Why we love natural materials in the kitchen

Natural materials have always felt right in the kitchen. Here’s why…

We humans are tactile creatures and we love surfaces that feel alive, so we’re instinctively drawn to real wood, stone, and all things natural. It’s not just about style (though they do look great) but something deeper. And it’s especially the case when it comes to the most-used room in the house.

In this post we explore some of the reasons why natural materials just work so well in kitchens...

Natural materials in the kitchen – where you’ll find them

From floors to cabinet doors, natural materials have always had a place in the kitchen. You’ll often see solid wood used for doors and drawer fronts – sometimes painted, sometimes left exposed to show off the grain. Open shelving, panels and statement islands are also great opportunities to bring in natural texture.

Worktops are another key area. At Naked, we make our own timber worktops in oak, walnut and butcher block – warm, hard-wearing and full of character. We also offer beautiful stone worktops through our trusted suppliers, including classic marble and low-maintenance quartz.

And then there’s the fabric of the building. Exposed beams, timber floors, stone flags or a well-worn brick wall… these features might not be new additions, but they shape the kitchen’s atmosphere just as much as the furniture does.

Five reasons why natural materials work so well in kitchens

1) A sense of depth

Even if we don’t consciously notice it, we instinctively respond to natural materials. The grain in timber or the mottling in stone adds visual texture, with a sense of depth and layers. More than that, because these materials come from the living world – and have a story behind them – we connect with them on a deeper level. Over time, they grow even richer, mellowing and becoming a characterful part of your home life.

Man-made materials might be clever, but they rarely stir the senses – or the emotions – in quite the same way.

2) Timelessness is built in

Natural materials never really go out of style. You don’t need to worry whether wood or stone will still look good in ten years’ time – they always do. That’s because they’re not chasing a trend. They’ve been used in homes forever and they’ve earned their place.

And it’s always reassuring to know that the kitchen you build today won’t feel dated a few years down the line.

As our head of design Jayne Everett put it: “When you’re using very bold, contemporary paint colours, then balancing that with some pieces in the natural, understated colours of oaks and other timbers provides the kitchen with that timeless quality. Timber makes a kitchen fashion-proof."

3) They’re extremely practical

High quality natural materials feel lovely (ever run your fingers along a timber worktop?), but they also do the job. Timber is strong, repairable and long-lasting. Birch ply is sturdy and stable. Linoleum – made from wood flour and linseed oil – is soft to the touch but naturally antibacterial and anti-static. These materials work hard, and if you look after them, they’ll serve you well for decades.

4) They bring the outside in

Natural materials soften the harder edges of modern life and bring a bit of calm to busy family homes. Especially if you’re living in a city or flat, that sense of connection to the outdoors – even just through a timber island or a stone shelf – can make a big difference.

Pop a timber island or shelf into an otherwise modern kitchen and suddenly the whole thing feels warmer, more human, and closer to the natural world.

5) A lighter touch

Natural doesn’t automatically mean sustainable – but when it’s responsibly sourced and well used, it’s a good start. We use sustainable timbers and water-based paints because they last well and don’t shout for attention. And when a material has its own natural beauty, you don’t need to overdo it. Less, in this case, really can be more.

Read more about our approach to sustainability here.

The joy of timber finishes

We use timber everywhere – often tucked away inside, like birch ply carcasses or solid oak drawers. But sometimes it deserves to be front and centre on kitchen cabinet doors, drawers and shelving – the visual centrepiece of the heart of the home.

Some of our favourite exposed timber finishes are:

• Oak – We love working with oak. Warm and comforting – it’s just the thing for some rustic charm but it can also be very smart and contemporary. (See a selection of oak kitchens here)
• Natural walnut – Walnut exudes that warm, luxurious quality – it’s great for contrast and particularly beautiful with stone. (View some walnut kitchens)
• Dark-stained walnut – Rich, bold, and beautifully timeless – dark stained walnut is a statement finish that will never go out of style. (View dark stained walnut kitchens)
• Limed oak – Light and bright, brushed limed oak brings gorgeous texture into a kitchen. (See limed oak kitchens here)
• Birch ply – Birch ply is a versatile kitchen material with a raw, honest beauty that complements both strong and muted colour schemes. (See some birch ply kitchen styles).

Naked Kitchens can build the dream bespoke kitchen for your life. Browse our portfolio and get started on your kitchen journey here.