Painted kitchen cabinets have been all the rage for quite awhile now, but like all trends, the pendulum is starting to swing back. I’m starting to see more natural and stained wood kitchens pop up here and there, but thankfully it’s not the 1990s glossy oak that we love to hate.
Maybe we have shiplap to thank for the newfound love of raw wood, or perhaps it’s all the modern farmhouse trends. But either way, wood brings an organic warmth to a space that can’t be replicated any other way.
This is definitely a trend that can work in a wide variety of styles. It’s equally at home in a contemporary kitchen as it is in a cottage. And if you’re nervous about committing to an entire wood kitchen, why not try it on a surface like a vent hood?
White seems to be the first choice amongst designers when pairing wood cabinetry against a neutral paint. I can’t get enough of this gorgeous kitchen; it feels so fresh and airy. Are we sure this isn’t a Nancy Meyers movie set?
Of course, if rustic is more your style, check out these reclaimed planks on the ceiling of a country kitchen. There is so much fantastic texture in this space but the wood keeps it from feeling cold and slightly industrial.
Here’s an unexpected pairing of colors and textures: warmer stained wood meets cool gray subway tiles that extend to the ceiling. It’s a daring mix of several different stains that turned out beautifully.
Why not try a honey wood tone on base cabinetry and balance it out with all white above? It’s a calming approach to kitchen colorblocking.
(via Martin Moore)
Here’s another vote for mixing stains like pale bleached wood cabinetry and dark plank flooring.
In this kitchen, a limed oak island contrasts with white painted cabinets as well as brick details. The beams overhead echo the natural texture. It’s a more traditional design, but it feels sleek thanks to simple hardware and few fussy details.
Pops of green feel natural and harmonious to all the wood and painted white brick backsplash in this happy kitchen corner.
Are you on board with this trend? I admit, it’s going to take some getting used to. Remember when brass came back and we were so afraid of it? This is definitely one of those trends that needs a fresh new look to break away from its dated predecessors. Look for contemporary light fixtures, cement countertops, sleek hardware, and classic tile (such as subway or penny), and don’t be afraid to throw in a little color.
(via)
