What is wood layering in kitchen design?

Wood is one of the most prominent materials in kitchen design at the moment, but there is a particular look the experts are seeing homeowners gravitating towards…

You can’t miss this trend right now, because it is everywhere. Natural or ‘naked’ wood finishes really have taken over kitchens, and while we’ve been predicting and showcasing how the look is on the rise for a couple of years now, I feel like the way people are using this material will shift to something new…

A modern kitchen design with wood cabinets and a statement stone island with seating.
Design Space London used its Modulnova Frame range in Walnut, mixed with dark grey resin cement doors in this kitchen project. The island was constructed from Bianco Eclipsia leathered quartzite. Prices start at £30,000.

Indeed, this year will be about using wood in a much more considered and layered way – displaying different grains, colours, textures and tones side by side.

An open-plan kitchen with pale pink cabinetry, wood flooring and island, exposed brick, and bold green ceiling beams.
This kitchen by Piqu boasts a striking curved reeded wood island which anchors the space, its textured surface creating a contrast to the sleek cabinetry. Photography: Chris Snook.
Closeup at a Scandi kitchen design with dark wood base cabinets, lighter wood wall cabinets, veiny work surfaces, and a central island with a hob.
Kitchen by Sola Kitchens. Photography: Darren Chung.

So, what exactly is the wood layering trend?

The most common way I’ve seen this is by having one style of wood on cabinetry doors, or on the back of an island, paired with a contrasting yet complementing alternative style on the floor. “Wood is having a moment,” says Alex Main, director at The Main Company.

“Wood will feature heavily in kitchens in the coming year and there are no limits as to how much or where it is placed. Whether you opt for reclaimed wood cladding, modern wood-front cabinets, or stunning worktops – or all of the above – the warmth and enduring quality of wood will continue to rise in popularity.”

A walk-in pantry with reeded base units, fluted shelving and glass doors.
Reena Simon x The Main Company kitchen. Prices start at £25,000.
A calm cooking space with dark stained oak cabinets and white, lightly veined composite stone.
A kitchen by Kitchens by Holloways with dark stained oak cabinets and white, lightly veined composite stone worktops.
A timeless scheme with a central island with bar-style seating, olive green cabinetry and an adjoining dining room.
Buttered Toast 15mm x 180mm, £105.85 per sq m, Chaunceys Timber Flooring. Designer: House Nine Design.
Photography: Joey Kendal Brown.

“Think truffle oak, walnut, and smoked finishes that add depth and atmosphere,” adds Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport. “These woods bring a sense of permanence and comfort, pairing beautifully with the new wave of neutral palettes. These finishes also respond to natural light, subtly changing tone throughout the day and adding a sense of movement to the space.”

Allison Lynch, senior designer at Roundhouse, agrees, and adds, “Wood and timber finishes are high on many homeowners’ wishlists, especially when paired with interesting textures and natural grain details. These materials bring warmth, depth, and a sense of craftsmanship to contemporary kitchens, creating a beautiful contrast against sleek surfaces or stone worktops.”

Will you be embracing this material in your design this year?

A classic kitchen design layered in wood materials, with a run of darker cabinets, a statement range cooker and hood, and a central island build around wooden beams.
Bespoke kitchen by Inglis Hall. Full projects start from £45,000.
A modern kitchen design layered in wood finishes, with a darker walnut on the cabinetry run and lighter, grainy material on the floor, with stone surfaces and minimalist decor.
Rich oak stands out against the soft pink walls. Project by Naked Kitchens.
A classic scheme with timeless cabinetry painted in neutral shades and a central island with a fluted base and stone worktop with waterfall edges.
Westminster Style cabinetry, Herringbone House. Prices start from £35,000.

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