Wood has long been used to create kitchens, but architects and designers are finding subtle ways to reimagine the material in the cooking space. Interiors reporter Natasha Levy selects seven standout examples in our latest Dezeen Lookbook.
The Rye Apartments, UK, by Tikari Works
Spruce-wood cupboards inset with subtle grooves feature in the kitchens of these apartments in south London's Peckham neighbourhood.
The cabinets and the surrounding cross-laminated timber walls are meant to lend the homes a cosy, domestic atmosphere. Extra warmth is provided by brass door handles and amber-flecked terrazzo that runs across the floors.
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Ti Clara, Portugal, by Atelier Espaço P2
Atelier Espaço P2 felt that a natural material palette offered "the most honest and true solution" for the overhaul of Ti Clara, a historic home in the Portuguese municipality of Ansião.
The kitchen has therefore been set within a wood-lined gabled niche. Pale plywood has been used to craft its cabinets, as well as the triangular extractor hood above the stove. Contrast is offered by the grey stone countertop, splashback and floor tiles.
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Southgrove Road, UK, by From Works
A photograph of a moss-covered stone inspired the earthy green hue of this stained plywood kitchen suite, which design studio From Works incorporated into a Sheffield family home.
"[The photo] sparked conversation about trying to create a space and a material palette that referenced Sheffield's special position as an earthy regenerating city uniquely connected to the beautiful surrounding Peak District."
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Urban Cabin, Italy, by Francesca Perani
Surfaces throughout the kitchen of this 25-square-metre apartment in Albino, Italy are covered in oriented strand board (OSB) – a type of engineered timber made by compressing strands of wood in different directions.
Although architect Francesca Perani was more accustomed to seeing OSB used on building sites, she thought its continuous pattern helped make the micro-sized kitchen appear bigger.
"I love its textural irregularity, random organic composure and recycled properties," she added.
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Powerscroft Road, UK, by Daytrip
Design studio Daytrip didn't want the interiors of this London townhouse to seem "over-designed or mass-produced", so applied a selection of textured and patterned materials.
In the kitchen, grainy Douglas fir wood has been used to make the cabinetry and the base of the central breakfast island. Countertops are pale Evora marble, while walls have been limewashed to leave a "painterly" finish.
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An Attic for David, Spain, by MH.AP Studio
The kitchen and all the storage elements of this Barcelona apartment are made from matte-finish MDF.
While this type of engineered wood is often appreciated for being cost-friendly, MH.AP Studio also thought it would create a warm, "enveloping" ambience inside the home – especially when combined with oak parquet flooring.
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Hackney House, UK, by Applied Studio
A jet-black timber kitchen suite forms a striking focal point inside this east London home.
"[The clients] wanted vivid contrast between the background and feature elements," explained Applied Studio."We worked with them to introduce natural elements to soften this, hence the visible grain in the joinery."
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