Kitchen manufacturers have been using oak as far back as the Middle Ages! The hardwood is known for its unmatched durability: by using it, manufacturers were able to create furniture that would survive years of kitchen wear and tear.
But it was in the 1980s that oak kitchen cabinets really became popular. At this point, oak furniture and flooring were a mainstay in kitchens all across the world.
If you’re ready to join the trend, check out Rehome’s 21 oak kitchen ideas. (P.S. We also have oak ex-display kitchens from brands like Hacker, Kutchenhaus and Edwin Loxley!)
1. Light colours
Let the warm undertones of your oak cabinetry take centre stage by pairing them with light colours. Painting your walls with soft hues like cream, pale grey, or white can give your kitchen a restful feel. If your room is particularly small, the lighter tones of this combination will reflect any natural light: before you know it, your kitchen will feel twice as big! 2.
2. Handleless doors
Handleless kitchens have been a popular choice since the 60s and 70s, and they pair famously well with oak. Without visible handles, the focus stays firmly on the beauty of the oak grain. Plus, these doors often come with soft-close mechanisms for quiet operation.
3. Grey and oak
Combine the cool tones of grey with the warmth of oak, and you have a kitchen colour scheme that will never go out of fashion. Consider using grey for the cabinetry or walls, while oak takes the spotlight on worktops or flooring.
4. Hidden pantry
Oak is a dense hardwood packed with natural preservatives. It can handle a lot of weight, which makes it the perfect choice for pantries.
Stack your shelves with dry goods, condiments, and cans. Some homeowners also find the pantry a great place to keep small appliances, like their microwave or coffee machines.
For those with more space, a full-height oak pantry will make a grand addition. Small oak kitchens don’t have to miss out: just put your pantry in a discreet cupboard.
5. Black hardware
Dark metal accents are sophistication personified. Warm oak and black hardware offer a sharp contrast that doesn’t diminish the wood’s natural tones. Switch out your old kitchen mixer taps for black fixtures with a chrome or matte finish.
6. Marble worktops
No two veins of marble are the same, and neither are oak grain patterns!
By matching these materials, you can capitalise on their unique natural beauty. Brighten up your oak kitchen with white and grey marble, or take the drama up a notch with black marble.
They’re two materials matched in beauty and durability.
7. Two-tone kitchen
Who said kitchens need to be colour-blocked?
Expand your palette with a two-tone oak kitchen. Earthy tones, particularly olives and burnt oranges, work well with wood. You can accentuate your oak cabinets with soft whites, creams, and light greys.
Or you can bring out its warmth with brighter colours, like cherry red, ochre yellow, and lime green.
8. Industrial
While oak kitchens may be more associated with the farmhouse aesthetic, wood can still give a raw, edgier look.
All you have to do is pair it with the right elements. Incorporate features like exposed brick, metal fixtures, and concrete worktops into your kitchen. For kitchens with home bars, you could even shop for metal stools.
9. Feature wall
If you’re looking for a way to zone your large kitchen and prevent it from looking too plain, a feature wall is an inexpensive solution. Select materials like brick, stone, or even a bold paint colour to contrast with the natural grain of your oak cabinetry.
10. Greenery
Keep the natural theme going with potted plants! Dot these decorative pieces around your kitchen (whether real or fake) to bring the outdoors in. Hang greenery from the ceiling or place it on your window ledge: you could even grow herbs for cooking.
11. Subway tile splash
As backsplashes are an extension of your worktop, they should tie in with your oak theme. The simple rectangular design of subway tiles creates a clean backdrop that contrasts well against the detailed grain of wooden surfaces.
12. Quartz worktop
Similar to marble, quartz worktops feature distinct veining that can give your oak kitchen a highbrow finish.
The choice between lighter and darker marble will depend on the effect you want to create. Do you want to open up a smaller kitchen? Shop for lighter marble. To add richness, darker slabs are the best choice!
13. White oak
Traditional oak sits somewhere on a spectrum between light beige, honey gold and dark red. However, white oak is also a great choice for kitchens. It’s one of the most durable types of wood and works well with all colours, from pastel blue to sorbet yellow.
14. Oak kitchen island
Oak kitchen islands are undeniable centrepieces, and they will be the cherry on top of your decor. For a cohesive look, choose a fully oak island or introduce other materials like granite or quartz: the possibilities are endless!
15. Undercabinet lighting
Integrated undercabinet lighting is a non-negotiable in modern kitchens.
These LEDs serve functional purposes, like improving visibility, but they also have an atmospheric effect. By shining down onto your worktops and cabinets, you can draw specific attention to the beauty of your oak.
16. Stainless steel appliances
The reflective nature of stainless steel appliances will break up the matte finish of your oak cabinets.
But that’s just one of their many benefits! Steel fridges freezers, ovens and extractor fans are just as hard-wearing as wood. They’re easy to clean, heat-resistant, and will match well even if you change your kitchen design.
17. Blue accents
Blue contrasts beautifully with the warm tones of oak, whether through painted cabinetry, wall colour, or kitchen accessories. Consider navy or soft pastel blues to achieve a fresh effect, or richer shades like royal blue.
18. Open floor plan
Consider an open floor plan for your oak kitchen to create a free flow between the cooking and dining areas. With oak cabinetry and plenty of wood accents, you can create a unified space that still has distinct areas.
19. Industrial pendant lights
Blend warm wood with raw materials and what do you get? An oak kitchen with pendant lighting! These lights, often featuring metal finishes like black, copper, or brass, can be placed above kitchen islands or dining areas for a utilitarian look.
20. Integrated appliances
If you’d prefer a flush finish in your oak kitchen, keep this uniformity by investing in integrated appliances. Concealed behind cabinetry, these fridges, microwaves, and even wine coolers can streamline your kitchen layout.
21. Copper accents
You don’t always have to introduce a cool element into your oak kitchen.
Why not double down on the warmth with copper accents? With its warm undertone, some of the simplest ways to incorporate this metal are through smaller features like cabinet handles, light fixtures, or spray taps.
