Light or white oak cabinets are timeless and neutral in design, yet a great alternative for plain white cabinets when you want that little extra without going too bold. Natural or white oak gives a kitchen a subtle warm look that has a sophisticated appearance that can be varied by combining it with different materials for the counter, walls, and backsplash. Since oak is one of the most durable woods, you don’t have to worry about your kitchen being timeless in both quality and design.
Depending on the grain patterns visible in the white oak cabinetry, the oak wood can be modest or more intricate in design. Below you can find my selection of the most inspiring kitchens with white oak cabinets.
White oak kitchen cabinets for a light look with black accents
The white oak kitchen cabinets add a minimal and Nordic vibe to this kitchen design that is centered around the long kitchen island in the middle of the space. The beige limestone countertops and backsplash complement the white-pigmented solid oak cabinets perfectly, while the black accessories and pendant lamps add a lovely touch of contrast.
The white oak comes back in the bar stools underneath the kitchen island as well, which makes them blend in with the kitchen design.
via Himlekök
Natural oak kitchen cabinets against a greige wall
The natural oak cabinets in combination with the greige wall color and the beige limestone countertops in this kitchen generate a very warm palette that looks so cozy and inviting.
The black pendant lights and the black open shelving on the wall add a lovely point of contrast and the hood has been wrapped in a cabinet that has the same color as the wall.
Eye-catching marble tiles and natural oak cabinets
The cool grey and green tones in the marble backsplash and the industrial look of the stainless steel countertops in this kitchen are balanced out perfectly by the use of natural oak cabinets that add such a warm effect to the otherwise cool materials used in this kitchen.
via Alvhem
A modern kitchen with tick marble countertops and white oak cabinets
Even though the tick marble countertops on the kitchen island are the main focal point in this contemporary kitchen design, it’s the white oak flooring combined with the natural oak on the kitchen cabinets that add all the warmth to the space.
The white oak dining chairs complement the look perfectly and the brass details in the lamp add an elegant touch. The oak is complemented with white cabinets for extra storage that doesn’t take up a prominent space visually.
via Nordiska Kök
Flat panel cabinets with an integrated handle and brown marble countertops
The visible grain on these beautiful cabinets goes vertically, while the grains in the intricate marble pattern is going diagonally for a playful and sophisticated effect in this kitchen design.
via Stadshem
Flat panel cabinets in natural oak wood
The white oak cabinets in this kitchen design have integrated metal ridges on the handles, which function as protectors and design elements at the same time. This elegant detail elevates the design of this simple white oak kitchen and I love that the white oak comes back in the form of a wall shelf as well.
Profile kitchen by Reform
Subtle shaker cabinets in light oak combined with limestone on the countertops
The slight ridge on the side of these white oak cabinets gives the kitchen a shaker look that is still minimal and modern. The limestone countertops add a cooler touch to the warm tones in the white oak and the chrome faucets and hardware finish the look off nicely.
via Stadshem
Light wood cabinets combined with an impressive green-grey marble backsplash
The oak used in the cabinets and the kitchen island complements the beautiful grey-green marble countertops and impressive backsplash above the sink so perfectly. The integrated handles in the cabinets give the design a minimal expression, which has been decorated with black accent pieces to complement the glass partition between the kitchen and the bedroom.
via Alvhem
Custom cabinetry in light oak in an architect’s home
The oak wood used in the custom cabinetry for this kitchen is used on the open shelving as well, giving the kitchen a very warm and rich expression. The marble kitchen island and the concrete flooring complement the white oak perfectly while the chrome hardware adds a contemporary touch.
The kitchen island includes an undermount sink and has marble on all sides, making the contrast between the different materials even more apparent.
via Nordiska Kök
Minimal white oak cabinets with an integrated handle in an attic studio home
The white oak cabinets in this loft kitchen are combined with grey marble countertops and a beautiful black faucet above a small undermount sink to finish things off. The rift-sawn wood grain makes the design even more subtle. When you rift cut white oak, the grains are still visible, yet very subtle for a soft and smooth effect.
Photographed by Mike Karlsson Lundgren for Nordiska Kök
White oak kitchen cabinets centered around a Viola marble backsplash
The eye-catcher in this beautiful kitchen is definitely the big slap of Viola marble on the backsplash and countertops. The oak cabinets however balance out the intricate details in the marble so nicely, giving the kitchen design a warm and soft look.
Designed by Norm Architects for the office group
White oak cabinets with black hardware and a tile backsplash
The subtle grain in the white oak cabinet fronts and countertops in this kitchen are contrasted by black hardware, a black faucet, and a black String shelf on the wall. The black pendant light makes an elegant appearance above the counter, while the tile backsplash gives the kitchen design an industrial touch.
via Stadshem
White oak cabinets combined with black elements for a rich and contrasting look
The white oak combined with the black modules in this beautiful kitchen is something I have never seen before. Both the countertops and backsplash as well as the upper part of the lower cabinets fronts are made out of black stained wood, which adds a beautiful contrast to the design.
The upper cabinets have a separate module for glasses that can be lowered from the backside, which is a perfect way to utilize the back of the cabinets where everything gets lost.
Styled by Grey Deco, photographed by Fredrik J Karlsson for Alvhem
White oak kitchen cabinets underneath a sloped roof
The white oak cabinetry is custom-fitted perfectly underneath the sloped roof in this attic apartment. The white oak complements the hardwood flooring perfectly and stands out against the white walls and ceilings.
The limestone countertops and chrome faucet give this small kitchen a contemporary look.
Styled by Nouvel Interior, photographed by Alen Cordic for Bjurfors
A minimal design in white oak on all surfaces
The straight grain pattern on these minimal white oak cabinets is used on the sides and as a countertop as well, for a toned-down yet elegant effect that warms up the white walls.
Styling by Sundling & Kickén, photographed by Fanny Hanssons for Nordiska Kök
Natural oak cabinets combined with white upper modules
Two-tone kitchens tend to add interest to the interior design of a space. The white cabinets on the upper part of the layout of this kitchen add a certain lightness to the look, while the white countertops and the glossy white backsplash contrast with the natural grain patterns in the oak cabinets.
Styling and design by Vibeke Husebye, photography by Elisabeth Heier
Rift-cut white oak cabinets in a Nordic industrial setting
The natural oak cabinets in combination with the cement tiles on the backsplash and on the floor have a very contemporary effect on the interior design of the space. The white walls extend over the kitchen to hide the hood, which is such an elegant solution.
Surface design for Reform Norm Architects
