Wood Tones Are Back in Kitchens (And They Never Really Left)
For the past several years, all-white kitchens have dominated design magazines and Pinterest boards. Everyone wanted the clean, bright, and modern feel. But a lot of our clients are ready for warmth again.
Wood tones are coming back into Asheville kitchens, but not as a trend. This shift isn't about copying Instagram or keeping up with the times; it stems from a desire to create kitchens that feel more like living rooms: cozy, inviting, and welcoming.
Why White Kitchens Are Starting to Feel Cold
There's nothing wrong with white kitchens. We've designed plenty of beautiful ones! But after living in them for a few years, clients have started to notice that they can feel a bit sterile.
White cabinets, white countertops, and white backsplash all photograph beautifully, but it doesn't always feel like home. Especially here in the mountains, where you're surrounded by natural wood tones outside your windows.
The shift we're seeing isn't away from white entirely. It's toward balance: wood tones mixed with white and natural materials that bring some warmth back into the space.
How to Add Wood Tones Back into the Kitchen
You don't have to go full wood-tone to make this work. In fact, most of the kitchens we're designing now use wood strategically.
Island as Focal Point
One of the most popular approaches is white or light perimeter cabinets with a wood-tone island. The island becomes the warm centerpiece of the kitchen while the room still feels bright and open.
Starmark Cabinetry makes this easy. You can do painted perimeter cabinets in a soft white or greige, then choose natural cherry, walnut, or white oak for the island. The contrast works, and it gives you a place to anchor the room.
Natural Wood Upper Cabinets
Another option we’re seeing is wood-tone upper cabinets with painted lowers. This brings warmth to eye level without making the room feel dark.
It works especially well with lighter wood species, such as white oak with a clear finish, natural maple, or hickory for greater grain variation.
Full Wood Kitchens Done Right
Some clients are going all-in on wood tones, and when it's done thoughtfully, the results are stunning. The key is choosing the right wood species and finish for your space.
If your kitchen gets a lot of natural light, you can go darker—walnut or cherry. If your space is naturally on the darker side, stick with lighter woods and skip the heavy stains.
Wood Species That Work
Not all wood tones are created equal. Here's what we're recommending for Asheville kitchens:
White Oak
This is probably the most popular choice right now, and for good reason. White oak has a beautiful, subtle grain pattern that adds character without being too busy. It works with almost any design style from modern to traditional.
The natural color is warm but not orange-toned, making it pair well with both cool and warm color palettes, and it ages beautifully.
Walnut
For clients who want something richer and more dramatic, walnut is the answer. It's dark enough to make a statement but still warm and inviting.
Walnut works especially well for islands or lower cabinets paired with lighter uppers. It's also gorgeous for open shelving if you're going that route.
Cherry
Natural cherry has a reputation for turning orange over time, which scared people away from it for a while. But if you choose the right finish and embrace the warmth, cherry is incredibly beautiful.
It's also one of the most durable hardwoods for cabinetry. Cherry cabinets that are 20 years old can look brand new with proper care.
Maple
Maple is the chameleon of wood species. Its grain is subtle, so it takes stain really well if you want to go darker. But natural maple also has a clean, contemporary look that works in modern kitchens.
It's also one of the most affordable hardwood options, which makes it popular for larger kitchens where budget matters.
Finishes That Bring Out the Best
The wood species matters, but the finish is just as important.
Natural/clear finishes: These let the wood grain shine through without adding any color. Perfect for white oak, maple, or hickory.
Stained finishes: For when you want to deepen the color or match existing woodwork in your home. This works well with cherry or oak.
Wire-brushed textures: These add dimension to the wood grain and give the cabinets a more organic, less factory-made feel.
Mixing Wood Tones With Other Materials
Wood cabinets don't mean you're stuck with wood everything. The best kitchens mix materials thoughtfully:
Countertops That Complement Wood
Quartz countertops in neutral colors work beautifully with wood cabinets. Whites and soft grays keep the space bright while the wood adds warmth.
Stone-look quartz pairs especially well with natural wood tones. The veining adds interest without competing with the wood grain.
Backsplash Choices
With wood cabinets, your backsplash can do more. A handmade tile with texture and variation adds another layer of interest. White subway tile stays classic, or even a stone slab backsplash works if you want to keep things minimal.
Hardware That Works
Wood cabinets give you options when it comes to hardware. Unlacquered brass develops a patina that complements warm wood tones, matte black creates contrast, and brushed nickel keeps things understated.
What About Resale?
This is the question we hear a lot: if white kitchens have been the "safe" choice, are wood tones a risk?
Here's the honest answer: well-designed wood kitchens sell homes. The keyword is well-designed.
Our advice? Choose classic wood species over trendy ones, stick with finishes that have staying power, and make sure the overall design is balanced and not too heavy.
A thoughtfully designed kitchen with natural wood cabinets will appeal to buyers who want warmth and character.
Design Tips for Wood-Tone Kitchens
Keep these things in mind when planning:
Balance is key: If you're going with darker wood cabinets, balance them with lighter countertops and backsplash. The room needs breathing space.
Lighting matters more: Wood cabinets absorb light differently than white ones. Make sure you have enough lighting, both overhead and under-cabinet.
Consider your home's style: Wood tones work in any style, but the species and finish should match your overall aesthetic. Modern homes might use flat-sawn white oak. Traditional homes might lean toward cherry or maple.
Ready to Bring Warmth Back to Your Kitchen?
If you're tired of the all-white look or you're building a new home and want something with more character, come see our cabinet displays at HomeSource Design Center.
We'll walk you through different wood species, show you various finishes, and help you figure out what works for your specific space and style. You can see how wood tones look with different countertop materials and get a feel for which ones speak to you.
Schedule an appointment with one of our designers, and we'll help you create a kitchen that feels like home.
Let’s Talk!
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