THE OAK KITCHEN

Think outside the box when it comes to wooden kitchens – oak doesn’t have to be rustic or traditional. Here, Australian design firm Robson Rak (robsonrak.com.au) has used French oak floorboards, arranged horizontally, to conceal the pantry and most of the kitchen appliances. It’s a modern celebration of the material’s natural grain, and a great way to add warmth without compromising on slick style. The oak bookshelf built into the white kitchen island continues the look, as does the trio of Another Country’s ‘Bar Stool One’ (£395 each; anothercountry.com).