Wood kitchen cabinets are back: how to make them look fresh

After a decade of all-white kitchens, warm wood cabinets are the look people ask us for most. Done right, they feel timeless rather than dated. The difference is in the wood tone and what you pair it with.

Choose the right wood tone

• White oak (natural or light stain): the current favorite, airy with visible grain.
• Walnut and medium browns: rich and warm, great on islands.
• Avoid orange tones like the golden oak of the 1990s; that is what reads as dated.

Pair it with calm counters

Wood has plenty of pattern, so pick a quieter counter: white or soft-veined quartz, honed stone, or a warm solid color. See granite vs quartz.

Backsplash and walls

White or cream tile with a little texture (zellige-style, handmade look) keeps wood kitchens bright. Warm white walls beat stark gray.

Hardware

Brushed brass, matte black and aged bronze all work on wood. Long bar pulls feel modern; cup pulls feel traditional. Use the finish matcher and the pull size calculator.

Mix it

Not ready for all wood? A wood island with painted perimeter cabinets, or wood uppers with painted lowers, is a great middle ground. See the two-tone kitchen guide, and try it on a mood board.

Common questions

Are wood kitchen cabinets in style?

Yes. Natural and lightly stained wood, especially white oak and walnut, is one of the most requested cabinet looks.

What countertop goes with wood cabinets?

White or soft-veined quartz, honed marble-look surfaces or warm solid colors that let the grain stand out.

What hardware goes with oak cabinets?

Brushed brass, matte black or aged bronze.