Timber frame kitchen ideas: 8 of the best

20.02.2023

2 minute read

Sunlight beams through glazed windows in a kitchen with a large island and small table and chairs in a vaulted oak framed open plan living room

There’s something uniquely inviting about a timber framed kitchen. Wood brings rich, natural warmth to a space, and an oak frame transforms ordinary kitchens into incredible spaces where memories are made, stories unfold, and timeless beauty meets function.

At Carpenter Oak, we believe timber frames are not merely structural, they’re storytelling. Each frame is meticulously crafted to marry sustainability with elegance, effortlessly bridging classic character with contemporary living. Whether you dream of a peaceful country kitchen that echoes with farmhouse charm, a sleek modern extension that blends indoor and outdoor living, or an al fresco annex built for year-round gatherings, timber brings possibilities that go far beyond conventional layouts.

In this post, we share some of our favourite timber frame kitchens - each a testament to the versatility, craftsmanship, and bespoke beauty that timber can bring to heart-of-home design.

New Build Farmhouse
Unique and sustainable, this beautiful kitchen forms part of a new build farmhouse that is close to the much desired ‘Passiv Haus’ standard. This timber frame kitchen is crafted from Douglas fir which has a distinctive orangey-pink hue and gives clean, crisp lines. Read more about this home here.

Outdoor Entertaining
Something a little different – an outdoor bar and kitchen built in the garden of a home in Buckinghamshire. With a BBQ, pizza oven and bar, this garden oak frame structure also has a cosy area with a log burner for year-round entertaining. The intricate brickwork and handcrafted wooden kitchen units with stone worktops are stylish but sturdy for this open-air kitchen.

Country Coastal
Beach End sits on the banks of the River Dart in South Devon. The owners extended their cottage to add a large, open plan kitchen and dining room, allowing for panoramic views up and downstream. With a classic country/coastal feel, the cream colours of the kitchen allow the handcrafted oak frame to stand out. Read more about this cottage here.

Rustic Open Plan
This oak frame home built on a stunning plot on the East Coast of Scotland has a rustic feel to fit in with this single-storey barn-like building with sling brace frames. The kitchen has been designed into one end of open plan living space and uses a low partition to give some separation, as well as more wall space for kitchen units. The kitchen’s island is a brilliant use of space and its clean white colour matches the AGA range, which are a lovely compliment to the slate grey of the other units. Read more about this home here.

Clean and Minimalist
This modern barn extension houses a new kitchen and link between older barn buildings. A contemporary oak frame creates an open plan, vaulted space with glazed screens that open out into the garden. Read more about this timber frame kitchen extension here.

Light Filled Reverse Level
Built on a steep plot on the Dorset/Devon border this reverse-level 4 bedroom home has a vaulted open plan living area on the first floor, making use of the incredible views. Natural light floods into this kitchen and the doors lead to wrap around balconies. A simple colour scheme allows the honey-coloured oak frame and floors to stand out. Read more about this home here.

Compact characterful
This modest but well designed oak frame home boasts a well finished kitchen as well. The central island, finished in a striking blue, creates preparation space, ample storage and even fits a breakfast bar on one end. The home has also been built to a high energy-efficiency - read more about it here.

Dramatic vaulted
This new build home in Essex has a large open-plan living space which features vaulted ceilings and striking sling-brace trusses. The traditional structural oak frame has been paired with a modern and well finished kitchen with bespoke cupboards which have been built to fit perfectly in the frame. Find out more about this home here.

Whether nestled under vaulted ceilings, bathed in natural light, or seamlessly blurring the lines between interior and exterior, these spaces harness the character of timber to craft uniquely personal environments.

If your imagination is stirring - whether you’re planning a new build or crafting a sympathetic extension - we’d love to explore ideas with you. From early-stage design through to installation, our team is here to advise, guide, and bring your timber framed vision to life. Please get in touch with us - we'd love to start the conversation!

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