The wide selection of oak kitchen cabinets and other hardwood components at Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets can be combined to create luxurious oak kitchens, and we also sell a variety of accessories to ensure your beautiful new kitchen has plenty of storage space.

In this information guide, we have picked out our favourite kitchen storage accessories to complement solid wood kitchen units, whilst infusing your kitchen with characterful appeal.

Kitchen Shelves

Our solid oak floating shelves are an ideal storage solution for any wooden kitchen, and provide a perfect complement to our oak wooden worktops, too.

The shelves are available in thicknesses of 30mm or 40mm, and in lengths from 300mm up to 1500mm. Each shelf is sanded and pre-oiled, and comes with the appropriate amount of invisible brackets to support the shelf on a suitably sturdy wall.

Kitchen Island Trolley

This kitchen Island trolley has two shelves that provide a unique, moveable storage solution for oak kitchens, with an additional countertop space on which to cut and prepare food.

The solid beech trolley is available in either a lacquered finish with a matching 40mm-thick solid beech worktop, or painted in Farrow & Ball’s New White with a 40mm-thick solid oak worktop.

Solid Wood Cutlery Tray

If you want to keep your kitchen cutlery clean and tidy, our solid wood cutlery tray inserts are an ideal accessory.

The trays are available in a range of sizes from 310mm up to 910mm wide, and come in three distinct timber types: oak, beech or iroko.

Each insert comes fully-sanded and is pre-oiled using Rustins Danish Oil.

Wicker Storage Baskets

As an alternative to our standard kitchen drawers or shelving, our wicker storage baskets look particularly at home in classic country kitchens.

These baskets are a perfect storage solution for fresh fruit or vegetables, and are available in options to suit either 500mm or 600mm wide cabinets. They come complete with a lacquered oak surround and runners that simply screw into the sides of the cabinet.

Spice Rack

If you are looking for a tidy way to store your herbs and spices, why not choose our solid oak spice rack?

These spice racks have three shelves that can accommodate as many as 20 bottles of herbs and spices. Each rack is 400mm wide, and can be affixed to cabinet doors of at least 500mm wide. Alternatively, they can be fixed directly to a wall in your kitchen or larder.

These recommendations are but a small selection of the kitchen accessories available on our website, many of which can be viewed in our kitchen showrooms. There are a number of showrooms located across the country, with more opening on a regular basis. If you are looking to view a particular accessory, we recommend that you contact us before paying us a visit, so as to ensure we have your desired product on display.

The natural look is a sought-after aesthetic for many homes, particularly those with a traditional or countryside feel. When it comes to oak kitchens, there are many ways to instil your kitchen with the natural look, thus creating a flexible cooking and dining area that is filled with unique personality.

OAK CABINETS

Oak kitchen cabinets are one of the fundamental elements of any kitchen. Not only do they form a robust foundation for the rest of your kitchen components, they exhibit an attractive and distinctive oak grain pattern that provides an excellent basis for a natural-style kitchen. Each cabinet panel is 18mm thick, and made entirely from solid European oak. They are finished with a hard-wearing, natural-looking lacquer, for enhanced protection against stains and scuffs.

LACQUERED FRONTALS

For a kitchen with a truly natural feel, we recommend opting for lacquered cabinet frontals. This is one of our ‘Signature’ finishes, which showcases the beautiful grain pattern of the solid oak beneath and perfectly complements the cabinet carcasses.

PAINTED FRONTALS

If you desire a natural look but would preferred painted frontals, we offer a wide range of colours from Farrow & Ball which are ideal for this style of kitchen. In particular, we recommend neutral or organic shades such as Oxford Stone, Ball Green, Hay, Lichen or Vert De Terre. Our painted frontals are hand-finished, and coated in such a way as to display the characterful grain of the timber beneath the surface.

WOODEN WORKTOPS

No natural kitchen is complete without stunning solid wood worktops – and fortunately we offer a wide range of wooden work surfaces to suit every taste. For a traditional, versatile look, we suggest characterful oak worktops. For a brighter-looking timber, why not try our solid ash worktops?

NATURAL ACCESSORIES

Complete the look of your natural kitchen with botanical accessories. Make a feature of oak floating shelves with potted plants and herbs, and kit out the kitchen with wooden accessories such as wooden chopping boards, oak and wicker storage baskets and our European oak spice rack.

If you would like to see the natural beauty of our kitchens before placing your order, why not visit one of our kitchen showrooms? A showroom supervisor will also be on hand to help with any queries you may have!

When it comes to buying solid wood kitchens, there are many considerations to take into account. At Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets, we aim to make the process simple and stress-free. If this is your first kitchen-buying experience, you might come across some terms that are unfamiliar. In our latest information guide, we provide definitions for a list of kitchen terminology that you may find useful.

BREAKFRONT

A breakfront is a kitchen design feature, whereby a number of wood cabinets protrude forward from the run of cabinetry. This can enhance the look of your kitchen, and most commonly features a hob, oven, or display wall cabinets above.

CORNICE

A decorative trim fitted to the top of wall cabinets and full-height cabinets. Our cornices are constructed from solid oak and MDF that is covered in a real oak foil. The visible edge of the cornice is made from oak so that it can be cut as necessary. The MDF section on the rear makes it considerably easier to fix to the cabinet.

END PANEL

An end panel adds a decorative finishing touch to the end of a run of cabinets. Our oak end panels are available with either a smooth surface or tongue-and-groove composition, and are usually finished to match the rest of the cabinet fronts. These can also be added when there is a build-under oven or fridge at the end of a run of cabinet units.

KITCHEN ISLAND

A kitchen island is a freestanding arrangement of base cabinets and is usually positioned in the centre of a kitchen. Kitchen islands can provide additional work space, and sometimes feature a built-in breakfast bar.

PELMET

A decorative trim fitted to the underside of wall cabinets. Like our cornices, pelmets are made from oak and MDF that has been covered in a layer of real oak. The MDF section makes it very easy to attach the pelmet to the cabinet.

PENINSULA

When it comes to kitchen cabinets, the term ‘peninsula’ refers to an arrangement in which a short row of cabinets protrudes into the kitchen. The peninsula is attached at one end to the wall, or to the main run of cabinets.

PILASTER

Pilasters are columns of timber that are fitted between cabinet frontals. Usually they act purely as a decorative feature, though can also be used to disguise a small gap between cabinets where necessary. Ornate pilasters can be used to give the impression of hand detailing in a kitchen and suit more traditional interior styles.

PLINTH

A plinth is a long panel that is added to the bottom of base cabinets to hide the gap and cabinet legs beneath. This panel is sometimes known as a ‘kick board’. It is attached to the cabinet legs with clips.

ROUTER CUTTER

A router cutter is a tool used to provide a variety of customisations to wooden worktops. Ball-nosed router cutters can be used to create hotrod grooves and drainage grooves. Straight router cutters are used for general worktop cuts.

SERVICE GAP

Also known as a ‘service void’, the service gap is a concealed empty space behind cabinets that leaves room for pipes or wiring. Our standard base cabinets come with 75mm service gap, whilst standard wall cabinets come with a 10mm service gap.

SPLASHBACK

A panel of glass or stainless steel, which is usually fitted at the back of a hob to prevent food splashes from marking the wall.

STAVES

Wooden worktops are made up of staves. These are small sections of solid timber that are bonded together with finger joints and glue to form a robust work surface.

UPSTAND

A narrow section of solid wood assembled using the same methods as our wooden worktops, which is fitted at the rear of the worktop. This can be installed as a decorative feature and also to disguise the expansion gap at the back of the work surface.

WIREWORK

Our range of kitchen wirework offers a selection of wire basket storage systems that can be installed within our oak cabinets, optimising the available space and making it easier to access the contents of the cupboard.

If you are looking for inspiration, why not visit our kitchen gallery to discover a range of beautiful kitchens that have been created using our solid oak cabinets, wooden worktops and other accessories?

Whilst kitchen cabinets and appliances may take up much of your budget when it comes to buying oak kitchens, there are likely to be a number of small gadgets that you will later turn your mind to. A must-have for many, a coffee machine is a key kitchen feature that requires a certain amount of consideration. Available in all shapes and sizes, with an array of useful extras, coffee machines range from basic small appliances to highly luxurious alternatives with all the ‘bells and whistles’.

With this in mind, we have devised a handy buying guide to help you decide upon the ideal coffee machine for you – whether you’re dreaming of a basic model or a more lavish option!

Key Considerations

There are several factors to consider when purchasing a coffee machine.

If you often find yourself short on time, it is worth taking a look at our ‘Easy to Use?’ rating to help save time on busy mornings.

Take a look at the wattage – the higher the wattage, the quicker the water will boil. If time is an important factor for you, opt for a high wattage machine to ensure your coffee is delivered that little bit faster.

Between 9 and 15 bars is the recommended pressure for espresso machines, in order to achieve the sought-after crema (this is the layer of rich, golden foam found on top of the espresso). If you are planning to purchase an espresso machine, it is important to take the bar pressure into account.

If you usually opt for a frothy cappuccino, milky latte or macchiato, you may prefer a machine with a steam arm or integrated frothing function. If you choose a machine without a steam arm, you can also warm milk in a pan and use a hand-held milk frother instead.

Finally, we recommend selecting a coffee machine with an automatic shut-off function. This will prevent the machine being left on all day by accident, conserving energy and keeping your machine in optimum working order.

Types of Coffee Machines

Filter Coffee Machines – This type of machine is ideal if you often find yourself making large quantities of coffee. The water will slowly drip through a filter containing ground coffee, producing a full, fresh pot. The pot sits on a hot plate to keep the coffee warm throughout the filter process and afterwards.

Easy to Use? ★★★★

Type of Coffee: Ground

Pod and Capsule Coffee Machines – This style of machine uses disposable coffee pods or capsules. Hot water is forced through the coffee once the capsule has been correctly inserted within the machine. This is less messy than using a coffee filter, but also usually requires you to stick to one brand.

Easy to Use? ★★★★★

Type of Coffee: Capsules

Espresso Machines – Espresso coffee makers produce barista-style coffee. Using steam and ground coffee, these machines produce a strong shot of espresso which can be drunk as it is or used to make a latte or cappuccino. Using a Thermoblock system, water is heated to the optimum temperature for making the perfect crema.

Easy to Use? ★★★

Type of Coffee: Ground

Bean-to-Cup Machines – As the name suggests, a bean-to-cup coffee machine uses fresh beans to perform the coffee-making process. The beans are ground with an in-built grinder, packed together in a filter, and hot water is pushed through to produce a delicious shot of espresso – all at the touch of a button. The left-over coffee grinds are then ejected into a tray for easy disposal.

Easy to Use? ★★★★

Type of Coffee: Beans

If you are looking for a range of new kitchen gadgets, visit our Pinterest page to discover plenty of kitchen inspiration. From blenders and toasters to waste bins and wirework, there’s a lot to see.

Our solid wood kitchens bring a true sense of quality to any home: built with the utmost attention to detail, from solid European oak, by craftsmen with years of experience. Alongside MDF alternatives, there really is no comparison. By sourcing directly and selling straight to our customers, we are even able to offer our solid wood products at the same prices as many MDF imitations on the market.

In case you still have any hesitation about why real wood is the ideal timber for kitchen base cabinets and wall cupboards, we’ve devised this handy information guide that will hopefully answer some of your questions.

STRENGTH

Cabinets are the workhorse of any kitchen, and will usually require the biggest financial outlay of all your new components. No matter whether you decide to update your colour scheme, worktops, or cupboard handles every so often with the changing trends, cabinet units are the most important area to invest in and should be built to stand the test of time.

Comprising solid timber throughout, oak cabinets are immensely durable and far less likely to become damaged on impact. Conversely, MDF is constructed from small pieces of wood, glue and resins (some of which are not recommended for use around pets or young children), and – due to this construction – has been known to begin to crumble and deteriorate with age.

AESTHETICS

Cabinets doors are one of the first components you notice when you enter a kitchen. Whether you prefer the look of a natural, lacquered finish or opt for one of our Farrow & Ball painted finishes, the inherent character and quality of the timber will always shine through.

For painted finishes, a water-based primer is applied to the wood to prevent raising of the grain, and the final layer of paint is applied by hand in such a way as to coat the fine grain and enhance the natural look of the timber.

WATER RESISTANCE

Whilst we will certainly not argue that timber is waterproof, we do apply three coats of lacquer to all oak cabinets, which provides significant resistance to water and stains. Furthermore, oak is less absorbent than MDF (which water can penetrate far more easily and cause to swell, disrupting the finish and causing the external layer to peel away).

REPAIRS

Whilst you may take every care to ensure that your kitchen stays in pristine condition, accidents do happen. Should a small nick or scratch occur, this is far more easily repaired on a wooden surface.

Once the external face of MDF cabinets becomes exposed, it is more vulnerable to water ingress. Furthermore, whilst certain repair kits can cover over the damage, it would certainly be a challenge to make the surface look like new. The beauty of solid wood is that superficial damage can be gently sanded away and refinished with a matching lacquer or paint – as though the scratch never occurred.

If you require any further information before committing to our high-quality wooden kitchen cabinets, please don’t hesitate to contact us and speak with one of our friendly sales advisors. If you live near one of our kitchen showrooms, do stop by and see the range of beautiful display sets we have on show.

A versatile and eye-catching feature that looks particularly at home in a traditional country kitchen, kitchen dressers are favoured by many. Whilst a classic dresser can make an impressive feature, they can be tricky to fit through doorways and may require disassembly first; to save this hassle, and to allow you to install a dresser that blends perfectly with the rest of your kitchen, we recommend recreating the look with our beautiful solid oak kitchen cabinets.

CREATING A TRADITIONAL DRESSER WITH OAK CABINETS

FRONTALS:

• First, decide which style of kitchen cabinet doors you would like. Opt for the ‘Traditional’ style frontals for a classic country kitchen, or choose the ‘Shaker’ style for a design that is a little more contemporary.

• When it comes to frontals, you will also need to choose your favourite finish. A classic lacquered finish enhances the look of the natural grain beneath and is a great complement to traditional homes. Alternatively you may prefer a painted finish, and at Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets® you can pick from the full range of colours offered by our paint manufacturers of choice, Farrow & Ball.

OAK CABINETS:

Image courtesy of Worktop Express

WORKTOPS:

• We have more than thirty styles of wooden worktop to choose from, meaning that our customers can find the perfect timber for their work surfaces.

• For a truly elegant finish, you can enhance the look of your worktop with decorative edge profile. This is a service we can offer via our sister brand Worktop Express®: edge profiles include a smooth rounded edge, a chamfered edge and an ogee edge.

TRIMMINGS:

• Finish off your beautiful new dresser with coordinating knobs and handles. We are pleased to offer a wide range of styles – such as our Queslett, Edison and Lamont pull handles and knobs – which are particularly well suited to this type of cabinet arrangement.



• If you have opted for a more traditional design, you might also like to consider adding our solid oak pelmets and cornices to the top and bottom of your wall cabinets: this will create a truly ‘finished’ look.

WIREWORK:

• Combine your beautiful dresser design with optimum practicality by fitting your base cabinets with kitchen wirework. Our pull-out baskets are easily installed within base units and eliminate the effort of finding items at the back of the cabinet.

If you have followed our tips to create a kitchen dresser of your own using solid oak kitchen cabinets, please share your photographs with us on Facebook or Twitter.

Beautiful, glossy ceramic sinks are the go-to accessory for charming traditional kitchens. In addition to the appealing sink units themselves, we also provide robust solid oak kitchen cabinets in which to house them, whether you prefer Belfast kitchen sinks or ceramic overmounted sinks (also known as ‘inset’ or ‘drop-in’ sinks).

There is plenty to discover about our collection of luxurious ceramic sinks and their corresponding cabinets; keep reading to learn more…

CERAMIC BELFAST SINKS

Belfast sinks are a popular choice for classic farmhouse kitchens. This style of sink usually has one side exposed once installed, which shows off the lustrous ceramic and transforms a practical kitchen component into an eye-catching feature.

Our lovely Belfast sinks are available in a single or double design, offering styles to suit the requirements and dimensions of any busy kitchen. Our collection includes designs from reputable brands such as Rangemaster and RAK, all of which are made from high-quality fireclay ceramic.

Ceramic is made from clay, earthen materials and water. This mixture is crafted into the desired shape, and then fired in a kiln at high temperatures and glazed, creating a heat and stain resistant surface. As ceramic sinks are made individually, using natural materials, customers should always anticipate a +/-5mm tolerance when planning their kitchen layout.

To incorporate Belfast sinks seamlessly into oak kitchens, we provide a selection of Belfast sink cabinets that complement the rest of our cabinet range, measuring between 600mm and 1200mm wide. These specialist cabinets are composed of 18mm-thick solid European oak panels, providing robust support for your sink.

CERAMIC OVERMOUNTED SINKS

Overmounted ceramic sinks are a variation of the traditional farmhouse sink, evoking the essence of a classic country kitchen whilst incorporating other practical elements, such as a built-in draining board and a useful ‘half’ bowl.

Our magnificent inset ceramic sinks offer single bowl and 1.5 bowl options, affording you some handy additional washing-up space should you require it. These high-gloss sink units look tremendous alongside real wood worktops, which together serve to enhance the overall appeal of a kitchen design and create a beautiful blend of textures.

To make installation as easy as possible, we provide purpose-built sink housing cabinets. These base kitchen units can accommodate a variety of sink sizes, ranging from 600mm to 1200mm wide. All these cabinets are made from solid oak, and can be purchased with oak kitchen unit doors and high-quality Blum™ hinges.

For more advice, why not read our ’Choosing Sinks for Oak Kitchens’ guide.

If you would like to see some of these beautiful sinks in situ in a real wood kitchen, please visit one of our delightful kitchen showrooms. We have a number of showrooms around the country, each comprising a variety of attractive kitchen display sets and featuring high-quality cabinet units, wooden worktops, wirework, sinks, appliances and other kitchen accessories.

Many fans of our oak kitchens may be familiar with the ‘kitchen work triangle’ concept, which helps determine the most effective layouts for an efficient, well-planned kitchen. The work triangle targets the three primary areas a kitchen-user will utilise, namely the stove, sink and the refrigerator, and ensures they are sufficiently far apart to prevent crowding, but close enough to allow for easy transitioning between stages of the cooking process. This popular design concept was developed in the 1940s, and is still often referred to today. However, much has changed since the notion of the work triangle was originally conceived, and space planners now also use ‘zoning’ to configure layouts for the modern kitchen.

The intention of creating kitchen zones is to clearly divide up different spaces of your kitchen with the purpose for which they are intended in mind. In the 21st century, this concept is often seen as more practical, as modern day kitchens tend to exhibit a greater variety of sizes and arrangements. Furthermore, unlike the kitchen work triangle, the design concept is also relevant and useful for those with an existing kitchen who do not wish to relocate their refrigerator, sink or oven.

Kitchen zoning can be applied to any kitchen, whatever its size or shape:

Step 1: Divide your kitchen into five zones

• Cooking zone – the area where your oven, range or stove is located, alongside a microwave (if you have one)

• Food preparation zone – the area where your cut, chop and prepare fresh produce, be it a portion of worktop, a kitchen island, or a butchers block trolley.

• Cleaning zone – the area that contains the sink and dishwasher (if you have one)

• Consumables zone – the area where most food is stored, which may be divided between kitchen cabinets, for dry goods, and the refrigerator, for fresh food.

• Non-consumables zone – the area used to store kitchenware such as crockery, dishes, cutlery, glasses and mugs.

Step 2: Store items within their relevant zones

To improve your kitchen’s functionality, items should be kept within their respective zones. This makes them easy to find, making the cooking process much more efficient.

Keep cooking tools close to the area they best relate to. For example, knives, chopping boards and utensils should be located near to the food preparation zone, where they are most likely to be needed. Similarly, baking trays and cooking utensils should be situated within reach of the cooking zone.

Step 3: Store dishes used on a daily basis in a cabinet close to the sink or dishwasher

The next step saves time and effort when stashing away items that have recently been washed up. Shortening the distance between the draining board and the cupboard designated for plates and bowls eliminates too much walking back and forth.

Step 4: Locate your food preparation zone adjacent to your cooking zone

As in step 3, this strategic placement of your kitchen zones is a logical move, and makes transferring food from chopping board to pot as easy as possible. In a perfect world, the preparation zone and your cooker should not be more than a few paces apart, saving time and reducing the risks of dropped food. It is best to keep the preparation space clear of any unnecessary countertop items that could be located elsewhere.

For those with kitchen islands, you may wish to capitalise on this space as a larger food preparation area. In this case, we advise locating these two zones directly opposite from one another, so you simply need to turn to move your freshly prepared produce from the chopping board to the stove.

Step 5: Get creative with storage solutions

Efficient kitchen zoning can be very rewarding, and has a significant impact on many of your daily activities. If yours is a kitchen of modest proportions, you may benefit from integrating such handy storage solutions as space-saving wirework or accessible wicker baskets.

Other solutions for maximising your cabinet space include stackable shelves, hanging baskets on an under-cupboard pot rail, helping you ensure all your kitchen items remain within their designated zones.

Whether you are planning a new kitchen or simply perfecting your existing one, zoning is a practical way to ensure your culinary experience is as easy and efficient as possible. If you would like to get in touch to discuss your new oak kitchen, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0345 22 22 990, or email .

Many features pull together to make the perfect kitchen. Having carefully selected your beautiful and hard-wearing wooden worktops, sturdy and reliable solid oak cabinets, and a selection of kitchen appliances, your attention may turn to your next design feature: flooring!

There is a wide variety of flooring suitable for oak kitchens and – being located in one of the busiest rooms of the home – it is important to ensure your final flooring choice is designed to withstand all the comings and goings of a dynamic household for years to come.

To help you choose from an array of options that suit both your practical requirements and your design preferences, we have devised this helpful kitchen flooring information guide:

Solid Wood Flooring

What could be more appropriate for combining with hardwood cabinets than solid wood flooring? Wood has been a popular flooring material for many a century, thanks to its natural robustness and distinguished grain. This floor covering looks especially attractive when made from oak planks to perfectly match oak cabinetry, and can also be treated to match the hue of your timber worktops and create a splendid sense of balance. Wooden flooring brings wholesome warmth to kitchens, which is difficult to achieve with other cheaper alternatives.

Linoleum Flooring

Whilst bearing many similarities to vinyl flooring, we prefer linoleum, as it is equally easy to install but is manufactured from much more environmentally friendly materials. Where petroleum is used to produce vinyl, linoleum is comprised largely of linseed oil. Although many designs of decades past have become heavily dated, there is now a broad range of modern linoleum on the market. The major benefit of linoleum is that it is waterproof and easily cleaned, making it a highly practical choice for bustling family kitchens. It is also soft to walk on, making it a quieter choice.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring has been a bit of a game-changer in the world of floor surfaces. In addition to being relatively easy to clean, laminate floors – or so-called ‘click flooring’ – are straightforward to install, simply by clicking each uniform plank together. What’s more, thanks to a ‘wear layer’, laminates are more resilient to stains and smudges caused by mud or dirt, and are naturally resistant to the growth of bacteria. It is worth remembering, however, that – unlike real wood – laminate flooring feels more unnatural and cannot be refinished.

Tiled Flooring

Tiled flooring is a practical and sophisticated choice for any kitchen. Once coated with a protective glaze, tiles are impervious to water and staining, and can withstand high humidity. For use in a busy kitchen, we advise that you choose tiles of sufficient thickness so that they do not shatter beneath dropped pans or crockery. Dirt is easily identified on tiled flooring, making it easier to ensure your kitchen stays clean and hygienic.

Carpet

Whilst carpeted floors bring warmth and cosiness to bedrooms and living areas, we would not recommend them as suitable flooring for your kitchen. Spills are most likely to occur in a culinary environment; these are quickly absorbed by carpets and can cause stains that are difficult to remove. As a result, carpeting in kitchens is more likely to harbour bacteria than other alternatives. For these reasons, it is advisable to opt for a floor surface that is easier to clean.

Other kitchen flooring options include cork and bamboo, which are also worth considering. Cork can now be found in a variety of colours and patterns that bring it up-to-date for the 21st century. It is also a great choice for dedicated cooks who spend a good deal of time on their feet, as internal air pockets create natural cushioning and act as a shock absorber to reduce the possibility of damaging dropped plates. As cork flooring is essentially derived from the bark of the Cork Oak tree, the sourcing of this material is also highly sustainable.

Bamboo, is very ecologically-friendly too, thanks to the rapid growth rate of bamboo plants. Although it is actually a grass, bamboo has many of the excellent qualities of hardwood flooring, as it is incredibly strong and hard-wearing. Whilst this material is susceptible to scratches over time, it is easily refinished in much the same way as hardwood floors.

Don’t forget, you can envisage a number of flooring options alongside wooden cabinets using our Kitchen Style Tool for oak kitchens. For tips on making the most of this handy visualisation tool, take a look at our ‘How To Use Our Kitchen Style Tool’ information guide!

When commencing work on the design of your new oak kitchen, you may find it tricky to visualise the ‘finished’ article: and, most particularly, how all the elements will eventually come together. In addition, you might be keen to see whether different features and colours that you like would complement one another once in situ. With this in mind, we decided to introduce our fabulous Kitchen Style Tool: this handy tool makes it easy for customers to create their dream oak kitchens with just a few clicks of a mouse.

So, how do you use it?

1. First, select your preferred cabinet doors by clicking the ‘Doors’ tab on the bottom left. The menu will allow you to select Shaker or Traditional frontals, following which you are able to choose from a selection of 22 colour options. These include a lacquered finish, as well as a broad range of popular colour choices from expert paint manufacturer Farrow & Ball

2. Click on the next tab and a selection of handle and knob options will be shown, encompassing a variety of different styles. Whether you prefer a modern bar handle or a more traditional lacquered oak knob, the tool will help you to visualise the overall impact of each selection within your oak kitchen.

3. Next, you get to pick your worktops! We have five timber options available here: Luxurious black oak, traditional golden oak, rosy and mellow beech, rich bronze iroko and warm and distinctive walnut. Although not a worktop we sell, clean white Avonite Kokoura has also been included to assist those looking for cabinetry to match existing worktops. Try experimenting with different cabinet colours and worktops – you’ll be surprised at the difference just a few small tweaks can make!

4. Following this, you are able to change the style of flooring to replicate the floor covering you already have – or what you are planning to buy. Different materials and shades of flooring can have a big impact on the style of your kitchen, so it’s worth trialling different options on the Style Tool. Flooring options include tiles in black slate or travertine, and planks of traditional oak, white oak, and dark oak.

5. Finally, for the finishing touch, you can select from 15 paint colours from Farrow & Ball, or alternatively opt for a white textured wallpaper. Different colours can affect the atmosphere in the room in different ways, so it’s great to consider which mood you wish to convey when looking at gentle Clunch, energetic Charlotte’s Lock, or sumptuous Brinjal.

If you’re not completely satisfied with the design for your new solid oak kitchen, you can go back at any point to change your chosen elements, simply by clicking on the relevant tab. All the cabinetry, worktops and handles you see are available to buy on our website, and any components you have selected are listed at the bottom of the Kitchen Style Tool page.

If you like what you see, you may like to try out our online sample service, too! We offer both solid wood worktop samples and miniature replica cabinet frontals, allowing you to experience the outstanding quality on offer first-hand. Remember, you can even redeem the cost of your sample if you decide to place an order with us.

To get in touch, please telephone us on 0345 22 22 990, or email us at . We hope to hear from you soon!