The kitchen trend that will take over in 2024Emily Hart Photography
“Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commissions or revenue from some articles through these links.”
According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association's newly released Kitchen Trends 2024 report, more and more homeowners are swapping out their plain, all-white kitchen cabinets for warm wood finishes, including walnut and white oak.
“We've seen a very noticeable transition from white kitchens to white oak cabinetry,” says Sarah Robertson, founder and principal of Studio Dearborn. “The retreat from white has led to a trend toward warmer tones in the kitchen.”
“Warm wood kitchens immediately feel cozy, inviting and approachable,” agrees Kelsey McGregor, founder of Kelsey Leigh Interiors, calling the style “timeless.”
But the trend is not just limited to natural wood furniture: designers are also integrating wooden ceiling beams, laying waterproof wooden floors and opting for wooden worktops.
What’s behind the kitchen trend?
For natural beauty, pair white oak cabinets with a darker wood countertop.Courtesy of Grothouse
Overall, designers are noticing that interior color palettes are getting warmer. “We've shifted color choices to warmer tones across the board, and that's reflected in the cabinets and finishes in our kitchens,” says McGregor.
“People are spending more time at home and therefore want an intimate and cozy atmosphere. Natural wood can quickly transform a room with no personality into one full of warmth and hospitality,” says Robertson.
Does this mean that all-white kitchens are out of style? There's no denying that white kitchens are timeless – they look clean and bright and will keep your space feeling modern for years to come. On the other hand, some say that white kitchens can lack structure, depth and intrigue. Wood kitchens, on the other hand, tend to exude warmth and are more adaptable to different lifestyles.
“The rich, natural beauty of wood cabinets and countertops adds a complexity and character to rooms that white can’t match,” says Paul Grothouse, founder of Grothouse, a company that creates custom wood countertops.
Not only do wood cabinets look more natural and organic, but they also tend to look newer longer than painted cabinets. “With painted cabinets, chips and scratches are inevitable and can be more of a hassle to maintain,” says McGregor. “When wood is scratched, there is less contrast from wood to wood and the imperfection is easier to touch up or hide.”
Which wood grains are best for kitchen cabinets?
Designers say White oak is the most popular, but medium to dark tones also appear in kitchens – and walnut remains a popular choice, according to Robertson. White oak is a strong and durable material for kitchen cabinets, although Robertson notes that woods such as birch and alder are a more sustainable choice because the trees grow faster.
To lighten up a room, you can take a cue from designer Bria Hammel's book and combine a warm wood kitchen island with painted kitchen cabinets (here in an atmospheric shade of green).Spacecraft photography
“We are starting to use alderbecause it stains well, has a beautiful grain, and works well in both modern and traditional settings,” adds interior designer Julee Ireland. “It has a neutral tone and doesn't feel as heavy and dated as some of the other woods on the market.” Designer Bria Hammel says she prefers to use white oak for classic coastal interiors and alder or mahogany for moody, vintage-inspired spaces.
According to Houzz surveys medium wood tones are currently the most popular among homeowners, with interest in light-colored wood increasing over the past year. “Popular photos on Houzz suggest that two of the most common options are white oak for its light, airy appearance, and walnut, which supports a richer look that, when combined with flat-panel cabinets, fits well into a mid-century modern style,” says Mitchell Parker, senior editor at Houzz.
According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association's New 2024 Kitchen Trends Report, homeowners are trading in sterile white kitchens for natural wood finishes — think walnut and white oak cabinets, which add warmth to a space. Designers explain why that's happening now.
You might also like
Comments are closed.