7 Stylish New Kitchens With Wood Cabinets and Details
Natural materials, layered textures and warm finishes bring depth and character to these inviting spaces
Wood cabinets have become the top choice for kitchen cabinetry colors, with nearly 3 in 10 renovating homeowners choosing them, according to the 2026 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study. Here, design and construction pros share how they used cypress, maple, white oak and walnut cabinetry to add warmth, texture and lasting character to kitchens in a range of styles.
2. Organic Balance
Builder: Charles Ochello Jr. of Vitruvius Built
Interior designer: Erin Brewer Design
Location: Park City, Utah
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a highly functional kitchen that also felt warm, organic and timeless,” says builder Charles Ochello Jr. “The design focused on materials and textures that echoed the natural elements of the surrounding property and terrain.”
Wood cabinetry and details. “The property’s location and landscape were the driving forces behind the material selections,” Ochello says. “Blonde-stained white oak cabinetry provided warmth and an organic quality while remaining neutral enough to complement the natural-stone countertops. The stained wood introduces depth and warmth that can often be missing with painted cabinetry.”
Other special features. Cristallo Superior Extra quartzite island countertop. Calacatta Vagli Oro marble perimeter countertops and backsplashes. “The combination of hard and soft lines creates balance and harmony throughout the kitchen,” Ochello says. “The clean, linear cabinetry is softened by the rounded details of the countertops and range hood. Bullnose countertop edges accentuate the natural elegance of the stone while giving the room a softer character. Pleated pendant [lamp shades] and intricate cabinet hardware add another layer of refinement and sophistication.”
Designer tip. “Small details are often what distinguish a room,” Ochello says. “Sometimes less is more.”
Pendant lights: Allister in hand-rubbed antique brass with champagne silk pleat, Visual Comfort; faucet: California Faucets; project photos: Cristina Zolotaia
Builder: Charles Ochello Jr. of Vitruvius Built
Interior designer: Erin Brewer Design
Location: Park City, Utah
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a highly functional kitchen that also felt warm, organic and timeless,” says builder Charles Ochello Jr. “The design focused on materials and textures that echoed the natural elements of the surrounding property and terrain.”
Wood cabinetry and details. “The property’s location and landscape were the driving forces behind the material selections,” Ochello says. “Blonde-stained white oak cabinetry provided warmth and an organic quality while remaining neutral enough to complement the natural-stone countertops. The stained wood introduces depth and warmth that can often be missing with painted cabinetry.”
Other special features. Cristallo Superior Extra quartzite island countertop. Calacatta Vagli Oro marble perimeter countertops and backsplashes. “The combination of hard and soft lines creates balance and harmony throughout the kitchen,” Ochello says. “The clean, linear cabinetry is softened by the rounded details of the countertops and range hood. Bullnose countertop edges accentuate the natural elegance of the stone while giving the room a softer character. Pleated pendant [lamp shades] and intricate cabinet hardware add another layer of refinement and sophistication.”
Designer tip. “Small details are often what distinguish a room,” Ochello says. “Sometimes less is more.”
Pendant lights: Allister in hand-rubbed antique brass with champagne silk pleat, Visual Comfort; faucet: California Faucets; project photos: Cristina Zolotaia
3. Clean and Warm
Designers: Zahraa Alwash and Mariana Duarte of Zee Design
Location: Chevy Chase, Maryland
Size: 200 square feet (19 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “A couple purchased the property next door to the wife’s mother to create a gathering space for family holidays, particularly Thanksgiving,” says designer Zahraa Alwash. “With new construction, they had a blank canvas and wanted a kitchen that was both functional and refined — modern in its sensibility but with warmth and livability. The design needed to balance clean lines with material richness and invite people in, not just serve as a workspace.”
Wood cabinets and details. “The cabinetry is rift-cut white oak,” Alwash says “It was selected for its subtle grain and warmth without visual busyness. The cabinetry runs along two walls and frames an island clad in fluted panels, a detail that adds movement and visual interest while keeping the palette restrained.”
Other special features. Taj Mahal quartzite countertops and backsplash. “The hood is powder-coated metal, a counterpoint to the warm wood that adds a modern edge and prevents the space from feeling too traditional,” Alwash says.
Designer tip. “Two details anchor the design,” Alwash says. “First, integrated outlets keep the countertops clean and uncluttered, a small choice that has a major impact on the refined feel of the space. Second, the fluted island panels add sculptural quality and break up what could otherwise be a blank surface, giving the kitchen personality without compromise.”
Cabinets: Henrybuilt
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Designers: Zahraa Alwash and Mariana Duarte of Zee Design
Location: Chevy Chase, Maryland
Size: 200 square feet (19 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “A couple purchased the property next door to the wife’s mother to create a gathering space for family holidays, particularly Thanksgiving,” says designer Zahraa Alwash. “With new construction, they had a blank canvas and wanted a kitchen that was both functional and refined — modern in its sensibility but with warmth and livability. The design needed to balance clean lines with material richness and invite people in, not just serve as a workspace.”
Wood cabinets and details. “The cabinetry is rift-cut white oak,” Alwash says “It was selected for its subtle grain and warmth without visual busyness. The cabinetry runs along two walls and frames an island clad in fluted panels, a detail that adds movement and visual interest while keeping the palette restrained.”
Other special features. Taj Mahal quartzite countertops and backsplash. “The hood is powder-coated metal, a counterpoint to the warm wood that adds a modern edge and prevents the space from feeling too traditional,” Alwash says.
Designer tip. “Two details anchor the design,” Alwash says. “First, integrated outlets keep the countertops clean and uncluttered, a small choice that has a major impact on the refined feel of the space. Second, the fluted island panels add sculptural quality and break up what could otherwise be a blank surface, giving the kitchen personality without compromise.”
Cabinets: Henrybuilt
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4. Grounded in Maple
Designer: Judi Lee-Carr of Jubilee Interiors
Builder: Intracorp Homes
Location: Alhambra, California
Size: 135 square feet (13 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This was one of three model homes we designed for Cordova, a new residential community,” says designer Judi Lee-Carr. “We imagined a family with three children living here and wanted the home to feel warm, relaxed and collected. A California Spanish concept gave us a foundation, but we avoided anything overly themed. Instead we focused on natural materials, warm wood tones and details.”
Wood cabinets and details. “The natural maple wood cabinetry gave the kitchen the warmth and character we wanted,” Lee-Carr says. “Painted cabinetry would have felt cleaner and more contemporary, but the wood helped ground the new construction and make it feel more established.”
Other special features. “We complemented the wood with the most gorgeous natural honed soapstone countertops, real Statuario marble with printed motif backsplash tile and oil-rubbed bronze hardware to create contrast without taking away from the wood,” Lee-Carr says. “What makes the kitchen special is the way the materials quietly layer together. Nothing is meant to overpower the room.”
Designer tip. “Do not worry about making every wood tone or metal finish match perfectly,” Lee-Carr says. “Subtle variation makes a room feel more natural and collected. The key is to repeat each tone somewhere else so the differences feel intentional.”
Backsplash tile: Spanish Cathedral, 6 by 6 inches, Jeffrey Court; pendant lights: Midvale, Troy Lighting
7 Ways to Save on Your Kitchen Remodel
Designer: Judi Lee-Carr of Jubilee Interiors
Builder: Intracorp Homes
Location: Alhambra, California
Size: 135 square feet (13 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This was one of three model homes we designed for Cordova, a new residential community,” says designer Judi Lee-Carr. “We imagined a family with three children living here and wanted the home to feel warm, relaxed and collected. A California Spanish concept gave us a foundation, but we avoided anything overly themed. Instead we focused on natural materials, warm wood tones and details.”
Wood cabinets and details. “The natural maple wood cabinetry gave the kitchen the warmth and character we wanted,” Lee-Carr says. “Painted cabinetry would have felt cleaner and more contemporary, but the wood helped ground the new construction and make it feel more established.”
Other special features. “We complemented the wood with the most gorgeous natural honed soapstone countertops, real Statuario marble with printed motif backsplash tile and oil-rubbed bronze hardware to create contrast without taking away from the wood,” Lee-Carr says. “What makes the kitchen special is the way the materials quietly layer together. Nothing is meant to overpower the room.”
Designer tip. “Do not worry about making every wood tone or metal finish match perfectly,” Lee-Carr says. “Subtle variation makes a room feel more natural and collected. The key is to repeat each tone somewhere else so the differences feel intentional.”
Backsplash tile: Spanish Cathedral, 6 by 6 inches, Jeffrey Court; pendant lights: Midvale, Troy Lighting
7 Ways to Save on Your Kitchen Remodel
5. White Oak Statement
Designer: Kammy Kenman of Kenman Design Group
Location: Laurel, Mississippi
Size: 326 square feet (30 square meters); 15½ feet by 21 feet
Homeowners’ request. “Our clients came to us with architectural plans for a custom home on the water and a clear dream for a home that felt timeless and livable, a place their family could gather for generations,” says designer Kammy Kenman. “The kitchen was the heart of it all. They wanted a space that was warm rather than trendy, elegant enough for entertaining but comfortable enough for everyday family life. Our answer was a palette of natural, enduring materials — warm wood, organic stone and softly aged metals.”
Wood cabinets and details. “From the start, we knew the cabinetry would set the tone for the entire home, and we wanted the honesty and warmth of real wood rather than paint,” Kenman says. “We chose quarter-sawn white oak with a thin Shaker door profile — a refined, modern take on a traditional silhouette that feels current without sacrificing character. The cabinetry rises floor to ceiling on the range wall, flanking the hood with architectural weight and symmetry, and wraps the waterfall island where the family gathers.”
Other special features. Roman Clay plaster finish range hood. Quartzite countertops and backsplash. White oak flooring. “The full-slab natural quartzite backsplash behind the range is one of our favorite moments — its organic veining adds movement and depth without competing with the wood,” Kenman says. “The Roman Clay hood has become the most talked-about detail.”
Designer tip. “Choose one sculptural, handcrafted element to serve as your kitchen’s quiet focal point,” Kenman says. “For us it was the Roman Clay plaster hood. A textured matte finish like plaster softens all the hard surfaces in a kitchen and gives the eye a place to rest.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Early in framing we discovered a wall had been built about a foot off from the plans — enough to throw off the symmetry the entire kitchen design depended on,” Kenman says. “For a moment we wondered how much of the layout we’d have to rework. Thankfully, our builder caught it quickly and corrected it right away. It was a reminder of why we stay closely involved on site throughout construction. When the design team and builder work hand in hand, small problems stay small, and the finished space stays true to the vision.”
Cabinets: Showplace Cabinetry
Designer: Kammy Kenman of Kenman Design Group
Location: Laurel, Mississippi
Size: 326 square feet (30 square meters); 15½ feet by 21 feet
Homeowners’ request. “Our clients came to us with architectural plans for a custom home on the water and a clear dream for a home that felt timeless and livable, a place their family could gather for generations,” says designer Kammy Kenman. “The kitchen was the heart of it all. They wanted a space that was warm rather than trendy, elegant enough for entertaining but comfortable enough for everyday family life. Our answer was a palette of natural, enduring materials — warm wood, organic stone and softly aged metals.”
Wood cabinets and details. “From the start, we knew the cabinetry would set the tone for the entire home, and we wanted the honesty and warmth of real wood rather than paint,” Kenman says. “We chose quarter-sawn white oak with a thin Shaker door profile — a refined, modern take on a traditional silhouette that feels current without sacrificing character. The cabinetry rises floor to ceiling on the range wall, flanking the hood with architectural weight and symmetry, and wraps the waterfall island where the family gathers.”
Other special features. Roman Clay plaster finish range hood. Quartzite countertops and backsplash. White oak flooring. “The full-slab natural quartzite backsplash behind the range is one of our favorite moments — its organic veining adds movement and depth without competing with the wood,” Kenman says. “The Roman Clay hood has become the most talked-about detail.”
Designer tip. “Choose one sculptural, handcrafted element to serve as your kitchen’s quiet focal point,” Kenman says. “For us it was the Roman Clay plaster hood. A textured matte finish like plaster softens all the hard surfaces in a kitchen and gives the eye a place to rest.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Early in framing we discovered a wall had been built about a foot off from the plans — enough to throw off the symmetry the entire kitchen design depended on,” Kenman says. “For a moment we wondered how much of the layout we’d have to rework. Thankfully, our builder caught it quickly and corrected it right away. It was a reminder of why we stay closely involved on site throughout construction. When the design team and builder work hand in hand, small problems stay small, and the finished space stays true to the vision.”
Cabinets: Showplace Cabinetry
6. Walnut Accents
Designers: John Audet and Zahra Keihani of Case Design/Remodeling
Location: Chevy Chase, Maryland
Size: 221 square feet (21 square meters); 13 by 17 feet
Homeowner’s request. “The homeowner had relatively recently purchased the home knowing he would want to do some renovations to make the space work for him,” says designer John Audet. “The original kitchen was very confining, with a small overall footprint and a terrible layout. We wanted to tie the kitchen space to the adjacent family room by removing the load-bearing wall between them. By rebuilding an older addition a little larger, we could keep an eat-in area and expand the footprint of the kitchen a bit.”
Wood cabinets and details. “The wood is natural walnut, which is used on the wall cabinets, the back of the island cabinetry, the tall oven cabinet and the refrigeration panels,” Audet says.
Other special features. “The base cabinets are constructed using a high-pressure laminate finish called Cordial Gray,” Audet says. “To bring a bit of color into the kitchen, we introduced an olive green with backsplash tile. The countertops are stunning Cristallo quartzite and the floor is authentic black slate, which carries into the adjacent family room to really bring the spaces together.”
Backsplash tile: Clé Zellige baguette in Cindered Olive, Clé; cabinet layout: Julianna Morais of Henrybuilt
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Designers: John Audet and Zahra Keihani of Case Design/Remodeling
Location: Chevy Chase, Maryland
Size: 221 square feet (21 square meters); 13 by 17 feet
Homeowner’s request. “The homeowner had relatively recently purchased the home knowing he would want to do some renovations to make the space work for him,” says designer John Audet. “The original kitchen was very confining, with a small overall footprint and a terrible layout. We wanted to tie the kitchen space to the adjacent family room by removing the load-bearing wall between them. By rebuilding an older addition a little larger, we could keep an eat-in area and expand the footprint of the kitchen a bit.”
Wood cabinets and details. “The wood is natural walnut, which is used on the wall cabinets, the back of the island cabinetry, the tall oven cabinet and the refrigeration panels,” Audet says.
Other special features. “The base cabinets are constructed using a high-pressure laminate finish called Cordial Gray,” Audet says. “To bring a bit of color into the kitchen, we introduced an olive green with backsplash tile. The countertops are stunning Cristallo quartzite and the floor is authentic black slate, which carries into the adjacent family room to really bring the spaces together.”
Backsplash tile: Clé Zellige baguette in Cindered Olive, Clé; cabinet layout: Julianna Morais of Henrybuilt
10 Tips for Designing a Kitchen That’s Easy to Keep Organized
7. Midcentury Warmth
Designers: Ashley Kiely and Shannon Nair of Ashley Kiely Living
General contractor: Ashley Kiely Living
Location: Portland, Oregon
Size: 200 square feet (19 square meters); 12½ feet by 16 feet
Homeowners’ request. Designer and general contractor Ashley Kiely bought and renovated this 1961 house with a future homeowner in mind. “For the kitchen our goal was to create a warm, elevated and highly functional space that felt true to the home’s midcentury character without becoming a themed or literal period renovation,” Kiely says. “We wanted more natural light, a significantly larger island, a full-height pantry, a dedicated coffee bar and a cabinet plan that maximized every available inch of storage. Because our company also has a professional organizing division, storage and daily function influence every design decision we make.”
Wood cabinets and details. “The cabinetry is actually a walnut-look laminate rather than solid walnut,” Kiely says. “The material gave us the warmth, grain and midcentury character of walnut while offering the durability, consistency and budget control that made sense for an investment property. Compared with painted cabinetry, the walnut finish also created a stronger connection to the original wood elements we preserved throughout the house.”
Other special features. “To balance the warmth of the cabinetry, we used honed black quartz countertops, softly patterned porcelain floor tile, pearl-colored vertically stacked backsplash tile, matte black hardware and lighting, and touches of champagne bronze and brass,” Kiely says. “A white Venetian-plaster range hood keeps the room feeling bright and architectural.”
Designer tip. “Design the storage before selecting the finishes,” Kiely says. “Inventory what needs to live in the kitchen, consider how the homeowners will move through the room and assign everything a logical home. We planned the full-height pantry, coffee station, waste pullout, island drawers and appliance locations first. The finishes came afterward. A kitchen feels most luxurious when it works quietly and intuitively every day.”
Cabinetmaker: Dreamline Cabinets
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Designers: Ashley Kiely and Shannon Nair of Ashley Kiely Living
General contractor: Ashley Kiely Living
Location: Portland, Oregon
Size: 200 square feet (19 square meters); 12½ feet by 16 feet
Homeowners’ request. Designer and general contractor Ashley Kiely bought and renovated this 1961 house with a future homeowner in mind. “For the kitchen our goal was to create a warm, elevated and highly functional space that felt true to the home’s midcentury character without becoming a themed or literal period renovation,” Kiely says. “We wanted more natural light, a significantly larger island, a full-height pantry, a dedicated coffee bar and a cabinet plan that maximized every available inch of storage. Because our company also has a professional organizing division, storage and daily function influence every design decision we make.”
Wood cabinets and details. “The cabinetry is actually a walnut-look laminate rather than solid walnut,” Kiely says. “The material gave us the warmth, grain and midcentury character of walnut while offering the durability, consistency and budget control that made sense for an investment property. Compared with painted cabinetry, the walnut finish also created a stronger connection to the original wood elements we preserved throughout the house.”
Other special features. “To balance the warmth of the cabinetry, we used honed black quartz countertops, softly patterned porcelain floor tile, pearl-colored vertically stacked backsplash tile, matte black hardware and lighting, and touches of champagne bronze and brass,” Kiely says. “A white Venetian-plaster range hood keeps the room feeling bright and architectural.”
Designer tip. “Design the storage before selecting the finishes,” Kiely says. “Inventory what needs to live in the kitchen, consider how the homeowners will move through the room and assign everything a logical home. We planned the full-height pantry, coffee station, waste pullout, island drawers and appliance locations first. The finishes came afterward. A kitchen feels most luxurious when it works quietly and intuitively every day.”
Cabinetmaker: Dreamline Cabinets
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Designers: Rick and Cindy Black Architects
Location: Johnson City, Texas
Size: 219 square feet (20 square meters); 11½ by 19 feet
Homeowners’ request. “We designed the space as a second home for ourselves,” says designer Cindy Black. “After ‘living small’ for many years in a more urban setting, this kitchen allowed us to spread out a bit with an expansive L-shaped marble countertop, multifunction island/peninsula and a walk-in pantry for longer-term food storage.”
Wood cabinets and details. “Cypress wood is the main ingredient in this Hill Country kitchen,” Black says. “The material is known for its soft grain and workability — easily machined and finished. We sourced the wood locally and used it in four different thicknesses and mill finishes for the ceiling, island and cabinet fronts. It was gratifying to use this material in so many ways, and not a board was wasted.”
Other special features. “The upper cabinets are painted Benjamin Moore Creamy White to give a little relief to all the wood and blend with the ivory wall tile,” Black says. “These glass-door cabinets have a face-mounted hinge, which is what they used to use in the old days before soft-close [European] hinges. They were actually quite easy to install and lend a nice historic character. We chose locally sourced white clay tile from Clay Imports in Austin. To offset all the lighter tones, we accented with matte black cast-iron hardware from Belgium.”
Designer tip. “Find space for niches in the wall,” Black says. “We incorporated two at opposite sides of the kitchen. The tiled niche [back left corner] has steel shelves sized for spices, and the cypress wood niche is a bit taller for bulk containers and coffee items.”
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