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The other key benefit of timber, of course, is the sheer variety of styles and species available. Whether you’re after native Australian hardwood or imported pine flooring, there are more ways than ever to find a style, colour, and pattern that best suits your vision

So, if you’re considering or already in the midst of a renovation, this article will break down the different timber options at your disposal.

Cabinetry is a focal point in any kitchen, and the choice of materials greatly influences the overall aesthetic. Timber cabinetry offers a perfect blend of classic and contemporary styles. Consider incorporating timber cupboard doors and drawers, then combining them with glass doors for a visually striking effect.

Embrace the modern touch by introducing contrast cabinetry – warm timber overheads alongside dark-toned matte cabinets, harmonised with sleek stainless steel appliances.

Timber's versatility extends to open shelving, providing an opportunity to break up solid colours and add personality to your kitchen. Consider the inclusion of timber shelving as stand-alone rows of rough-sawn wood or as mini-bookshelves within your island bench, illuminated with LED lighting.

These features not only serve a practical purpose, but also become captivating focal points within a modern kitchen space.

Even the smallest timber accents can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. Advocate for subtle touches such as unique timber handles, stylish wooden bench stools, or decorative items like wooden vases and chopping boards.

These accents soften the contemporary feel of the kitchen, all while helping to create a more inviting and visually appealing space.

Selecting the right timber for your kitchen bench is a make-or-break decision, and quality makes a major difference to the final result. This is why so many designers, joiners, and builders tend to use local Australian materials.

Native Australian timber species are highly sought after across the globe. Both Australian hardwood and softwood timber are highly durable, visually appealing, and suitable for a diverse range of applications.

From warm and soft to rich and vibrant, there are many beautiful native varieties available. Each species features their own unique grain, texture, colour, and level of hardness. Let’s explore some of the most notable and popular now.

Recycled Blackbutt,with its mid to light brown colour, creates a beautiful canvas for modern kitchen designs. Denser and more richly coloured than new Blackbutt, this material translates to a hard and durable surface that is resistant to dents and scratches.

Examples:

Modern Minimalism: The mid to light brown tones of recycled Blackbutt seamlessly complement the clean lines and simplicity of modern minimalistic kitchens. Its density and rich colour provide a sleek and sophisticated backdrop, creating a harmonious balance between warmth and contemporary design.

Scandinavian Elegance: In a Scandinavian-inspired kitchen, recycled Blackbutt adds a touch of nature to the bright and airy space. Its neutral tones contribute to the light and inviting atmosphere typical of Scandinavian design, while the durability ensures functionality in this practical yet stylish setting.

Sourced from local demolitions, Canberra Local Ash offers a delightful light colour and exceptional durability. A sustainable option with low transport miles, it carries a unique history and character, adding depth to your kitchen.

Examples:

Industrial Chic: Canberra Local Ash's light colour and exceptional durability make it a perfect fit for an industrial chic kitchen. Paired with exposed brick, metal accents, and minimalist design elements, it brings a sustainable and character-rich touch to the urban-inspired space.

Rustic Farmhouse: In a rustic farmhouse kitchen, Canberra Local Ash becomes a statement piece. Its light hue complements the warm and earthy tones characteristic of farmhouse design. The unique history and character of the timber add authenticity to the rustic charm of the space.

For a unique and striking look, consider Bluegum/Coastal Reds. Salvaged from Sydney and its surrounding regions, this timber boasts varied grain patterns and rich red hues, creating exceptional benchtops that stand out.

Examples/Styles:

Eclectic Bohemian: In an eclectic bohemian kitchen, Bluegum/Coastal Reds stand out as a bold and vibrant choice. The varied grain patterns and rich red hues add an eclectic touch, creating a kitchen space that embraces a mix of colours, patterns, and textures.

Contemporary Artistry: For a kitchen with a contemporary artistic flair, Bluegum/Coastal Reds become a focal point. The unique benchtops with striking grain patterns become a piece of functional art, making a statement in a kitchen that values creativity and individuality.

Known for its richness and colour variation, Brushbox grows more beautiful with time. Its reddish-brown to pinkish-grey hues make it an extraordinary choice for those seeking something less common yet stunning.

Examples/Styles:

Luxurious Modern: Brushbox, with its richness and colour variation, suits a luxurious modern kitchen. Paired with high-end appliances, sleek finishes, and a neutral palette, Brushbox adds a touch of opulence and sophistication to the space.

Vintage Revival: In a kitchen inspired by vintage aesthetics, Brushbox becomes a key element. Its evolving reddish-brown to pinkish-grey hues complement retro-inspired decor and contribute to the overall nostalgic charm of the kitchen.

Offering strength, unique grain patterns, and varied colourings, Spotted Gum is an enduring choice for high-traffic kitchen areas. Rare in the recycled timber space, it is a preferred option for crafting bespoke kitchen benchtops that tell a story.

Examples:

Transitional Elegance: Spotted Gum is well-suited for a transitional kitchen that blends traditional and contemporary elements. Its enduring strength, unique grain patterns, and varied colours make it a versatile choice, bridging the gap between classic and modern design.

Coastal Contemporary: In a kitchen with a coastal contemporary theme, Spotted Gum adds a touch of natural beauty. Its unique markings and colours evoke the seaside, making it an ideal choice for a kitchen that aims to capture the relaxed and sophisticated coastal lifestyle.

These are just five of the many beautiful timbers native to Australia. Others of note include Tasmanian Oak, Victorian Ash, Blackwood, Jarrah, Ironbark, Red Ironbark, and Tallowood. Some of the non-native timber species commonly found in Australian timber kitchens are: Birch, Ash, Walnut, European Oak, American Oak, European Beech, and Bamboo.

At C3, kitchen transformations are our forte. Whether you’re adding timber cabinets, benchtops, cupboards or custom wine cases, we can help you turn dreams into a tangible reality. We follow a careful 5-step process that is designed to assist you from the initial consultation all the way to the final walkthrough.

After a consultation, we move to the design and deposit phase, at which a quote is provided. If this is agreed upon, our team will complete the construction and installation process. Before completion, we take you through a final inspection. Once everything is approved, a handover is finalised and the kitchen is ready for use!