Taupe & Oak Kitchen Trend

At The Pentland Kitchen Company, we are always tuned in to how design trends evolve, and one pairing we are seeing more and more of is neutrals with wood.

Soft, calming hues like taupe matched with warm oak accents strike the perfect balance between contemporary elegance and homely warmth. Our recent project in Marchmont is an excellent example of this trend done right.

Over the past year, a noticeable shift in kitchen design has occurred. While white and grey are still popular, more and more homeowners are gravitating toward soft neutral shades like taupe, cashmere, and stone. These tones feel softer, more lived-in, and much easier to layer with other textures and finishes.

Pairing those neutrals with wood is what makes the trend really stand out. Oak, in particular, adds warmth, depth, and a strong natural element that helps a kitchen feel inviting rather than cold or clinical. The contrast between a sleek matt taupe base and a natural oak accent gives the kitchen a contemporary edge without sacrificing comfort.

This look also works across a wide range of homes. Whether you live in a period property or a new build, taupe and oak create a palette that feels sophisticated but never showy. It is easy to decorate around and timeless enough that you will not tire of it a few years down the line.

Two-tone kitchens are a design feature in their own right, and taupe and oak is one of the most successful combinations.

Lower units in a soft neutral colour provide a grounded base, while upper oak units bring visual interest and a natural finish. This creates a layered effect that draws the eye upward, making the space feel open and well-balanced.

We are also seeing this trend combined with handleless cabinetry, quartz worktops, and subtle LED lighting to create kitchens that are both sleek and welcoming. Sensio lighting, for example, adds a soft glow under wall units that enhances the texture of the wood and helps define key zones in an open plan space.

A recent project we completed in Marchmont shows exactly how effective this look can be. We used Second Nature’s Porter range in Matt Taupe for the main base units, paired with overhead cabinets in Natural Casella Oak from Egger. Together with Calacatta Gold Quartz worktops and light wood flooring, the space felt calm, bright, and beautifully put together.

We also included a breakfast bar to zone the kitchen from the living area subtly. Details like Bosch integrated appliances, corner storage pull-outs, and under cabinet lighting made the kitchen as functional as it is stylish.

Here’s what the delighted client had to say:

“ I am absolutely delighted with my kitchen. In particular, I am really happy with the choice of materials and the clever use of cabinet sizes to produce a really beautiful and efficient workspace. The service provided by Michael in particular was outstanding, being responsive and ever helpful in dealing with queries, suggestions and working seamlessly with my builder. I can highly recommend them”.

The taupe and oak trend is not going anywhere. It is rooted in natural, calming tones that reflect the way people want their homes to feel now — practical, beautiful, and warm. As kitchen designers, we are thrilled to see so many people embracing this balanced, earthy palette.

If you are thinking about a kitchen redesign and want something on-trend but timeless, this might be the perfect place to start.

Visit our showroom in Loanhead or get in touch to book a design appointment. We would love to show you what is possible.