There is one kitchen cabinet style that will be trending in 2024. It's all about simplifying everything and eliminating waste. Far from brightly colored kitchen cabinets, designers and homeowners are turning to unpainted kitchen cabinets that feature natural wood.
To learn more about this rising kitchen cabinet trend, we spoke to interior designers to get their thoughts. We've explained why this look is trending and the designers' top tips on how to style it for an understated and timeless kitchen.
Why are unpainted kitchen cabinets becoming a trend?
In keeping with the wide shift in interior design towards nature-inspired designs, the unpainted cabinet kitchen trend is a great option if you want to achieve an organic look. Unpainted cabinetry celebrates the craftsmanship of natural wood and highlights the timeless appeal of wood, which can happily be incorporated into interior design rather than synthetic materials.
“We're excited to see a shift in the use of natural wood cabinetry in the kitchen,” said Cameron Shepherd and Jill Norman, co-founders and lead designers at Studio Mesa. “There are many opportunities to look at the natural beauty of wood, such as stains that bring out the character of the wood, finger handles that are notched in place of traditional hardware, or left exposed to show off the craftsmanship of the joinery. .'
With a degree in marketing and a career in event planning and commercial production, Jill finally took the plunge and fulfilled her lifelong creative urge by going back to school and studying interior design and architecture. As her projects within her home grew, so did her list of friends-turned-clients who sought out Jill's creative eye and ability to curate unique spaces. Ta. She loves combining old and new, so most weekends she can be found treasure hunting at Beverly Hills estate sales or Pasadena flea markets.
As the designers at Studio Mesa explain, choosing unpainted wood kitchen cabinets allows the wood to act as a standout feature, allowing you to create an organic modern decor scheme or a rustic one that emphasizes both natural materials and neutral decor. It goes well with the kitchen.
(Image credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors/Julie Soefer)
How to style unpainted kitchen cabinets
“Styling your kitchen around unpainted cabinets provides a unique opportunity to create a cohesive, visually appealing space while embracing the natural beauty of wood,” says Interior Designer Jennifer Davis explains.
Choosing the right type of wood is important to creating a stylish look with unfinished cabinets. There are so many varieties, each with different tones, that you might want a light-colored wood for a subtle look or a warmer tone for a look that leans more toward mid-century modern. Carefully consider whether you need wood.
“Wood tones are the star here,” says interior designer Tyson Ness. Choosing more natural tones of oak and walnut will create warmth in a small space and can be combined with painted cabinetry for a contrasting finish and balance. I would keep the wooden cabinet style simple and let the wood be the focal point of the factory. Dark stains create a dramatic and cozy atmosphere. ”
Tyson Ness is the founder and director of Studio Ness, a full-service interior design studio based in New York. Studio Ness is known for its collaborative approach to residential and select commercial and workspace projects throughout the United States and internationally, creating spaces that are unique to our clients. Tyson has over 10 years of experience in the design field in New York City and has worked on numerous projects that have been featured in both print and online publications.
Below, we've compiled five different ways to decorate your kitchen around unpainted cabinets. While many of these ideas focus on leaning into a pared-down look, there are also ideas that take this trend unexpectedly and incorporate bright colors.
1. Create a scheme inspired by nature
(Image courtesy of Rincon Rd)
To emphasize the natural look of wood, you can combine it with additional naturally derived decorations to create a cohesive, organic-looking scheme. “To bring out the warmth and character of unpainted cabinetry, try incorporating natural elements into your design scheme,” suggests Jennifer Davis. “One of our favorite approaches of his is incorporating natural materials such as marble, which offer both durability and elegance.”
Jennifer fell in love with design at an early age and has been working in the industry for over 25 years. She has developed an eye for detail and a talent for creating timeless designs. Jennifer is a structured, organized, and detailed thinker who balances creativity and forward thinking. Driven by her deep passion for design, Jennifer curates the journey of her exceptional clients, ensuring pure joy from start to finish.
In addition to permanent kitchen fixtures, you can also create a natural feel by incorporating small decorative items such as plants that contrast well with the wood tones. Massachusetts-based interior designer Robin Gannon suggests: “If you have light-colored wood cabinets that look very organic, you'll lean on that and style your kitchen with organic elements like greenery, ceramics, marble, and kitchenware.” love. It's very fresh. ”
2. Decorate with earthy neutrals
(Image credit: Studio Jake Arnold)
When choosing kitchen colors to compliment unpainted cabinets, earthy neutrals are the best choice. “Pairing natural wood cabinets with cool kitchen wall colors can create a harmonious kitchen aesthetic that feels warm and inviting,” says interior designer Katie His Curtis. “Consider shades like soft blues, gentle greens, and even light grays to complement the orange warmth of natural wood.”
Kati Curtis
Kati Curtis is a New York City-based interior designer who specializes in classic design with a global twist. Kati founded Kati Curtis Design in 2005 after she worked for 12 years at an international architecture and engineering firm. She is a Certified Interior Designer (CID) and a Leadership Certified Professional in Energy Efficiency Design (LEED AP).
Laura Williams of ATX Interior Design adds that this approach allows the wood to remain as the main feature of the room, achieving a timeless, minimalist look. She recommends styling your unpainted kitchen cabinets with neutral minimalism in mind. Keeping a neutral color palette allows natural wood elements to stand out. We want the gorgeous wood of our furniture to be the star of the show, so it's important to balance the look with soft, delicate decor. ”
Laura Williams' work is based on all the personal and professional experiences that led to the creation of her own design studio. Her eye for balanced interiors dates back to her childhood home, where she frequently rearranged her furniture and redecorated her rooms.
3. Contrast with stone countertops
(Image provided by Studio Zung)
To create a sophisticated look with unpainted cabinets, choose stone kitchen countertops that give the space a sophisticated feel as opposed to more relaxed wood finishes. “When it comes to countertops, wood cabinets pair beautifully with natural stones like marble and quartzite due to their organic shapes and movement,” say designers Cameron Shepherd and Jill Norman.
Marble creates a luxurious look, but Jennifer Davis also recommends soapstone countertops for a more understated, modern look with a matte finish. “Soapstone countertops provide a stunning contrast to the rustic charm of unpainted cabinets, with their smooth matte finish and subtle veining.” Natural colors range from soft grays to deep charcoals, adding depth and sophistication to your kitchen. ”
4. Create a modern look with black accents
(Image credit: deVOL Sebastian Cox Kitchen)
For a statement modern kitchen, pair unpainted cabinetry with black details for a high-contrast, eye-catching scheme. This combination works particularly well with light-toned wood, creating a contemporary look like the one in the deVOL kitchen above. There are many ways to add black to your kitchen, including lighting, appliances, and hardware.
Opting for a matte finish instead of something too shiny will further establish a modern look, as Jennifer Davis suggests. “Consider using a matte finish on your hardware and countertops. This can complement the organic feel of unpainted cabinets and natural materials, while also adding ambience.”Modern Sophistication. ”
Brain matte black handle
Brain matte black metal knob
Silo 5 Bulb Matte Black Pendant Light
5. Design a playful, color-centered space
(Image credit: Nicole Franzen/GRT Architects)
Unpainted kitchen cabinets are often found in fairly simple schemes with a neutral color palette, but that's not the only option. If you like decorating with color, you can also pair wooden cabinets with pops of color for a playful look. In the photo above, the kitchen island features glossy wine-colored tiles that contrast with the unpainted cabinetry, adding interest to the pared-back space.
“If bringing color into your kitchen is important to you, consider going bold with wall or backsplash tiles,” suggest Cameron Shepherd and Jill Norman.
cameron shepherd I'm a designer based in Denver. Growing up as the son of a serial remodeler, he was fascinated by the possibilities of old homes from as early as he could remember. A musician turned designer, Cam is happiest when working on multiple creative projects.
Depending on how statement-making you want to be, you can also incorporate color in more subtle ways. As Kati Curtis suggests, colorful appliances are an effective but not permanent way to add color. “Colorful, shiny appliances can inject vibrant contrast into a space, and by playing with matte wood finishes and cool wall tones, you can create an inviting kitchen.” Not just functional Not only that, but it's also a treat for the eyes. ”
If you want to create a calm atmosphere in your kitchen, unpainted cabinets are the best choice. With these expert ideas, you can experiment with the rest of your room's decor to match this trending look to your own interior design style.
