Wood-look kitchens: maximum practicality at an affordable price (+35 photos)

Natural wood has always been popular because it is practical, common, and also gives amazing comfort and warmth. But today, not everyone can decorate their interior with wood for various reasons. Still, this is a rather expensive and capricious material. In order not to lose that cozy atmosphere, you can go the other way - decorate the kitchen “like wood”, using modern imitation materials. Often, artificial turf turns out to be much stronger than natural turf, and also easier to maintain.

Advantages and disadvantages of an array

The first thing people like to talk about when talking about the benefits of wood is its naturalness. But, we must admit that now it is difficult to find truly natural furniture, which is entirely assembled from planed boards and fastened with nails. Nowadays they use both glue and treatment for natural wood so that fungus does not grow in it - otherwise such furniture will not last long.

Truly natural specimens can only be found from private craftsmen on order. But it will also be expensive.

One of the main disadvantages, besides the cost, is the weight. It makes it difficult to deliver and install furniture. In addition, you need to think about strengthening the wall, for example, if it is made of plasterboard.

The next difficulty is the variety of façade sizes. Making something to order will be very expensive, so you have to make do with standard sizes, which does not always please designers. Artificial materials do not have this problem.

Article on the topic: Solid wood kitchen. 135 photo ideas for furniture, decoration and decor

But the array also has advantages. For example, furniture made of natural wood is subject to repair and restoration. Artificial raw materials cannot boast of this.

Materials and texture of facades

The kitchen set can be either matte or glossy. There are horror stories on the Internet that both surfaces will collect all fingerprints, so much so that fingerprinting can be carried out from a distance of several meters.

In fact, all these fears are groundless, since fingerprints will not be visible on the white facade - this is confirmed by a large number of reviews from housewives who have already dared to have a white kitchen.

Glossy facades will expand even a small room, but it is necessary to ensure that the sun's rays or from the lamps do not enter the eyes, reflecting from the doors of the set.

MDF is often used as the basis of a modern set. But the outer coating may be different:

• film;
• plastic;
• acrylic;
• dye.

The main difference between these options is the edge. If the facade is painted, then it will not be noticeable at all. In other options - varying degrees of visibility. But, strictly speaking, after a month you get used to the headset and in any case stop looking at these edges.

In addition to external ones, there are also technical differences. For example, low-quality film may be damaged by moisture or temperature changes. It is better to choose only proven brands.

For a classic interior, the set is most often chosen from solid wood with milling, coated with white enamel. You can add a gold or silver patina (even with your own hands).

Wood finishing materials

Modern materials can imitate the texture of even the most expensive types of wood. They can be used in finishing room surfaces, furniture and kitchen facades.

Such a wood-look interior will have an aesthetic and beautiful appearance, as well as resistance to moisture and temperature. The most commonly used are fiberboard and MDF.

Fiberboard (fibreboard)

Wood chips are glued and pressed under high temperature and pressure. This material has many advantages:

• aesthetics;
• environmental friendliness - low resin content, no formaldehyde emissions;
• strength;
• density;
• ease of processing and installation - does not crumble;
• allows you to create reliable fastenings.

Better than other fiberboard imitates:

• oak;
• nut;
• beech;
• ash;
• alder.

The specific choice depends on the preferences of the owners themselves and the future design of the kitchen. Such a fiberboard costs significantly less than solid wood, so you can easily choose an original and stylish set that won’t break your pocket: fiberboard is cheaper than MDF, but more expensive than chipboard.

MDF

The main feature of MDF panels is that they can convey a complex texture, becoming as similar as possible to a real array.

A special coating is applied to the surface of the panel - most often it is a PVC film. This makes the facades resistant to steam, moisture, grease and dirt.

The plates themselves can be used for:

• creation of facades, frames;
• wall decoration, in particular the apron.

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.

Types of kitchen units

Modern materials allow you to create literally any shape of kitchen set. The most popular layouts are:

1. Straight. Arrangement of a linear type set - all kitchen modules are installed in a row along one wall.
2. Double-row - modules are installed along opposite walls of the kitchen. It is important to monitor the distance between them - at least 80–90 cm.
3. The corner one involves placing kitchen modules along two adjacent walls. The dining area is located in the opposite corner.
4. The U-shaped layout is suitable for a large room or where there is no need to place a dining area.
5. The island layout is distinguished by an additional module, which is located separately from all the others. There can be both a working and dining area.

Sizes and shapes

It is impossible to say which kitchen set will be the most convenient. It seems that it’s hard to come up with a better linear shape for a large set. But many owners prefer a corner (L-shaped) kitchen, which fits into the space as rationally as possible.

Two-row kitchens are also becoming fashionable. For a rectangular space this can be a pretty good option. In post-Soviet territory, two-row kitchens are still rare, but in Western interiors this option has long taken root. In this case, the kitchen is clearly divided into a cooking area and a dining and dining area, which will be located near the window.

As for the sizes, with the advent of companies that make custom-made kitchens, there are no problems in this regard. The kitchen set can be adjusted to the most non-standard layout. Experts advise not to oversize the headset; today the priority is functionality and cost-effectiveness. If you can leave the space bright and free by slightly reducing the set, do so.

Style and design

Designers advise using elements made of natural wood, even if the furniture or decoration is made to look like wood. As such accents, you can use natural wooden decor - figurines, picture cornices, knife stands, and so on.

Let's look at the main styles that will look good “under the tree”.

Classic

The classic can be called universal, since it will take root in any room. This is an elegant and strict style that seems to emphasize the high social status of its owners.

You won't find exotic decor or bright flashy colors here. Classic wood-look kitchens are especially popular in country houses.

At the same time, luxury must be emphasized ; for this, the following can be used:

• leather or tapestry upholstery;
• luxurious paintings in rich wooden frames;
• natural carpets;
• fireplaces;
• porcelain figurines;
• carving or gilding, etc.

The color palette is neutral and suggests natural tones - white, beige, brown. The flooring is made from fine wood parquet or ceramic or porcelain tiles.

Gothic

Gothic is a style with some pretension. In such a room you need:

• high ceilings;
• space;
• the upward thrust of pointed structures, as if in a medieval European temple.

The color palette is extremely dark - this is one of the most important features of the Gothic style. Tones used:

• red;
• brown;
• black;
• golden;
• silver.

It is better to decorate doors and windows with metal or wood. A popular accessory is a forged chest; it can become a real center of the entire interior.

Victorian style

This design direction conveys the whole spirit of old England, emphasizing the luxury of the interior and the materials used, so wood finishing will come in very handy here.

This style requires space, so it simply won’t take root in a small kitchen in a Khrushchev-era building.

The colors are chosen beautiful and deep:

• dark chocolate;
• Bordeaux;
• thick lilac.

Windows and doors should be large and massive and made to look like wood. Wallpaper that imitates expensive fabric will look great on the walls. The ceiling is also finished with wood.

Accessories that will perfectly complement the spirit of old England:

• expensive curtains;
• ashtrays made of natural stone;
• oriental style lamps;
• fireplace.

Country

Rustic style, the main task of which is to create an atmosphere of comfort in the kitchen. Depending on the country of “origin”, it may have its own characteristics:

• classic country is all wood;
• a chalet from England adopted some features of the Victorian style;
• Provence from France prefers the lightest colors possible.

Wood is the main material in such a room, but it can also be replaced. For example, choose not wooden furniture, but wicker furniture, or use wood finishes.

The color palette is always calm and gentle:

• olive;
• beige;
• coffee with milk.

A distinctive feature is the very active use of fabric: on the windows, on the table, on the floor, instead of furniture doors, and so on.

Floors - wood or stone.

Roman style

This design direction looks best in spacious private homes. If the kitchen is small, then you can only borrow some ideas. The main idea is simplicity. For example, furniture shapes should be simple and a little rough.

When finishing the facades, carvings and iron fittings are used. The set itself is painted brown, black or white. The decoration is made in the same dark colors with a slight dilution of white.

On the walls, wooden panels are combined with dark plaster and wall paintings. The floors are covered with stone or ceramics.

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.

Color spectrum

The basis of the color scheme should be dictated by the style of the room. At the moment, the choice of materials imitating wood is so large that finding a suitable color is not a problem. Natural shades are the most popular.

1. White furniture is simply a kitchen design trend at the moment. To stand out from the crowd, you can take a closer look at the texture of bleached oak. You can even choose a matching countertop - an excellent solution for small kitchens. The combination of such a set with a light finish will expand the boundaries of the space, fill it with light and air.

2. Another stylish move is light-colored, antique-style sets. They go well with unusual design trends like vintage or shabby chic. An artificially aged set in light colors will become a real highlight of the kitchen.

3. If the kitchen is made in a modern style, then it is better to opt for imitation dark wood. Such modules look very impressive against the background of graphite, gray, brown or beige walls - but this combination is not suitable for a small kitchen.
4. In a high-tech kitchen, furniture blocks made of ebony or imitation wood will look great. Such tones go well with glass and chrome surfaces, which are adhered to by high-tech. Dark wood also looks harmonious in a classic kitchen - only in this case it is better to complement the set with glass and carved panels.

5. Rustic prefers roughness and simplicity. The same principles can be applied to wood and its imitation - it is important to preserve the most natural tones and texture. To make the space warmer and more comfortable, you can add golden and sandy beige tones as trim or decor.

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.

Finishing

Not only the kitchen set can be made to look like wood, but the finishing too. We will try to consider options that differ in appearance and functionality.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a very popular solution for kitchen walls: if anything happens, you can quickly change it. What is important to know about wallpaper in your future kitchen?

1. They should be non-woven or vinyl - this will ensure their light and moisture resistance, as well as easy care, since such surfaces can be washed.
2. In a small kitchen it is best to give preference to light colors.
3. For a country kitchen, the ideal solution would be a coating with imitation stone, wood or brick, as well as with the invention of animals, birds or simply a floral pattern.
4. For a classic kitchen, it is better to choose canvases in neutral tones - white, brown, beige. “Beautiful” specimens with embossing, designs, monograms, and so on are perfect.

If ceramic tiles are made to look like wood, then it won’t be difficult to find similar wallpaper. But still, you shouldn’t decorate the entire kitchen like this - it’s better to limit yourself to an accent wall or two. In addition, if you hang such wallpaper in a circle, then the pattern at the start and end point of gluing (if it happens in a circle) may simply not match.

Ceiling

For a kitchen made to look like wood, you can offer several options for ceiling design:

1. Tension fabric - you can choose a classic white color or experiment with brown or beige.
2. Use wood or wood-look panels on the ceiling. These can be boards, lining, beams or simply plastic panels. You can choose light wood so that the ceiling does not seem heavy and massive.
3. Wallpaper or paint. In this option, the ceiling is most often leveled using plasterboard, and then finished with paint or wallpaper. In this case, it is not advisable to use wood-effect wallpaper, since the pattern is being prepared for use on the walls.

Floor

In addition to tiles and porcelain stoneware, there are several other options for finishing the kitchen floor with wood:

• cork covering is natural, warm and practical. Pleasantly springs when walking;
• linoleum - you can choose a pattern to match stone or wood, moisture-resistant, unpretentious;
• laminate is the main option for creating a wood-like floor, it looks chic, and is often confused with natural parquet.

Tabletop

At the moment, wood-look countertops are very popular because they are universal and are used in Scandinavian interiors. Of course, you can also use a tabletop made of natural wood, but it is quite capricious and requires careful and constant care. In this case, it is much easier to get by with a good imitation.

Pros and cons of a dark kitchen

If you haven’t yet decided which side you’re on – dark or light, we suggest looking at the pros and cons of using muted shades in the interior.

Pros:

• Stylish and non-trivial. How often do you see black kitchens in the interiors of your friends and acquaintances? We bet that furniture and decoration in light shades are much more common. And if dark tones were wisely used in the design, then you will immediately receive 1000 points for courage and good taste, and you will definitely be known as an unconventional person with an interesting view of the world.

• Versatile. This palette of shades will fit into any style - be it classic or any modern trends (Scandi, loft, hi-tech, minimalism, etc.).

• Helps with zoning. For example, a black set will visually separate the kitchen work area.

• Calms. Muted dark shades give peace and comfort, reduce nervous excitability due to the intimacy of the interior, which they create.

• Bright accents stand out. Complex, deep, interesting tones are better revealed and look more impressive against a dark background.

Minuses:

• The kitchen may seem gloomy and uncomfortable.
• This color scheme is not suitable for poorly lit rooms or kitchens with small windows.
• It is impractical to design a work area; dark surfaces are difficult to clean. Water stains, limescale and dust are more noticeable.
• This interior color scheme requires a special approach to the choice of finishing materials and accessories; every detail must be thought through.

If you know certain techniques and tricks, you can prevent the occurrence of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

Watch also an interesting video from the designer with design tips:

Caring for wood-look surfaces

Cleanliness in the kitchen is a matter of principle, since the comfort and health of household members, as well as the service life and appearance of the kitchen, depend on it.

Natural wood and slabs made from chips must be protected from moisture, otherwise the surface may become deformed and fungus may develop. In addition, with natural wood it is necessary to carry out additional processing 1-2 times a year, and in the first year - 1-2 times a month, which is quite difficult.

Artificial wood-like materials do not have such problems. Since the surface of such materials is most often treated with film or plastic, most stains can be removed with ordinary dishwashing or window washing detergent, but it is better to avoid aggressive or abrasive products.

For washing, use a regular sponge or soft cloth. Iron brushes and similar aggressive tools are prohibited.

What to consider when choosing wooden kitchen furniture

Wooden kitchen furniture is one of the most popular types of furniture, chosen mainly for its versatility and ability to match most types of decor.
There are many varieties of wooden kitchen furniture to choose from, which can make it difficult to choose the kitchen that is best for you. There are many things to consider when choosing wooden kitchen furniture, we will describe them here so that you choose exactly what you need. The most important factors to consider are:

1. Type of wood for a wooden kitchen;
2. Kitchen finishing made of wood;
3. Additional decorations, accessories;
4. Glass kitchen accessories made of wood.

Each of these elements is described below. One of the most important decisions is what type of wood you prefer. There are almost a dozen different types, and each variety has distinct properties and a unique appearance. For example, if you are interested in a dark and dense color, then you will most likely choose dark cherry or mahogany.

Successful examples

For inspiration, consider a few successful wood-look kitchen interiors.

The photo from 2022 shows one of the most popular kitchen interiors at the moment: matte white top - wood-effect bottom and wooden countertop. Pay attention to the inexpensive black handles - they are contrasts and add a little drive to the kitchen. It would be too boring without them. We can assume that this is a kitchen-living room.

An equally trendy version of the headset: white top - wood-look bottom. Please note that the tiles on the floor are chosen to resemble wood.

The shade was chosen very competently: if it had been a couple of shades darker, then the kitchen itself would have been very dark. The apron is made of matching skinali - a very good and practical solution.

A beautiful combination: a beige wood-look kitchen and a black stone countertop. The large island also serves as a kitchen table, which is very practical. Very laconic and stylish interior.

In this example, you can enjoy an unusual combination of colors and textures: a wood-effect kitchen and a backsplash made of gray mosaic tiles. From a practicality point of view, the solution is not the wisest, since the seams of the mosaic are difficult to clean.

Don't miss: How to clean the seams between tiles - rejuvenating the tiles for several years

A controversial and bold duet that is suitable only for a large kitchen - the top is black and the bottom is wood. Still, even in this photo, black attracts too much attention (especially the chandelier) and reduces the space. It looks gloomy - it’s better to replace black with graphite tones.

The red wood in this high-tech kitchen resembles a bright summer sunset - it looks simply amazing. This is what it means - the right combination of colors!

Kitchen-living room in walnut color with a black hood. Countertop and sink made of artificial stone. Kitchens Kyiv.

What colors goes with white in kitchen design?

White color is considered universal. It looks beautiful with different shades, both bright and neutral. If you combine white with dark and rich tones, the design will be bright and contrasting.

Combination with pastel shades will create a gentle, warm and cozy interior. This will visually make the room brighter and more practical.

To create a sophisticated and luxurious design, a white kitchen with marble countertops looks beautiful with gold and silver accents.

. For laconicism and rigor, combine snow-white color with black, red and gray shades. Suitable for high-tech and modern design.

To make your kitchen look fresh and warm, combine white glossy kitchen furniture with green and yellow tones. This combination is used in Provencal or minimalist style.

To decorate your kitchen in Provence style, you can combine white glossy furniture with shades of blue or lilac.

Pine

Pine furniture is the cheapest. The advantages of such wood are softness, pliability, ease of processing, wide availability, low cost. Most designers are attracted to the golden color of pine. It is visible even through the varnish.

A kitchen made of this wood will add light and comfort to the room. But this ephedra has a number of disadvantages:

• risk of rotting over time unless special treatment is provided;
• low resistance to moisture;
• ability to release resin when exposed to high temperatures;
• sensitivity to mechanical stress.

Decorative wall panels for the kitchen (photo)

The same decorative panels will look different in each room. We suggest you familiarize yourself with how you can decorate an apron in the kitchen.

Wooden dining group for kitchen-dining room

Even in a modern kitchen design, a dining group made of wood will look organic, because it itself already forms a complete ensemble. You just need to select models of chairs and tables that suit the style of the interior, and also take into account color combinatorics.

In this spacious, bright kitchen, not only are the kitchen cabinets made of wood, but the dining table and chairs have been painted light gray to bring a harmonious connection with the shades of the stone cladding above the work surfaces.

This original combined dining group made of light wood to match the decoration and kitchen furniture became the highlight of this space. The warmth of light wood successfully compensates for the cold shine of the surfaces of household appliances and accessories.

In a slightly decadent country kitchen, in addition to using wood for the cabinets, walls and floors, the unusual shade of wood was used to create the countertop of the kitchen island, which doubles as a dining table. Dark classic wooden chairs complement the composition of the dining group.

Another example of a wooden dining area that is surrounded by an all-out wood finish. The warm, reddish shade of wood has become the basis of the kitchen concept for a hunting lodge or country home.

Wooden bar stools made of light wood around the kitchen island created a harmonious, original ensemble that decorated the bright kitchen and introduced an element of lightness.

And this dining area consists of a large table with wooden benches, which is certainly in the spirit of this minimalist kitchen with postmodern elements.