9 New Kitchens With Beautiful Wood Cabinetry
Design and remodeling pros use wood cabinets and other wood details to bring texture, warmth and timeless appeal
Wood cabinets can introduce warmth, texture and character to a kitchen. Layered with other wood elements, as well as natural stone and metal details, wood cabinets can deliver a timeless look and feel. Here, design and remodeling pros share how they used wood cabinets — white oak, walnut, hickory, cedar and maple — to add depth, unify open layouts and ground airy, light-filled rooms.
2. Maple and Cedar Harmony
Designers: Josh Carel, Adelle York and Scott McDonald of Plural Office Architects
Location: Canadian County, Oklahoma
Size: 200 square feet (19 square meters); 10 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners prioritized concealed kitchen storage, views to the exterior and a warmth that felt contemporary but at home in the country,” architect Josh Carel says.
Wood cabinets and details. Maple cabinets and floors. Alaskan cedar ceiling. “We made the decision to go with wood cabinets to bring warmth and familiarity to the kitchen,” Carel says. “Maple was chosen for its ideal blend of wood tone, durability and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, the maple blends well with the Alaskan cedar ceiling and maple hardwood floors for a consistent look across the space.”
Carel uses Houzz Pro software.
Other special features. “White cabinets, matte white appliances, white backsplash tile and white countertops act as a counterpoint to the wood elements, allowing the wood to be the main focal point that resonates simplicity with refinement,” Carel says. “Brass details, like the cabinet pulls, plumbing and light fixtures, add touches of elegance.”
Designer tip. “This is a small kitchen that functions like a larger kitchen,” Carel says. “The layout supports efficient movement and a functional workspace. Tall ceilings allow for ample high storage and for a sense of openness.”
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Designers: Josh Carel, Adelle York and Scott McDonald of Plural Office Architects
Location: Canadian County, Oklahoma
Size: 200 square feet (19 square meters); 10 by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners prioritized concealed kitchen storage, views to the exterior and a warmth that felt contemporary but at home in the country,” architect Josh Carel says.
Wood cabinets and details. Maple cabinets and floors. Alaskan cedar ceiling. “We made the decision to go with wood cabinets to bring warmth and familiarity to the kitchen,” Carel says. “Maple was chosen for its ideal blend of wood tone, durability and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, the maple blends well with the Alaskan cedar ceiling and maple hardwood floors for a consistent look across the space.”
Carel uses Houzz Pro software.
Other special features. “White cabinets, matte white appliances, white backsplash tile and white countertops act as a counterpoint to the wood elements, allowing the wood to be the main focal point that resonates simplicity with refinement,” Carel says. “Brass details, like the cabinet pulls, plumbing and light fixtures, add touches of elegance.”
Designer tip. “This is a small kitchen that functions like a larger kitchen,” Carel says. “The layout supports efficient movement and a functional workspace. Tall ceilings allow for ample high storage and for a sense of openness.”
Find a kitchen designer near you
3. Farmhouse Oak Elegance
Designer: Ida Hernandez for Kitchen and Bath Galleries
Location: Siler City, North Carolina
Size: 345 square feet (32 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This client is a coworker of mine that had an idea of their space but needed help executing it,” designer Ida Hernandez says. “The whole theme of their house is a modern farmhouse with elegant touches, so they really loved the idea of incorporating the mixed use of painted and wood cabinets. One of their musts for the space was having framed cabinets over frameless. I feel like those subtle details added a touch of character to their aesthetic.”
Wood cabinets and details. Quartersawn white oak cabinets and range hood. “My client, like so many homeowners, loved the idea of bringing some warmth into their space, and incorporating wood cabinets is such an easy way to do that,” Hernandez says. “It also adds such an organic feeling into the kitchen. While we used quartersawn white oak through the majority of the kitchen, bringing in some painted off-white cabinets created a really nice balance that also kept the space feeling airy and bright.”
Designer tip. “The beauty is in the details,” Hernandez says. “Wood cabinets or painted cabinets can work in virtually any aesthetic, but elements like door style, hardware, glass accents, etc. are ultimately what transform the space.”
Cabinets: Crestwood line, quartersawn white oak in Sesame and Linen White, Dura Supreme Cabinetry
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Designer: Ida Hernandez for Kitchen and Bath Galleries
Location: Siler City, North Carolina
Size: 345 square feet (32 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This client is a coworker of mine that had an idea of their space but needed help executing it,” designer Ida Hernandez says. “The whole theme of their house is a modern farmhouse with elegant touches, so they really loved the idea of incorporating the mixed use of painted and wood cabinets. One of their musts for the space was having framed cabinets over frameless. I feel like those subtle details added a touch of character to their aesthetic.”
Wood cabinets and details. Quartersawn white oak cabinets and range hood. “My client, like so many homeowners, loved the idea of bringing some warmth into their space, and incorporating wood cabinets is such an easy way to do that,” Hernandez says. “It also adds such an organic feeling into the kitchen. While we used quartersawn white oak through the majority of the kitchen, bringing in some painted off-white cabinets created a really nice balance that also kept the space feeling airy and bright.”
Designer tip. “The beauty is in the details,” Hernandez says. “Wood cabinets or painted cabinets can work in virtually any aesthetic, but elements like door style, hardware, glass accents, etc. are ultimately what transform the space.”
Cabinets: Crestwood line, quartersawn white oak in Sesame and Linen White, Dura Supreme Cabinetry
Shop for your kitchen
4. Walnut Gathering Space
Designers: Jay Lovewell and Kris Stokes of Venuti Woodworking
Location: St. George, Utah
Size: 390 square feet (36 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “These clients wanted to create space to enjoy their family,” designer Kris Stokes says. “The views from this house are amazing, and the clients wanted an interior space to support the views. There is a comfortable transition and flow to the home, with the kitchen being at the center of the gathering space. We worked with the client and designer in our showroom and on the job site to ensure the working and storage spaces were sufficient for their needs.”
Wood cabinets and details. Rustic walnut cabinets in a light stain. “Walnut is durable and the wood tone and grain patterns provide a cozy feeling,” Stokes says.
Other special features. “The hood and glass doors are in contrast in a darker color,” Stokes says. “This creates a focal point on the stone wall and coordinates well with the great room directly across from it. Also, the transition from the kitchen into the pantry is seamless and allows the pantry to function as workspace without removing yourself completely from the main kitchen.”
Designer tip. “Alignment,” Stokes says. “In this kitchen, we placed the end panels specifically. The end of the refrigerator wall has end panels that align with the face of the tall cabinet. Details like door and drawer heights, moldings and cabinet hardware placement can have a major effect on the overall look of the design.”
9 Ways to Save Money on Kitchen Cabinets
Designers: Jay Lovewell and Kris Stokes of Venuti Woodworking
Location: St. George, Utah
Size: 390 square feet (36 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “These clients wanted to create space to enjoy their family,” designer Kris Stokes says. “The views from this house are amazing, and the clients wanted an interior space to support the views. There is a comfortable transition and flow to the home, with the kitchen being at the center of the gathering space. We worked with the client and designer in our showroom and on the job site to ensure the working and storage spaces were sufficient for their needs.”
Wood cabinets and details. Rustic walnut cabinets in a light stain. “Walnut is durable and the wood tone and grain patterns provide a cozy feeling,” Stokes says.
Other special features. “The hood and glass doors are in contrast in a darker color,” Stokes says. “This creates a focal point on the stone wall and coordinates well with the great room directly across from it. Also, the transition from the kitchen into the pantry is seamless and allows the pantry to function as workspace without removing yourself completely from the main kitchen.”
Designer tip. “Alignment,” Stokes says. “In this kitchen, we placed the end panels specifically. The end of the refrigerator wall has end panels that align with the face of the tall cabinet. Details like door and drawer heights, moldings and cabinet hardware placement can have a major effect on the overall look of the design.”
9 Ways to Save Money on Kitchen Cabinets
5. Hickory Mountain Retreat
Designers: Arlie Naeher of Quest Cabinetry & Design and Dana Talbot and Elizabeth Robb of Elizabeth Robb Interiors
Location: Big Sky, Montana
Size: 271 square feet (25 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners envisioned a warm, grounded and expansive kitchen that seamlessly connected to the natural surroundings visible through the large windows,” designer Arlie Naeher says. “As part of a new build, we had the creative freedom to design a space that was not only functional and beautiful but also timeless — tailored to the way the homeowners live and entertain.”
Wood cabinets and details. Hickory cabinets in a matte, earthy stain. (The lighting in the photo makes some cabinets look different in tone from others, but they are the same.) “The homeowners were adamant about going with wood cabinetry from the beginning — they wanted warmth, texture and authenticity,” Naeher says. “Painted cabinets felt too sterile and trendy for the long-term vision of the space. We selected hickory with a custom stain to highlight the natural grain and keep the tone rich but not too dark. Additional wood details like the exposed reclaimed beams and wide-plank wood floors reinforce the rustic-modern aesthetic, making the space feel rooted and enduring.”
Other special features. The “matte black hardware and range hood add modern contrast, while the Taj Mahal stone countertops keep the space bright,” Naeher says. “The real stacked-stone wall balances the wood tones with organic texture, tying back to the natural mountain setting. The gently curved island adds softness to the strong architectural lines and invites guests to gather. Sculptural, multiarm pendant fixtures over the island give it a dramatic focal point without feeling too heavy. A mosaic marble tile backsplash in a soft white tone adds visual interest and breaks up the vertical lines of the cabinetry.”
Designer tip. “Let your materials do the talking,” Naeher says. “When working with a variety of natural textures — wood, stone, marble — it’s important not to overdesign. Keep the palette tight and let each material shine. In this kitchen, we limited the number of finishes but varied texture and tone to create depth without clutter.”
Cabinets 101: How to Choose Construction, Materials and Style
Designers: Arlie Naeher of Quest Cabinetry & Design and Dana Talbot and Elizabeth Robb of Elizabeth Robb Interiors
Location: Big Sky, Montana
Size: 271 square feet (25 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners envisioned a warm, grounded and expansive kitchen that seamlessly connected to the natural surroundings visible through the large windows,” designer Arlie Naeher says. “As part of a new build, we had the creative freedom to design a space that was not only functional and beautiful but also timeless — tailored to the way the homeowners live and entertain.”
Wood cabinets and details. Hickory cabinets in a matte, earthy stain. (The lighting in the photo makes some cabinets look different in tone from others, but they are the same.) “The homeowners were adamant about going with wood cabinetry from the beginning — they wanted warmth, texture and authenticity,” Naeher says. “Painted cabinets felt too sterile and trendy for the long-term vision of the space. We selected hickory with a custom stain to highlight the natural grain and keep the tone rich but not too dark. Additional wood details like the exposed reclaimed beams and wide-plank wood floors reinforce the rustic-modern aesthetic, making the space feel rooted and enduring.”
Other special features. The “matte black hardware and range hood add modern contrast, while the Taj Mahal stone countertops keep the space bright,” Naeher says. “The real stacked-stone wall balances the wood tones with organic texture, tying back to the natural mountain setting. The gently curved island adds softness to the strong architectural lines and invites guests to gather. Sculptural, multiarm pendant fixtures over the island give it a dramatic focal point without feeling too heavy. A mosaic marble tile backsplash in a soft white tone adds visual interest and breaks up the vertical lines of the cabinetry.”
Designer tip. “Let your materials do the talking,” Naeher says. “When working with a variety of natural textures — wood, stone, marble — it’s important not to overdesign. Keep the palette tight and let each material shine. In this kitchen, we limited the number of finishes but varied texture and tone to create depth without clutter.”
Cabinets 101: How to Choose Construction, Materials and Style
6. Walnut and Steel Sophistication
Designer: Ryan Costner of East Slope Design Studios
General contractor: Built by Krueger
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners envisioned more than a kitchen — they wanted a space that would serve as the heart of their home,” designer Ryan Costner says. “Their priorities included a dramatic cooking wall, a spacious island designed for both prepping and gathering, and a fully functional scullery to handle the behind-the-scenes work. Their overall vision called for a warm, sophisticated and timeless atmosphere anchored in natural materials and clean-lined modernism.”
Wood cabinets and details. “The walnut cabinetry — selected for its grain variation, depth and warmth — provides a timeless foundation throughout the kitchen and scullery,” Costner says. “We used Eclipse Cabinetry with integrated Gola hardware to maintain clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. A custom raw steel hood and open shelf add material variation and a sense of craftsmanship. Hickory flooring runs throughout the home, tying in natural tones and reinforcing warmth underfoot.”
General contracting firm Built by Krueger uses Houzz Pro software to manage its projects.
Other special features. Sintered stone slab backsplash (Iron Frost, Neolith). White Odyssey Dolomite countertops in a honed finish. Curved island countertop corner. Raw steel shelf above the cooktop for storing spices and essentials.
Designer tip. “Introducing soft curves into an otherwise linear layout creates an emotional shift. It invites people to come closer, to engage,” Costner says. “The curve in the island is more than aesthetic. It subtly signals that this is a space for gathering.”
Designer: Ryan Costner of East Slope Design Studios
General contractor: Built by Krueger
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners envisioned more than a kitchen — they wanted a space that would serve as the heart of their home,” designer Ryan Costner says. “Their priorities included a dramatic cooking wall, a spacious island designed for both prepping and gathering, and a fully functional scullery to handle the behind-the-scenes work. Their overall vision called for a warm, sophisticated and timeless atmosphere anchored in natural materials and clean-lined modernism.”
Wood cabinets and details. “The walnut cabinetry — selected for its grain variation, depth and warmth — provides a timeless foundation throughout the kitchen and scullery,” Costner says. “We used Eclipse Cabinetry with integrated Gola hardware to maintain clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. A custom raw steel hood and open shelf add material variation and a sense of craftsmanship. Hickory flooring runs throughout the home, tying in natural tones and reinforcing warmth underfoot.”
General contracting firm Built by Krueger uses Houzz Pro software to manage its projects.
Other special features. Sintered stone slab backsplash (Iron Frost, Neolith). White Odyssey Dolomite countertops in a honed finish. Curved island countertop corner. Raw steel shelf above the cooktop for storing spices and essentials.
Designer tip. “Introducing soft curves into an otherwise linear layout creates an emotional shift. It invites people to come closer, to engage,” Costner says. “The curve in the island is more than aesthetic. It subtly signals that this is a space for gathering.”
7. Rift-Sawn Oak Minimalism
Designers: Kenneth Holder and Chris Parlette of Holder Parlette
Location: Howell Mountain, California
Size: 295 square feet (27 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The owners of this 1960s ranch-style house were looking to reimagine their home and take advantage of their incredible surroundings,” designer Kenneth Holder says. “The previous kitchen did very little to open to the sweeping vista. Located in a separate room near the front of the home, it was dark and lacked natural light. This reality, coupled with the owners wanting a sense of limitless expansiveness, pushed us to rethink the kitchen’s design. The kitchen was relocated to the existing dining room to maximize mountain views. Existing interior walls were removed to connect the dining and living rooms, linking the new kitchen to the center of the home. New windows were added to frame surrounding views, flooding the space with natural light.”
Wood cabinets and details. Rift-sawn white oak cabinets. Oak-clad ceiling. “The clients wanted to embrace a minimalist approach for the home’s interiors in order to maximize surrounding mountain views,” Holder says. “Inspired by the wooded surroundings, the kitchen features rift-sawn white oak cabinets.”
Other special features. “The kitchen cabinetry is complemented by handmade zellige glazed ceramic tiles above the range, Neolith quartz countertops and a waterfall-edge kitchen island. The warm tones of the oak and quartz contrast with the kitchen’s blackened-steel-frame windows, cabinet hardware and stove hood. White walls contribute to the light kitchen interior.”
Designer tip. “Matching cabinet hardware and kitchen fixtures finishes to window frame finishes can help create a cohesive kitchen design,” Holder says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “One ‘uh-oh’ moment for us was figuring out how to integrate the kitchen’s existing lower drop ceiling with the new raised ceilings throughout the main dining and living area,” Holder says. “One way we were able to integrate the existing ceiling into the remodel was through uniform oak cladding on the ceilings throughout the home.”
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
Designers: Kenneth Holder and Chris Parlette of Holder Parlette
Location: Howell Mountain, California
Size: 295 square feet (27 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The owners of this 1960s ranch-style house were looking to reimagine their home and take advantage of their incredible surroundings,” designer Kenneth Holder says. “The previous kitchen did very little to open to the sweeping vista. Located in a separate room near the front of the home, it was dark and lacked natural light. This reality, coupled with the owners wanting a sense of limitless expansiveness, pushed us to rethink the kitchen’s design. The kitchen was relocated to the existing dining room to maximize mountain views. Existing interior walls were removed to connect the dining and living rooms, linking the new kitchen to the center of the home. New windows were added to frame surrounding views, flooding the space with natural light.”
Wood cabinets and details. Rift-sawn white oak cabinets. Oak-clad ceiling. “The clients wanted to embrace a minimalist approach for the home’s interiors in order to maximize surrounding mountain views,” Holder says. “Inspired by the wooded surroundings, the kitchen features rift-sawn white oak cabinets.”
Other special features. “The kitchen cabinetry is complemented by handmade zellige glazed ceramic tiles above the range, Neolith quartz countertops and a waterfall-edge kitchen island. The warm tones of the oak and quartz contrast with the kitchen’s blackened-steel-frame windows, cabinet hardware and stove hood. White walls contribute to the light kitchen interior.”
Designer tip. “Matching cabinet hardware and kitchen fixtures finishes to window frame finishes can help create a cohesive kitchen design,” Holder says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “One ‘uh-oh’ moment for us was figuring out how to integrate the kitchen’s existing lower drop ceiling with the new raised ceilings throughout the main dining and living area,” Holder says. “One way we were able to integrate the existing ceiling into the remodel was through uniform oak cladding on the ceilings throughout the home.”
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
8. White Oak and Stone Balance
Designers: Lara White and Jason Stamp of Workaday Design
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Size: 192 square feet (18 square meters); 12 by 16 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The clients knew they were going to need to remodel the home when they bought it and we did a walk-through with them before they put in an offer, to help understand the vision and what it would take to achieve,” designer Lara White says. “They knew the low ceilings and dark, tight space wouldn’t work for their growing family. The design directive was to create a bright, open space where they can see the kids playing in the living room and backyard and a place where everything has its spot hidden away and organized.”
Wood cabinets and details. “We landed on white oak cabinetry because we really wanted the space to feel warm and to keep an overall tight palette,” White says.
Other special features. “We knew the walls would be a bright white paint color (Distant Gray by Benjamin Moore) so we wanted to bring in warmth through the natural wood cabinets, natural stone countertops and brass accents. The stone slabs we found have the most beautiful blue and green veining in it, which added a lot of interest to the space. Other special features in the space are the plant shelf and appliance garage that allows all those messy countertop appliances to be tucked away on rollout trays for easy access and use. Curves on the corners of the island and plaster custom hood surround and a chamfered detail on the front of the cabinets give a softness and detail to the kitchen to keep it from feeling too modern.”
Designer tip. “We recommend keeping the overall palette tight and simple and let the beautiful natural materials and details speak for themselves,” White says.
Designers: Lara White and Jason Stamp of Workaday Design
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Size: 192 square feet (18 square meters); 12 by 16 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The clients knew they were going to need to remodel the home when they bought it and we did a walk-through with them before they put in an offer, to help understand the vision and what it would take to achieve,” designer Lara White says. “They knew the low ceilings and dark, tight space wouldn’t work for their growing family. The design directive was to create a bright, open space where they can see the kids playing in the living room and backyard and a place where everything has its spot hidden away and organized.”
Wood cabinets and details. “We landed on white oak cabinetry because we really wanted the space to feel warm and to keep an overall tight palette,” White says.
Other special features. “We knew the walls would be a bright white paint color (Distant Gray by Benjamin Moore) so we wanted to bring in warmth through the natural wood cabinets, natural stone countertops and brass accents. The stone slabs we found have the most beautiful blue and green veining in it, which added a lot of interest to the space. Other special features in the space are the plant shelf and appliance garage that allows all those messy countertop appliances to be tucked away on rollout trays for easy access and use. Curves on the corners of the island and plaster custom hood surround and a chamfered detail on the front of the cabinets give a softness and detail to the kitchen to keep it from feeling too modern.”
Designer tip. “We recommend keeping the overall palette tight and simple and let the beautiful natural materials and details speak for themselves,” White says.
9. Custom Oak and Quartzite
Designer: Eva Lindsell
Design-build firm: Ferguson Builders
Location: Simpsonville, South Carolina
Size: 364 square feet (34 square feet)
Homeowners’ request. “The home’s original, closed-off kitchen was not working for this busy family of five,” Ferguson Builders draftsperson Jocelyn Smith says. “With friends and family in and out, the layout was just too tight. Original to the 2004 home, the space was starting to look its age. The raised-panel cabinetry and brown granite countertops leaned toward a traditional look that no longer fit our client’s style. The cabinets stopped before the ceiling, missing a key storage opportunity. The tiny island was just big enough to get in the way. We recommended a complete layout change with a wall removal to achieve what this family was looking for.”
Wood cabinets and details. “Our clients loved the idea of a timeless wood cabinet,” Smith says. “These white oak cabinets were custom-built by our cabinet manufacturers in Ohio. The wood finish offers a warm and elevated alternative to painted cabinetry. We used a custom paint color and stain on the island to create a focal point and add visual interest.”
Other special features. Custom matte black metal hood. Opus White quartzite island countertop. Carbon Gray quartzite perimeter countertop. Walnut hardwood flooring.
Designer tip. “We love using panels to disguise appliances,” Smith says. “In this kitchen, the large refrigerator and dishwasher are hidden behind paneling that integrates into the white oak and painted cabinetry. It’s a seamless design that minimizes practical elements in the kitchen and allows your focal point to be whatever you want it to be.”
Wall paint: Anchor Gray, Benjamin Moore
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Designer: Eva Lindsell
Design-build firm: Ferguson Builders
Location: Simpsonville, South Carolina
Size: 364 square feet (34 square feet)
Homeowners’ request. “The home’s original, closed-off kitchen was not working for this busy family of five,” Ferguson Builders draftsperson Jocelyn Smith says. “With friends and family in and out, the layout was just too tight. Original to the 2004 home, the space was starting to look its age. The raised-panel cabinetry and brown granite countertops leaned toward a traditional look that no longer fit our client’s style. The cabinets stopped before the ceiling, missing a key storage opportunity. The tiny island was just big enough to get in the way. We recommended a complete layout change with a wall removal to achieve what this family was looking for.”
Wood cabinets and details. “Our clients loved the idea of a timeless wood cabinet,” Smith says. “These white oak cabinets were custom-built by our cabinet manufacturers in Ohio. The wood finish offers a warm and elevated alternative to painted cabinetry. We used a custom paint color and stain on the island to create a focal point and add visual interest.”
Other special features. Custom matte black metal hood. Opus White quartzite island countertop. Carbon Gray quartzite perimeter countertop. Walnut hardwood flooring.
Designer tip. “We love using panels to disguise appliances,” Smith says. “In this kitchen, the large refrigerator and dishwasher are hidden behind paneling that integrates into the white oak and painted cabinetry. It’s a seamless design that minimizes practical elements in the kitchen and allows your focal point to be whatever you want it to be.”
Wall paint: Anchor Gray, Benjamin Moore
More on Houzz
Read more kitchen design stories
Browse kitchen photos
Find a kitchen remodeler
Shop for your kitchen
Sponsored
Designer: Danielle Barzilay Dahan of RnD Builders
Location: Woodland Hills, California
Size: 560 square feet (52 square meters); 20 by 28 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners envisioned a clean, modern and highly functional kitchen that would feel warm, bright and timeless,” designer Danielle Barzilay Dahan says. “Their previous kitchen felt cramped and dark, with insufficient storage and no clear flow. To solve these issues, we focused on seamless built-in cabinetry, maximizing storage, and a neutral, calming palette that blends effortlessly with the home’s open-plan layout. The goal was to create a space that’s both beautiful for entertaining and practical for everyday family life.”
Wood cabinets and details. “We chose to use natural white oak cabinetry throughout the kitchen to achieve a soft, modern warmth,” Dahan says. “The wood adds texture and depth without overwhelming the space. This material was used for the tall pantry wall, lower cabinetry, integrated fridge panels and even open shelving.
“Rather than painted cabinetry, natural wood gives a timeless and organic feel that aligns with the overall minimalist vision. Integrated handles keep the lines clean and uninterrupted. Matching white oak floors add continuity and warmth. White oak floating shelves above the countertop display minimal, neutral-toned ceramics.”
Dahan says she uses Houzz Pro software to “manage projects, communicate with clients and create visual ideation boards. For this kitchen, the Mood Boards and 3D visual tools helped the homeowners visualize the final outcome. Houzz Pro also streamlined budgeting, timeline tracking and updates, keeping the clients informed and engaged at every step.”
Other special features. “To complement the wood, we used a light-toned quartz countertop and backsplash, soft white walls and matte black and brass accents that ground the space and add sophistication,” Dahan says. “Undercabinet and toe kick lighting adds a soft glow and enhances the clean lines of the cabinetry.”
Designer tip. “Use integrated LED lighting under cabinets and toe kicks to elevate the space,” Dahan says. This simple touch adds depth and luxury while improving functionality, especially in the evenings.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “During the planning phase, we realized the original placement of the island didn’t allow for comfortable circulation,” Dahan says. “Moving the island required relocating plumbing lines — something that wasn’t planned for. It created delays and unexpected costs, but by staying flexible and working closely with the contractor we adjusted the layout and maintained the clean design intent without compromise.”
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