Magnolia Home-ification of the popular kitchen trend has resulted in a swath of all-white behemoths in recent kitchen design history. Are they attractive? Sure. Do you think you’ll still enjoy them in 20 years? It’s really likely. Is it just me, or am I getting tired of seeing all white kitchens? Abso-freakin-lutely.
That’s probably one of the reasons I’m so taken with a new kitchen trend I’ve noticed in design publications and on Pinterest: the return of warm wood cabinets to a modern kitchen.
To be clear, this is not 1980s-style dark wood cabinets. There isn’t a shaker or builder-grade cabinet in sight. Rather, this contemporary kitchen design emphasizes the warmth and richness of real walnut cabinets. The style is simple with a flat face and little hardware, but the quality is exceptional. Consider good workmanship and attention to detail. These aren’t rustic or traditional in any way. The style is both contemporary and classic.
There are few, if any, uppers in these designs to keep the appearance from being overly overwhelming and hefty. This is what makes these kitchens even more contemporary. The lovely wood grounds the area in each of the styles, while things are kept light and airy up above. Perhaps you have a shelf that can be used for display or storage. Or maybe there’s nothing at all, emphasizing a more Scandinavian-style minimalism.
Stone or stainless steel countertops are used in certain designs, while wood is used in others. Some designs have a backsplash, while others offer a plain, exposed wall.
Here’s an example of how color and warm walnut cabinets (gasp!) can work together.
Despite the fact that this style is more prevalent in Europe, I highly encourage American designers to adopt it. It’s light and airy, and it reminds us that the kitchen is the working heart of the house, not a sterile showcase.
I’m not ready to completely destroy my kitchen and start over to get this aesthetic…
But I can’t say I’m not tempted. Are you one of them? Do you like how this looks?
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