Skip to main content

Wooden cabinets don’t have to be outdated – consider these modern designs

When you think about wooden kitchen cabinets, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? If you picture an 80s kitchen filled with dated oak cabinets, you are not alone. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, they were all the rage; in the 2000s, the backlash was swift—for almost 20 years, homeowners favored the clean, crisp look of white cabinets.

Today, wooden cabinets are making their way back into more and more kitchens with updated lines and detailing that work in any space – and designers have identified which is the best wood for cabinets in any kitchen. Here, we take you through our favorite wooden kitchen ideas and what to look for to bring this modernized classic into your home.

modern kitchen with wood cabinets
Watermark Designs/Unsplash

Which wood is right for you?

Nothing beats the durability of real wood. There is a reason why so many of those cabinets from the 1980s are still around — they last. Unlike cheaper MDF or particleboard cabinets, wooden ones are much stronger and sturdier. Aesthetically, nothing infuses a space with more warmth and character than wood. It also looks at home in almost any design, whether your kitchen is sleek contemporary or farmhouse rustic.

When it comes to stained cabinets, some woods are better than others. Oak garnered so much popularity because it was an easy wood to work with. Today, it is still frequently used, but there are also a wide variety of other woods to choose from, including alder, walnut, hickory, and cherry. Each one will have its own color, grain, and texture, so be sure to explore them all and see which one speaks to you. Keep in mind that each one will have slight variations and unique patterns, unlike a painted cabinet. If your budget is tight, pine or poplar will not hold up quite as well but will be much more cost-effective options.

Stain color is also an important factor. You will have to live with whatever you choose for years, so it is vital that you do your homework. Stains range from blonde to ebony. Lighter stains tend to be associated with more traditional kitchens, but if you like a lighter finish, flat-fronted cabinets will give a more updated look. Dark brown will provide contrast to stainless steel and a lighter backsplash. Black is typically seen in modern kitchen designs.

If you want the durability of wood and the option of painting the cabinets, maple is the way to go. That wood has a small grain and very little texture, so it is ideal for paint. Softer maples are a good option for less money.

At the end of the day, when planning a modern wooden kitchen design, you need to consider what look you are trying to achieve. Think not only about your own taste, but also about what will fit in with the rest of your home. Wood works wonderfully with some of today’s most popular looks. A boho-chic kitchen with rustic wood cabinets or live edge open shelving; a sleek kitchen in a dark-stained finish with clean lines and stainless-steel accents; a traditional kitchen with rich, fluted trim accents demonstrates the versatility of wood.

decorative wooden shelves
Tony Smith/Pexels

Update the old

Already have wooden cabinets that are in solid shape, but could use an update? One of the best ways to give dated cabinets a whole new look is to paint them and add new hardware. This is a great way to bring new life into an old kitchen and can be accomplished in a weekend. Just remember to sand them thoroughly, use a good primer, and finish with at least two coats of paint.

Don’t ignore the selves, either. The best shelf liner for wood cabinets is one that prevents shelves from damage caused by moisture, including rings when putting damp dishes back in the cupboard.

There are other ways to bring the warmth of wood into your kitchen without replacing the entire kitchen. One of the biggest kitchen trends is mixing it in with painted cabinets. Adding an island in reclaimed wood to a white cabinet kitchen brings character into the space. Even a few simple, wooden open shelves can add interest and are a good place to display decorative objects. However you bring wood into your kitchen, nothing beats its durability, and with today’s new designs, your kitchen will have a fresh look that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Darcey Gohring
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Darcey Gohring is a freelance writer based just outside New York City. She served as the managing editor of New Jersey…
Report: These are the home design trends that are hot this summer
This summer, take note of these interior design trends
how to take care of a rooftop garden woman watering her

There are some new trends happening in home design right now, and they are all the rage. Whether you're trying to beat the heat or have a place to gather friends and family, the following design trends are here for the summer and beyond. The experts at Houzz recently released a report on how to transform your home into a summer oasis, and many aren't as hard to pull off as you may think. Not only will these interior design trends inspire, they can add some serious value to your home when you look to sell.

Finish your basement
Finishing your basement gives you a big fresh space to spread out, entertain, watch movies, and host family game nights. Notably, the report says that searches for “basement golf simulator” showed a 20x search. With all the drama from the PGA and LIV tours this past year, it just makes sense.
Rooftop living
If you don't have a basement, look upwards for inspiration. According to the report, searches for “outdoor rooftop terrace” are up a whopping 16.5x. If you live in a state like Florida with no basements, the rooftop is a natural space to add square footage and entertaining areas to your home.
Accessibility is key
The 2023 U.S. Houzz & Home Study reported that homeowners are settling into their homes and renovating for the long haul. Part of this means they are thinking about renovations into their retirement years, which include the bathrooms. Searches for “aging-in-place bathrooms” and “handicap-accessible bathrooms” both doubled compared to the same time last year. Searches for “handheld shower head,” “ADA-compliant bathroom vanities,” and “curbless showers” also increased.
Get cooking in industrial-style kitchens
Because the kitchen is the heart of the home and a place we all use for eating, working, playing, and entertaining, it makes sense we want them to feel more like a night out at a fancy restaurant. Searches tripled for “kitchen track lighting” and “pull-down kitchen faucets” and doubled for “stainless steel countertops” and “brick kitchen wall.”

Read more
What colors go with taupe? Striking ways to design your home
Looking for a versatile neutral? Try using taupe and pairing it with some fantastic complementary hues
Taupe wall paint with taupe chairs and a large plant

With a range of dark and light shades to choose from, taupe is a versatile color fit for sleek wall tones, soothing accents throughout the room, or simple shades on furniture. While some people avoid this neutral tone, worried that it will appear drab or dull in their spaces, knowing how to use taupe in your home design will help you best take advantage of this stunning neutral color. And whether you love this hue or not, knowing what colors go with taupe can aid you in choosing the right tones for your color palette, especially if you need a gorgeous neutral backdrop.

So, if you love taupe or are eager to incorporate it into your design, then we have a few tips for you. Below are some of the best complementary shades for taupe, as well as the most striking ways to style it in your home.

Read more
An entryway mirror can enhance your space: When you should (and absolutely shouldn’t) have one
Decide if an entryway mirror is right for you with these tips
Woman welcoming friends at the front door

An entryway gives guests their first impression of a home, so you don't want it to feel dark and cramped. The easiest solution? Add an entryway mirror. Mirrors are among the best tools in a homeowner's design arsenal since they reflect light and automatically make a space feel more open. Plus, from vintage-looking pieces to modern displays, you will surely find an entryway mirror that suits your home's aesthetic.

Yet, sometimes, an entryway mirror isn't the best idea. Find out when you should hang one and when you shouldn't.
Why you should have an entryway mirror
There are plenty of great reasons to get a mirror for your entryway that go beyond just filling that blank space on your wall. Here are some of our favorite things mirrors can do.
Reflect the light
Mirrors are an excellent way to bring light into your home. If your entryway is directly across from a window or other natural light source, a mirror can enhance that light and make your entrance feel more expansive. Even without the light source, mirrors create the illusion of space.

Read more