6 New Kitchens With Rich Wood Cabinets
Pros share details of kitchens featuring dark and midtone stained cabinets in a variety of stylish species
We recently highlighted stylish kitchens that feature light oak wood cabinets. Here you’ll find kitchens featuring wood cabinets in slightly richer tones. See how pros used alder, walnut, cherry and oak in various stains to create a warm, sophisticated vibe.
2. Cherry
Designer: Meghan Bergstedt of Payne & Tompkins Design-Renovations
Location: Shaker Heights, Ohio
Homeowners’ request. “This client loved the charming feel of their existing kitchen but wanted to give it a face-lift,” designer Meghan Bergstedt says. “They wanted an updated look while keeping the warm and inviting feel of the kitchen. They wanted the new island to be cohesive but didn’t have to match the existing cabinet wood color.”
Wood cabinets. “The wood cabinets you see are all existing,” Bergstedt says. “They are a stained cherry and we decided to keep them because they were in great shape and also kept the authenticity of the home intact. When we decided to put in a new island with cabinet storage underneath, we selected Sherwin-Williams Pure White for the cabinet color. Choosing a white paint color updated the space but also gave it a clean baseline where your eyes could follow the movement of the cherry cabinets and come back to the island, where they cook and bake and spend a lot of time together as a family.”
Other special features. White tile backsplash in a classic brick pattern. White marble-look quartz countertops. Satin brass pendant lights, knobs and cup pulls.
Designer tip. “Updating a space doesn’t always mean you have to completely start over,” Bergstedt says. “You can keep some elements that speak to you and use that as a base to build a new, fresh-looking space.”
Backsplash tile: Crafted, 3 by 12 inches, Wow; paint colors: Pure White (island) and Egret White (walls), Sherwin-Williams
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Designer: Meghan Bergstedt of Payne & Tompkins Design-Renovations
Location: Shaker Heights, Ohio
Homeowners’ request. “This client loved the charming feel of their existing kitchen but wanted to give it a face-lift,” designer Meghan Bergstedt says. “They wanted an updated look while keeping the warm and inviting feel of the kitchen. They wanted the new island to be cohesive but didn’t have to match the existing cabinet wood color.”
Wood cabinets. “The wood cabinets you see are all existing,” Bergstedt says. “They are a stained cherry and we decided to keep them because they were in great shape and also kept the authenticity of the home intact. When we decided to put in a new island with cabinet storage underneath, we selected Sherwin-Williams Pure White for the cabinet color. Choosing a white paint color updated the space but also gave it a clean baseline where your eyes could follow the movement of the cherry cabinets and come back to the island, where they cook and bake and spend a lot of time together as a family.”
Other special features. White tile backsplash in a classic brick pattern. White marble-look quartz countertops. Satin brass pendant lights, knobs and cup pulls.
Designer tip. “Updating a space doesn’t always mean you have to completely start over,” Bergstedt says. “You can keep some elements that speak to you and use that as a base to build a new, fresh-looking space.”
Backsplash tile: Crafted, 3 by 12 inches, Wow; paint colors: Pure White (island) and Egret White (walls), Sherwin-Williams
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3. Quartersawn Oak
Designers: Todd P. Hansen, Mark E. Tambornino and Corri Sandwick of Albertsson Hansen Architecture and Interior Design
Location: Minneapolis
Homeowners’ request. “This kitchen was part of a complete gut and remodel of a 1923 house, where the original kitchen was tucked away in the back corner, lacking both views and natural light,” architect Todd Hansen says. “The vision for this project was to create a new addition that incorporated the kitchen, dining room and pantry into one cohesive, lake-facing space that would harmonize with the main house.”
Wood cabinets. “The decision to go with all-wood cabinets was based on the owner’s desire for the richness of appearance and the durability of stained cabinetry,” Hansen says. “The wood species used was quartersawn oak, which provided warmth and contrasted with the painted trim throughout the rest of the house. Painted cabinetry was used for the kitchen island to visually lighten this portion of the cabinetry. Cabinetry was recessed within deep side walls to enhance the sense of spaciousness provided by the high ceilings.”
Other special features. White patterned granite island countertop. Soapstone perimeter countertops. Bleached and whitewashed fir beam work. Varying white tile backsplash. Minnesota quarried limestone fireplace. White bronze cabinet hardware. White oak flooring.
Designer tip. “Using a combination of stained and painted wood can provide the warmth of the wood while still maintaining a light overall space due to the light-painted trim and high dormer windows into the vaulted ceiling,” Hansen says.
How to Design a Kitchen That Brings People Together
Designers: Todd P. Hansen, Mark E. Tambornino and Corri Sandwick of Albertsson Hansen Architecture and Interior Design
Location: Minneapolis
Homeowners’ request. “This kitchen was part of a complete gut and remodel of a 1923 house, where the original kitchen was tucked away in the back corner, lacking both views and natural light,” architect Todd Hansen says. “The vision for this project was to create a new addition that incorporated the kitchen, dining room and pantry into one cohesive, lake-facing space that would harmonize with the main house.”
Wood cabinets. “The decision to go with all-wood cabinets was based on the owner’s desire for the richness of appearance and the durability of stained cabinetry,” Hansen says. “The wood species used was quartersawn oak, which provided warmth and contrasted with the painted trim throughout the rest of the house. Painted cabinetry was used for the kitchen island to visually lighten this portion of the cabinetry. Cabinetry was recessed within deep side walls to enhance the sense of spaciousness provided by the high ceilings.”
Other special features. White patterned granite island countertop. Soapstone perimeter countertops. Bleached and whitewashed fir beam work. Varying white tile backsplash. Minnesota quarried limestone fireplace. White bronze cabinet hardware. White oak flooring.
Designer tip. “Using a combination of stained and painted wood can provide the warmth of the wood while still maintaining a light overall space due to the light-painted trim and high dormer windows into the vaulted ceiling,” Hansen says.
How to Design a Kitchen That Brings People Together
4. Walnut and Ebony
Designer: Cecilie Lindsay Interior Design
Location: Clifton, Virginia
Homeowners’ request. “The original layout made inefficient use of the generous square footage, with limited cabinets, counter space and no seating besides the breakfast table,” designer Cecilie Lindsay says. “I resolved these issues by designing what is essentially a U-shaped kitchen with two central islands that maximize space and accommodate multiple cooks and diners, making it more suitable for entertaining. Additionally, they requested a panel-ready refrigerator, which inspired me to place the dishwashers — also paneled — warming drawer and microwave inside the main island so that the ovens and range top are the only visible appliances from the living room, creating more of a non-kitchen-looking kitchen.”
Wood cabinets. “The clients specifically did not want painted cabinets, so we quickly decided on wood,” Lindsay says. “Because there are so many cabinets, I didn’t want them to become monotonous, so I chose walnut for the perimeter and wall cabinets and an ebony wood for both islands. We went with walnut because it’s not too light or too dark. To complement the wood tones of the cabinets, I chose a quartzite for the main counters and backsplash. I thought the veining in the quartzite mirrored the grain of the wood nicely.”
Other special features. Brass range hood. Dolomite marble flooring. Butcher block countertop section on secondary island.
Designer tip. “Make selections based on how you see yourself using the space and your personal aesthetic instead of what may be trendy at the moment,” Lindsay says.
Range hood: Amoretti Brothers; island lighting: Regina Andrew; wall paint: White Opulence, Benjamin Moore
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Designer: Cecilie Lindsay Interior Design
Location: Clifton, Virginia
Homeowners’ request. “The original layout made inefficient use of the generous square footage, with limited cabinets, counter space and no seating besides the breakfast table,” designer Cecilie Lindsay says. “I resolved these issues by designing what is essentially a U-shaped kitchen with two central islands that maximize space and accommodate multiple cooks and diners, making it more suitable for entertaining. Additionally, they requested a panel-ready refrigerator, which inspired me to place the dishwashers — also paneled — warming drawer and microwave inside the main island so that the ovens and range top are the only visible appliances from the living room, creating more of a non-kitchen-looking kitchen.”
Wood cabinets. “The clients specifically did not want painted cabinets, so we quickly decided on wood,” Lindsay says. “Because there are so many cabinets, I didn’t want them to become monotonous, so I chose walnut for the perimeter and wall cabinets and an ebony wood for both islands. We went with walnut because it’s not too light or too dark. To complement the wood tones of the cabinets, I chose a quartzite for the main counters and backsplash. I thought the veining in the quartzite mirrored the grain of the wood nicely.”
Other special features. Brass range hood. Dolomite marble flooring. Butcher block countertop section on secondary island.
Designer tip. “Make selections based on how you see yourself using the space and your personal aesthetic instead of what may be trendy at the moment,” Lindsay says.
Range hood: Amoretti Brothers; island lighting: Regina Andrew; wall paint: White Opulence, Benjamin Moore
10 Tips for Designing a Kitchen That’s Easy to Keep Organized
5. Oregon White Oak With a Gray Wash
Designers: Holly Freres and David Horning of JHL Design
Location: Arch Cape, Oregon
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a kitchen that opened to the living space with a view of the ocean,” designer Holly Freres says. “They requested simple, low-maintenance materials, so we selected quartz for the countertops. The wood cabinets and natural materials complement the cedar ceiling and outdoor eaves, creating an expansive feel throughout the kitchen.”
Wood cabinets. “We opted for all-wood cabinetry instead of painted cabinets or other materials,” Freres says. “The wood species is rift-sawn Oregon white oak with a gray-washed finish, which ties in beautifully with the cedar walls and ceiling. Oregon white oak is also highly durable, an important consideration for a coastal home. The palette throughout the kitchen and the entire home features concrete floors, cedar walls, Oregon white oak and black steel windows, creating a cohesive and natural look.”
Other special features. Marble-look quartz countertops, backsplash and range alcove surround. Glass and stainless steel globe pendant lights. A bronze mirror backsplash behind a prep sink area reflects light and makes the space look larger. “We used handmade cabinet hardware imported from Indonesia, each piece offering a unique character,” Freres says.
Custom cabinets: Oak Grove; photography: Lincoln Barbour
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Designers: Holly Freres and David Horning of JHL Design
Location: Arch Cape, Oregon
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a kitchen that opened to the living space with a view of the ocean,” designer Holly Freres says. “They requested simple, low-maintenance materials, so we selected quartz for the countertops. The wood cabinets and natural materials complement the cedar ceiling and outdoor eaves, creating an expansive feel throughout the kitchen.”
Wood cabinets. “We opted for all-wood cabinetry instead of painted cabinets or other materials,” Freres says. “The wood species is rift-sawn Oregon white oak with a gray-washed finish, which ties in beautifully with the cedar walls and ceiling. Oregon white oak is also highly durable, an important consideration for a coastal home. The palette throughout the kitchen and the entire home features concrete floors, cedar walls, Oregon white oak and black steel windows, creating a cohesive and natural look.”
Other special features. Marble-look quartz countertops, backsplash and range alcove surround. Glass and stainless steel globe pendant lights. A bronze mirror backsplash behind a prep sink area reflects light and makes the space look larger. “We used handmade cabinet hardware imported from Indonesia, each piece offering a unique character,” Freres says.
Custom cabinets: Oak Grove; photography: Lincoln Barbour
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
6. Alder
Designer: Tammy Battistessa of Ellaire Kitchen & Bath Design
Location: Martis Camp, Truckee, California
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner loved the location of the home and the overall traditional Tahoe architecture but wanted to infuse some modernity and lighten up the rather dark and heavy interior,” designer Tammy Battistessa says. “They were also very conscientious of sustainability, therefore, rather than completely start over, we evaluated which features could still contribute to the new vision and which features were making the home feel dated. From there we put together a design plan to uplevel and modernize the spaces while thoughtfully preserving the home’s original charm and honoring the legacy it represents.”
Wood cabinets. “The wood cabinets were one of the original features that we decided to keep,” Battistessa says. “The original craftsmanship was outstanding, and the cabinets were still in great condition, and the warm tones of the alder worked well with the new vision for the home. So rather than starting over, we replaced the appliance panels, which showed the most wear, and touched up a few other areas.”
Other special features. “We focused on brightening the space through the use of light honed Taj Mahal quartzite countertops and full backsplash,” Battistessa says. “While the previous dark countertops absorbed all of the light in the space, the Taj Mahal reflects light and brings a sense of elegance into the space. We also updated the plumbing fixtures and cabinet pulls from cool tones to a warm polished nickel for the plumbing and a rich antique brass for the pulls.”
Designer tip. “You do not need to start completely over to make a big impression in a space,” Battistessa says. “Sometimes a space just needs a refresh rather than an entire remodel. Thoughtful updates can uplevel and modernize a space while saving money and keeping materials out of the landfill.”
Wall and trim paint: Snowbound, Sherwin-Williams; furnishings and styling: Megan Bristol of Tahoe Modern
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Designer: Tammy Battistessa of Ellaire Kitchen & Bath Design
Location: Martis Camp, Truckee, California
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner loved the location of the home and the overall traditional Tahoe architecture but wanted to infuse some modernity and lighten up the rather dark and heavy interior,” designer Tammy Battistessa says. “They were also very conscientious of sustainability, therefore, rather than completely start over, we evaluated which features could still contribute to the new vision and which features were making the home feel dated. From there we put together a design plan to uplevel and modernize the spaces while thoughtfully preserving the home’s original charm and honoring the legacy it represents.”
Wood cabinets. “The wood cabinets were one of the original features that we decided to keep,” Battistessa says. “The original craftsmanship was outstanding, and the cabinets were still in great condition, and the warm tones of the alder worked well with the new vision for the home. So rather than starting over, we replaced the appliance panels, which showed the most wear, and touched up a few other areas.”
Other special features. “We focused on brightening the space through the use of light honed Taj Mahal quartzite countertops and full backsplash,” Battistessa says. “While the previous dark countertops absorbed all of the light in the space, the Taj Mahal reflects light and brings a sense of elegance into the space. We also updated the plumbing fixtures and cabinet pulls from cool tones to a warm polished nickel for the plumbing and a rich antique brass for the pulls.”
Designer tip. “You do not need to start completely over to make a big impression in a space,” Battistessa says. “Sometimes a space just needs a refresh rather than an entire remodel. Thoughtful updates can uplevel and modernize a space while saving money and keeping materials out of the landfill.”
Wall and trim paint: Snowbound, Sherwin-Williams; furnishings and styling: Megan Bristol of Tahoe Modern
More on Houzz
Read more kitchen design stories
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Hire a kitchen remodeler
Shop for your kitchen
Designer: Caylen Harrison of Janet Brooks Design
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Homeowners’ request. “When we designed the home, the client was in love with the idea of using authentic adobe as the primary building material, from a practical energy-efficiency approach as well as for the design aesthetic,” designer Caylen Harrison says. “This decision drove the rest of the design process. We designed a kitchen that felt warm, soft and textural to play off of the natural character of the adobe walls, from the cabinet finishes to the backsplash tile and hood design.”
Wood cabinets. “The kitchen is stained alder cabinets with a glaze,” Harrison says. “The client loved the soft, natural finish of the brown stain — we wanted to keep it a midrange color, not too dark and not too light due to the lower ceiling and the color of the stained concrete floors also being a little darker. We also didn’t want to introduce too many finishes in this space. It was important to us and the client that the kitchen wasn’t visually overwhelming and that it felt functional and understated. To complement the brown cabinets, we went with a lighter natural quartzite countertop material and a textural backsplash tile, also in a lighter colorway.”
Other special features. “To add some additional visual interest, we made a point to focus on subtle detailing, such as the metal banding and angled supports on the island overhang and the zinc straps on the drywalled kitchen hood,” Harrison says. “Both of these accent pieces were custom-fabricated locally.”
Designer tip. “To visually help the flow of the continuous spaces, we decided to proceed with a 48-by-48-inch diamond scoring pattern in the concrete floors,” Harrison says. “This helps make the spaces feel bigger, and the diagonal lines guide you from space to space — instead of a square scoring layout, which would have made the spaces feel more static and confined.”
Backsplash tile: Grove Brickworks in Muslin, Waterworks; island pendant lights: Everly bell with seeded glass, Kichler; wall paint: Crystal Haze, Dunn-Edwards
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