Sick of All-White? Nature Has the Answer to Your Kitchen Dreams

If the ubiquitous all-white kitchen look just isn’t for you, we’re here to encourage you to embrace the au naturale and go with wood cabinetry.

If you’re having flashbacks of your grandma’s dated, orange-hued wood kitchen, stop right there. Natural wood kitchens can be beautiful, contemporary, and even unexpected in the all-white kitchen landscape.

Credit: TKC

If you love wood cabinetry, here’s how to make it work for your style:
 

• If you have a contemporary design aesthetic: Choose cabinets with clean lines and minimal decoration

• If you want a rich, elegant feel: Select a dark wood tone, and pair it with light or white colors throughout the rest of the kitchen

• If you’re aiming for an effortless vibe: Light wood brings a lighter, airier feel

• If you crave contrast: Consider contrasting your cabinets with deep black or bright white accents, embrace the two-tone cabinet look, or add a standout backsplash

To banish any lingering worry over creating a look that’s old-fashioned or drab, we’ve pulled together 6 stellar examples of kitchens that use wood as their stand-out element. Allow these images to serve as inspiration for your ideal, wood-centric kitchen.

Contemporary Cabinetry: 

Why it works: This kitchen incorporates a few different tones of the same color, from the dark natural wood of the perimeter cabinets to the eye-catching blue of the backsplash to the very light flooring. Another small but stunning detail that makes this kitchen cohesive-- you can see the grain in all of the wood elements, giving the kitchen an overall contemporary yet still warm and homey feel.

Why it works: This space is an ode to simplicity. The natural wood shows off its grain and knots, while the white backsplash, counters and light fixtures keep things neutral, allowing the natural lines and texture of the wood to stand out. Since the kitchen area is small, the color scheme helps open up the space.

Dark Cabinetry:

Why it works: This kitchen makes an impact, especially after looking at the other kitchens we’ve included so far. Here, the use of dark wood is heavy, but it works because the homeowners went all out, carrying the cabinets up onto the ceiling to create a full dose of drama. The rich, textured wood adds to that effect.

Credit: TKC

Why it works: Dark cherry wood tones work beautifully against the white tile flooring and backsplash making for an outgoing yet elegant design.

Contrasting Cabinetry:

Why it works: Going with wood for your island and sticking with white cabinets everywhere else is a great way to blend two looks you love. This dark wood island adds texture and a natural element to an otherwise light, bright kitchen.

Light Cabinetry: 

Credit: TKC

Why it works: Natural elements work well together in the kitchen just as they do in nature. Here, the wood tones are light and the focus goes to the beautiful arrangement of white titles on the back wall.

Wood can be bold or neutral; textured or smooth; light, dark, or in between. There are many ways to make it work in your kitchen, so take note of your favorite ideas and see what catches your eye.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, browse our Wood Cabinetry board on Pinterest.