Contemporary kitchen design is moving away from closed off spaces and embracing openness through the use of raw materials. This trend allows for a seamless connection between the kitchen and other living areas. The exposure of structural elements and use of organic materials creates stylish, inviting kitchens. Here are four examples of stunning kitchens that effectively utilize openness and raw materials:
1. Exposed Brick and Wood Kitchen
Exposing original brickwork and wood beams adds character and a raw, industrial feel to this urban kitchen. The combination of exposed brick and natural wood creates an inviting, earthy aesthetic that highlights the integrity of the materials.
Key Features
- The original interior brick wall is left uncovered and acts as a textured backdrop to the kitchen cabinets and shelving. The varied shades and imperfections in the brickwork add depth and visual interest.
- Dark stained wood beams traverse the ceiling, complementing the brick wall. Leaving these structural elements visible maintains an authentic, unfinished look.
- The oak wood cabinetry has a natural oil finish that allows the grain and color variations of the wood to show through, in keeping with the raw, organic style. Matte black hardware complements the cabinets without drawing too much attention.
- Open shelves crafted from thick raw oak planks provide storages while maintaining the room’s raw material integrity. The wood grain is visible and items stored are part of the room’s decor.
- The kitchen island is topped with a smooth concrete surface. The gray concrete has an organic, earthy quality that pairs well with the wood and brick.
- Pendant lights with black metal frames and exposed bulbs hang over the kitchen island, their industrial design fitting the raw material aesthetic.
Benefits
Exposing original brickwork immediately adds texture and character to the kitchen. The organic, imperfect nature of the brick pairs well with natural wood elements to create a cozy but edgy aesthetic. Sturdy wood shelves and beams add warmth while helping maintain an unfinished, raw ambiance. Leaving structural elements exposed and integrating natural materials creates an inviting, lived-in look.
2. Minimalist Kitchen With Exposed Concrete
This sleek, modern kitchen embraces rawness through the use of exposed concrete walls and floors. The result is an elegantly minimalist look that celebrates the untreated concrete surfaces.
Key Features:
- The kitchen’s existing concrete walls have been left unfinished, revealing the raw gray surface marked with the wood plank imprints from the concrete setting process.
- Matching raw concrete flooring continues the unfinished concrete aesthetic. Variations in the staining and smoothing of the floor’s surface add organic texture.
- The concrete island is stained to match the gray tones of the floors but polished to a smooth finish. This creates an elegant contrast to the honed countertops.
- Cabinets with a matte charcoal finish and sleek metal handles complement the raw industrial look without competing with the concrete surfaces.
- Open shelving along the walls maintains visual lightness. The white oak shelves pop against the dark concrete backdrop.
- Pendant lights over the kitchen island feature exposed bulbs and transparent glass shades to continue the pared down, minimalist look.
Benefits
Exposed concrete makes a striking, modern statement in this kitchen. The organic variations and imperfections in the raw concrete surfaces add visual interest while creating an elegantly spartan look. Concrete’s durability allows it to be used for both floors and walls without requiring additional finishing. Paired with contrasting cabinets and shelving, the unfinished concrete creates an inviting lived-in aesthetic.
3. Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen
Raw wood surfaces coupled with an open layout creates an airy, rustic feel in this charming farmhouse kitchen. The reclaimed materials and connections to the outdoors generate a cozy, countryside vibe.
Key Features:
- Knotty pine wood boards line the walls and ceiling, leaving the natural grain and color variations of the reclaimed wood exposed. This adds organic texture and warmth.
- The kitchen flows openly into the dining room thanks to a large pass-through window lined with raw wood. This opens the cooking space to natural light and views.
- The sizable kitchen island provides additional prep space and is topped with a thick oak butcher block surface that exposes the raw natural beauty of the wood.
- While the cabinetry matches the classic farmhouse aesthetic with its clean white shaker style, small accents like exposed hinges maintain a hint of rawness.
- Open shelves crafted from raw edged natural pine provide storage while complementing the wood walls and ceiling beams.
- Vintage-style pendant lights with visible Edison bulbs hang above the center island countertop, their industrial shapes suiting the rustic setting.
Benefits
This light, airy kitchen utilizes reclaimed wood to generate cozy rusticity. Knots, stains, and natural imperfections in the exposed wood surfaces add organic appeal. The pass-through window and open layout connect the kitchen to the outdoors. Raw wood paired with farmhouse elements creates an inviting lived-in style.
4. Scandinavian Style Kitchen With Exposed Wood
This Scandinavian-inspired kitchen combines a bright, minimalist look with raw wood surfaces. The light wood paired with white accents results in an airy, organic space.
Key Features:
- Light-stained oak planks line the ceiling and walls, showcasing the natural wood grain, knots, and variation in the reclaimed boards. This adds texture and warmth.
- The kitchen flows openly into the living area thanks to a wide doorway lined with the same raw, exposed oak as the walls and ceiling. This maintains visual continuity.
- The kitchen island provides additional prep space and seating. It combines white quartz countertops with a base made from unfinished oak planks that match the exposed wood surfaces.
- White shaker-style cabinetry keeps the look light and streamlined. Matte black iron handles and hinges add contrast without overwhelming the wood elements.
- Open shelves with white steel brackets continue the clean minimalism while offering storage. The wood shelves match the oak on the walls.
- Cage-style pendant lights suspend over the island, their transparent design maintaining the light openness. The black metal frames reference the cabinet hardware.
Benefits
This kitchen utilizes light unfinished oak to create an organic, minimalist look. The wood’s natural grain and color variations provide texture without overwhelming the small space. Connecting the kitchen to the living area with matching wood accents generates openness. The Scandinavian-inspired design pairs raw wood with clean white cabinetry for an inviting casual feel.
Design Ideas To Embrace Openness And Raw Materials
The trend of openness and raw materials in contemporary kitchens allows for gorgeous spaces that feel lived-in. Here are ideas to incorporate these elements into your own kitchen design:
- Expose structural features – Leave brick walls, wood ceiling beams, or concrete surfaces unfinished to display their organic textures.
- Select reclaimed or live-edge wood – Choose boards with knots, stains, and natural imperfections to add rich character when used for walls, shelves, or tables.
- Add an open pass-through – Install a large window or doorway to connect the kitchen visually and spatially to dining or living areas.
- Use raw-edge butcher block – Opt for an organic, raw wood butcher block island countertop to bring natural beauty into the space.
- Pair with contrasting finishes – Balance exposed raw materials like wood, brick, or concrete with more refined finishes like polished concrete, painted cabinets, or sleek metals.
- Incorporate transparent accents – Choose pendant lights, stools, or other elements with transparent glass or open frames to maintain visual lightness.
- Allow materials to flow – Let wood planks, brick walls, or concrete extend seamlessly from the kitchen into surrounding spaces for cohesion.
Benefits Of Open, Raw Kitchen Designs
Embracing openness and raw materials in the kitchen has many advantages beyond just aesthetics. Consider these benefits:
- Creates a smooth, organic visual flow between rooms
- Provides visual texture and warmth from natural materials
- Feels casually inviting, relaxed, and less formal
- Allows more natural light into the kitchen
- Displays the inherent integrity of building materials
- Saves money by avoiding unnecessary finishes or coverings
- Generates an earthy, cozy ambiance through material imperfections
- Establishes an authentic feeling of age and history
- Promotes eco-friendliness by reclaiming old materials
Raw, exposed materials foster an inviting lived-in style while creating kitchens full of natural warmth and character. Their organic imperfections make a space feel authentic and comfortable. Combined with open layouts, these raw components generate seamless, welcoming kitchens.
Incorporating Raw Materials: Types of Wood and Best Uses
Wood is a popular raw material choice for contemporary open kitchen designs thanks to its natural beauty. Using exposed wood on walls, ceilings, shelves, and tables adds organic texture. Different wood species each have their own characteristics for designers to consider:
Pine
- Has a rustic, casual look with prominent knots. Ideal for exposed beams, wood plank walls, and shelving.
- Pine’s affordability makes it a great choice for covering large surfaces.
- Goes well with both white painted cabinets and natural wood cabinetry.
Oak
- Has a slightly more refined appearance than pine. Works well for open shelving, butcher block counters, and live-edge tables.
- Oak’s strength makes it suitable for heavy-use elements like kitchen islands.
- Stains to various tones to complement cabinets from white to black to natural wood.
Maple
- Has a cleaner, more uniform look due to its fine, straight grain. A good option for exposed ceiling planks.
- Maple stains well to coordinate with cabinetry in lighter hues.
- Durable enough for shelving but maintains a refined appearance.
Walnut
- Prized for its rich coloration and flowing grain pattern. Ideal for a contemporary showpiece island or dining table.
- Walnut’s luxury appeal makes it suitable for high-end open kitchens with sleek finishes.
- Difficult knots are rare, resulting in very smooth finished boards.
Teak
- A tropical luxury wood with a natural oil content. Provides a smooth, golden-brown look.
- Best for using selectively as a warm accent wood for open shelving or dining furniture.
- More expensive but brings exotic, upscale appeal.
Design Considerations When Using Raw Wood
Raw, exposed wood makes a gorgeous design statement but requires some special considerations:
- Moisture and food spills demand wood surfaces be properly sealed to prevent damage, swelling, and stains.
- Reclaimed wood with nails, broken edges, or inconsistencies needs sanding and finishing for safety and aesthetics.
- Natural wood color variations and blotches are enhanced over time by sunlight. Window coverings should be used to control effects.
- Unfinished planks and beams may be prone to warping or gapping. Proper installation and climate control is key.
- Open wood shelving benefits from steel brackets for added support and to prevent sagging over time.
- Exposed wood ceilings at risk for moisture damage may need protection from overhead pipes or potential roof leaks.
- Controlling humidity is vital to prevent expansion, contraction, and cracking of exposed wood elements.
With proper selection, sealing, fastening, and environmental control – raw wood can create a stunning and enduring focal point in an open kitchen design.
Q&A About Raw Material Kitchen Designs
Raw material kitchen designs generate lots of questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is it expensive to expose raw materials like brick or concrete?
Exposing existing structural materials is often cheaper than installing coverings like drywall or flooring. The unfinished look also pairs well with affordable options like lower grade lumber. The potential cost is in properly sealing, preparing, and reinforcing the materials for long-term durability.
Do open kitchens need more cleaning and maintenance?
The increased visibility and airflow of an open kitchen means more frequent cleaning may be required, especially for exposed wood and concrete. Open shelving also requires keeping items tidy. However, raw materials like brick, concrete, and natural wood are quite durable when properly sealed.
How do you update an open, raw kitchen later on?
The raw natural look tends to age well over time. Elements like new pendant lighting, repainting cabinets, refinishing wood tones, and updating hardware and appliances allow affordable style updating while retaining the essential material aesthetics.
Is it hard to decorate an open, minimalist kitchen?
Focus on accentuating the raw materials themselves and adding color through moveable elements like barstools, appliances, dishware, and plants. The textures and colors of the raw wood, brick, and concrete become the decor. Reflective metals and glass add sheen.
Does an open kitchen increase noise?
Yes, an open concept does eliminate barriers that would absorb sound. Strategies like absorbent ceilings, rugs, and curtains help reduce echoes. Well-placed ambient music or a sound-masking system also help cancel excessive noise.
Conclusion
The trend toward open kitchen designs incorporating raw, natural materials creates stylish, inviting spaces. Exposure of original wood, brick, and concrete adds organic textures and a cozy, casual feel while connecting the kitchen to surrounding living areas. Raw material kitchens have an earthy, timeless appeal. Their unfinished imperfections make a home feel lived-in.
Proper selection of reclaimed, eco-friendly materials along with care taken in sealing, preparing, and reinforcing the elements results in durable, low maintenance spaces. The raw look pairs equally well with sleek modern, industrial, or rustic styles. Incorporating transparent accents and greenery prevents the space from feeling too sparse.
With some creative design choices, the rawness and exposed unfinished nature of natural wood, brick, concrete, and other organic materials can transform kitchens into bright, welcoming hubs of activity. Their endless variations and imperfection instill comfort and character. Raw material kitchens have an inviting, peaceful ambiance perfect for gathering and cooking.
