Wood can provide warmth and character to kitchens, especially in unique spaces like old converted warehouses. Let’s explore how woodelements can create an inviting, cozy kitchen in these industrial-style homes.
Introduction
Converted warehouses make for chic, modern living spaces but can also feel cold and sparse if not designed thoughtfully. The high ceilings, concrete floors, and sparse windows commonly found in these commercial-to-residential conversions create a blank canvas but lack natural warmth. Strategically incorporating wood accents and textures can help make even the most minimalist, open-concept kitchen feel like a comfortable, livable heart of the home.
Wood’s natural beauty and variety provide visual interest while also emitting a sense of warmth, comfort, and tranquility. It’s an organic material that softens hard edges and feels inviting to the touch. Wood counters, cabinets, beams, floors, and accents can all contribute to a kitchen with personality and soul.
Benefits of Using Wood in an Old Warehouse Kitchen
There are many advantages to utilizing wood elements when designing a kitchen in a converted warehouse space:
Adds Warmth
The hardest task when converting a warehouse into a home is making the space feel warm and inviting. Concrete floors and walls, high ceilings, and large windows, while attractive, can also feel stark and cold.
Incorporating wood introduces natural warmth and coziness into the design. The rich grains and textures create an organic, comforting ambiance.
Provides Visual Interest
Warehouses tend to have minimal architectural details. Large, blank walls and industrial finishes create a sparse canvas.
Wood grains and patterns add lovely visual texture and interest. Different wood varieties and stains provide variation and depth.
Softens Hard Surfaces
Polished concrete and stainless steel surfaces have an edgy, modern look. But too much hardness and sleekness can feel sterile and uncomfortable.
Wood softens the hard edges and creates a more welcoming environment. The varied grains and natural imperfections make a space feel lived-in.
Adds Personal Style
Wood allows you to add personal flair and character to your kitchen design. Select woods that complement your aesthetic – lighter or darker varieties, modern or traditional styles, reclaimed or new lumber, etc.
Wood’s natural beauty makes every piece unique. It lends a personalized, bespoke feel versus generic big-box kitchens.
Provides Durability
Properly sealed and maintained wood can withstand decades of use and wear-and-tear. It’s a smart long-term investment for a kitchen that sees daily use.
Choose durable wood species for countertops, cabinets, and flooring. Reclaimed varieties add antique character that improves with age.
Ideas for Incorporating Wood Tastefully
When working with a converted warehouse space, it’s important to incorporate wood in ways that enhance – not overwhelm – the existing industrial details. Here are some tasteful ways to add wood accents:
1. Wood Kitchen Island
A kitchen island is an ideal way to introduce wood into an open-concept kitchen. Opt for an oversized chunky island made from reclaimed timbers or a sleeker modern version in walnut. Include special details like a butcher block inset, wine rack, or built-in dining space.
2. Wood Countertops
Concrete and stainless steel counters are common in modern warehouse kitchens. For contrast, opt for wood countertops made from maple, walnut, or oak. Complement them with stainless appliances and concrete floors.
Richly grained butcher block countertops with an oil finish are a rustic option. Or choose wood veneers on plywood for a streamlined look.
3. Wood Shelving and Ledges
Add floating wood shelves near the cooktop to display spices, cookbooks, or artisanal pottery. Use wood surfaces overhead to host pots and pans or chopped vegetables.
Ledgestyle shelving made from thick slabs adds warmth. Opt for open shelves or include doors for a more polished look.
4. Wood Backsplash
Use reclaimed wood planks or shingles to create a textured, dynamic backsplash. Pair it with concrete countertops and industrial metal shelving.
For a subtler look, install a wood accent wall or paneling behind the cooktop. Contrast it with surrounding concrete block walls.
5. Wood Ceiling Beams
Exposed wood beams are an architectural element that instantly warms up warehouse ceilings. Use hefty timber or faux beams that contrast with steel decking or ductwork.
For a more refined look, box in the ceiling beams with wood planks. The rich plank ceiling will provide an elegant, coffered effect.
6. Wood Kitchen Cabinets
Rugged warehouse spaces deserve equally durable kitchen cabinets. Opt for all-wood cabinetry made from oak, walnut, or hickory. Opt for darker stains for dramatic contrast.
Glass-front upper cabinets maintain visibility while warm wood bases anchor the space. Accent with black metal hardware.
7. Wood Flooring
Replace cold concrete with inviting wood floors. Wide-plank oak or walnut floors complement the industrial aesthetic. Or parquet wood tile floors for a classic warehouse vibe.
Layer area rugs over wood floors to define functional zones in an open floorplan. Include sound-dampening pad underneath.
8. Wood Cafe-Style Dining
Create a cozy dining nook with a cafe-style wood table and rustic bench seating built into the kitchen. Include pendant lighting overhead.
The wood dining elements provide communal gathering place within the larger industrial space. Add warmth through textures and natural materials.
9. Wood Accents
Add smaller wood accents throughout the kitchen and living space. Floating wood shelves, a wooden ladder, wall paneling, a butcher block cutting board, and indoor plants in wood planters all add warmth.
Salvaged wood furniture, wood barstools, and kitchen utensils with wood handles also contribute natural elements.
Types of Wood to Consider
With so many wood species and options to evaluate, narrowing down your options can be challenging. Here are some top wood types that are well-suited for kitchen applications:
1. White Oak
Prized for its appealing grain patterns and durability, white oak has a light tan hue that stains well. It’s often used for cabinetry and butcher block counters. Dents and scratches can be sanded out.
2. Walnut
The rich brown color and distinctive graining of walnut provide high-end styling. Often used for cabinets and accents. The smooth texture is also ideal for countertops when oiled.
3. Maple
Maple is a pale hardwood known for its versatility. Affordable yet attractive, its subtle grain and light color works everywhere – cabinets, countertops, floors, and accents.
4. Hickory
Hickory is a very dense, heavy wood with bold graining. Its hardness makes it extremely durable for high-traffic kitchen floors and cabinetry. It stains well.
5. Reclaimed Wood
Salvaged wood beams, planks, barn siding and more can infuse a rustic, industrial vibe. Reclaimed wood introduces natural variation, knots, nail holes, and weathered character.
6. Bamboo
Eco-friendly bamboo has a pleasing visual texture similar to wood grain. It stains to various hues. Works well for cabinetry and can be used for countertops in butcher block form.
7. Engineered Wood
Plywood, MDF, and veneer allow you to get the wood look while controlling costs. Can be used for cabinets, shelves, and counter substrates. Choose sustainably sourced brands.
Protecting and Maintaining Wood in the Kitchen
While wood offers beauty and durability, it does require some maintenance to protect it and keep it looking its best in a kitchen environment. Here are some key considerations:
- Use coasters and cutting boards to protect wood countertops and tabletops from moisture damage.
- Clean up spills promptly to avoid stains and warping. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Oil or seal wood regularly to protect from food and liquids. Reapply when wear is noticeable.
- Use rugs and rug pads to reduce denting and floor damage in high-traffic areas.
- Dust wood furniture and cabinets frequently with a dry microfiber cloth.
- Limit direct sun exposure on wood floors and furniture to prevent fading and drying.
- Maintain moderate humidity levels in the kitchen to prevent wood cracks and splits.
- Refinish or re-stain worn, damaged wood surfaces to restore their appearance.
With proper care, wood can withstand decades of use to become a beloved part of your home, only improving with age.
Inspiring Examples of Warm Wood Kitchens
To spark additional inspiration, here are some stunning examples of converted warehouse kitchens warmed up with wood elements:
Industrial Chic Kitchen in Chicago
This Chicago loft emphasizes wood textures – a massive wood-trimmed kitchen island provides ample seating, complemented by wood barstools. The oak floors ground the space while white cabinetry keeps things airy.
Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen in Texas
Reclaimed wood beams on the ceiling, butcher block countertops, and a distressed wood dining table give this kitchen a cozy farmhouse vibe. The wood elements temper the stainless appliances and concrete floors.
Scandinavian Minimalist Kitchen in Copenhagen
Blond wood cabinetry keeps this Copenhagen loft bright and airy. Pops of black contrast with the wood textures, as do the concrete walls and stainless appliances. Simple wood shelving adds warmth.
Elegant Traditional Kitchen in Atlanta
This traditional kitchen features raised-panel oak cabinets, butcher block counters, and a distressed wood dining table. Glass cabinet fronts and marble backsplash provide contrast to the wood elements.
Bohemian Kitchen in California
Eclectic use of wood makes this warehouse kitchen feel curated and collected over time. Distressed cabinets, wood counters, salvaged shelving, and mix-and-match dining chairs evoke cozy Bohemian flair.
Bringing Wood Warmth into Any Space
While converted warehouses provide a blank modern canvas, any minimalist space can benefit from wood’s warmth. Even small studio apartments or contemporary homes would gain comfort and character from wood accents and textures.
When designing any space:
- Look for opportunities to incorporate reclaimed planks or beams.
- Select furniture and cabinetry featuring rich wood grains and organic shapes.
- Accent with wooden cutting boards, plant stands, bowls, and serving trays.
- Bring in wood-tone flooring and finishes like bamboo or cork.
- Add floating shelves, slab tables, and wood wall art.
Wood’s ability to add coziness and visual interest makes it a versatile design choice for any style. Let it bring its welcoming familiarity to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of wood work best in kitchens?
Hardwoods like oak, walnut, maple, and hickory stand up well to heavy use. Opt for durable reclaimed woods or engineered wood products for cabinetry. Water-resistant teak and ipe are also good options.
How can I make a warehouse kitchen feel warm?
Incorporating wood elements is the best way to make an industrial space cozier. Add wood floors, ceiling beams, kitchen cabinets, counters, shelving, and furniture. Layer in textiles and lighting as well.
What is the most low-maintenance wood for countertops?
Butcher block and wood veneer counters sealed with water-resistant oils or varnishes are the lowest maintenance options. Oiled soapstone and durable tropical hardwoods like teak also resist moisture.
Should you really use wood in a high-moisture kitchen?
With proper care and sealing, wood can stand up to heavy use. Opt for durable species, use coasters and trivets, clean spills quickly, and re-apply protective sealants regularly. Proper ventilation is also key.
How do you refinish worn wood kitchen cabinets?
Lightly sand worn areas, clean thoroughly, apply wood stain in coats until the desired color is reached, then add a protective polyurethane topcoat to seal.
Conclusion
Wood’s natural beauty and warmth can transform even the most minimalist, raw kitchen into a livable, inviting heart of the home. Strategic use of wood counters, cabinets, floors, beams, and accents in a converted warehouse kitchen adds comfort and personality. Just be sure to properly seal and maintain wood surfaces against moisture.
With an abundance of wood varieties, stains, finishes and installation options available, you can find the perfect wood elements to complement your personal style. Let wood bring its cozy, timeless appeal to your next kitchen remodel or home renovation. The wood will only improve with age, becoming a cherished focal point for gatherings with family and friends.
