles on the floor should be chosen in the same color scheme.

Recommendations for caring for a solid wood kitchen

As we have already found out, kitchens made of natural wood require regular and proper care. To avoid problems during operation, you should use the following recommendations:

Under no circumstances should you use products containing abrasives and solvents to care for furniture. A soft sponge and soap solution are enough.
In order to give the kitchen surface a shine, you can use a special mastic.
The air humidity in the room should be 50–75%, only in this case the wood will retain its properties longer.
Heating elements should be located at least 50 cm from the kitchen unit.
In order to remove dust from the kitchen surface, it is best to use a dry soft cloth, such as plush or flannel.
Do not place hot objects on solid wood furniture as this may cause deformation. In this case, it is necessary to use linings with thermal insulation properties.
To eliminate small cracks or scratches, you must first rub them with sandpaper and then treat them with polish.
It is necessary to periodically inspect the fastening elements, and if necessary, tighten the bolts and screws more tightly. By following the tips listed above, you can avoid many mistakes that are often made during the operation of a solid wood kitchen.

Ceiling decoration

The design of ceilings in a rustic kitchen involves the presence of beams. In addition, you can use whitewash.

Suspended ceilings will look good, but they must fit into the color palette of the entire room.

Lamps used in rustic kitchen design can be forged or with wicker shades, reminiscent of antique lamps.