More homeowners are ditching simple all-white kitchen cabinets in favor of warm wood finishes like walnut and white oak, according to the new 2024 Kitchen Trends Report from the National Kitchen & Bath Association. It is said that there is
“We've seen a very noticeable transition from white kitchens to white oak cabinetry,” says Sarah Robertson, founder and principal of Studio Dearborn. “The backlash from white has resulted in a move towards warmer tones in the kitchen.”
“A warm wood kitchen instantly feels cozy, approachable, and inviting,” agrees Kelsey McGregor, founder of Kelsey Lee Interiors, calling the style “timeless.” It is expressed as “I did.”
But the trend goes beyond natural wood cabinets. Designers are also incorporating wood ceiling beams, installing water-resistant wood floors, and choosing wood countertops.
What's behind these kitchen trends?
For a natural aesthetic, consider pairing white oak cabinets with dark wood countertops.
Overall, designers say they're noticing that interior color palettes are warming up. “We turned the dial warm across the board, and that's reflected in the cabinetry and finishes in the kitchen,” McGregor says.
“As people spend more time at home, they want their homes to feel intimate and inviting. Natural wood can quickly transform a bland space into one of warmth and hospitality. You can,” Robertson says.
So does that mean all-white kitchens are outdated? There's no denying that white kitchens are timeless. It looks clean and bright and will keep your space looking modern for years to come. On the downside, some say white kitchens can lack texture, depth, and charm. Wood kitchens, on the other hand, have a warm feel and can be customized to suit different lifestyles.
“The rich, natural beauty of wood cabinets and countertops gives spaces a complexity and character that white can't match,” says Paul Grothaus, founder of Grothaus, a company that makes custom wood countertops.
Not only do wood cabinets look more natural and organic, they also typically stay like new longer than painted cabinets. “Chips and scratches are inevitable with painted cabinets, and maintenance can be even more of a hassle,” McGregor says. “When wood is scratched, there is less contrast between the pieces, making it easier to repair or hide imperfections.”
What wood grain is best for kitchen cabinets?
says the designer white oak Although the most popular, medium to dark tones are also appearing in the kitchen. walnut Robertson says it remains a fashionable option. While white oak is a durable and long-lasting material for kitchen cabinets, Robertson says trees like birch and alder are more sustainable options because they grow faster.
To break up the space, take a note from designer Bria Hummel's book and pair a warm wooden center island with painted kitchen cabinets (here in a moody shade of green).
“We are starting to use Alder“The colors are vibrant and the wood grain is beautiful, so it works well in both modern and traditional environments,'' says interior design architect Julie Ireland. adds. Designer Bria Hummel says she loves white oak for classic coastal interiors, and alder and mahogany for moody, vintage-inspired spaces.
according to Houzz Research, medium wood tone Currently the most popular among homeowners, interest in lightweight wood has increased over the last year. “Looking at popular photos on Houzz, two of the most common choices are white oak, which has a light, airy look, and more wood, which goes well with midcentury modern style when paired with flat-panel cabinetry. You'll find that the walnut wood supports a rich look,” says Houzz Senior Editor Mitchell Parker.
Alyssa Gautieri (she) is an Associate Lifestyle Editor. excellent housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining her GH in 2022, she wrote for publications such as: El Deco, chair-like, bobvilla.com, Unique Homes Magazine and lodging magazinein addition to creating product copies for home brands such as BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
