Natural wood cabinets are making a huge splash in home design right now, appearing in kitchens across the country and among celebrity homes. This classic look is shining in the spaces of stars like Mindy Kaling, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Brie Larson.
Adding to the roster, Kevin Bacon recently revealed his and Kyra Sedgwick's kitchen in a video sharing his 'chicken ala kev,' showing they, too, are fans of the timeless style.
The actors' space perfectly demonstrates how the style works: a mix of natural wood and modern hardware set against bright white walls and large windows that flood the room with autumnal light. Kevin Bacon's wooden kitchen cabinets showcase the versatility of natural material, proving that this enduring style offers both warmth and functional beauty in a contemporary home.
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Following Kevin Bacon's example does not need to involve expensive cabinetry. I love experimenting with neutral accessories, such as this beautiful chopping board from Magnolia's collection at Target.
Serve and style with this beautiful yet functional board. Crafted from natural wood with scalloped edges for a touch of elegance, it’s perfect for presenting appetizers or charcuterie.
When adding a new texture or material to my kitchen, I always start with the essentials. Slate and pepper mills are a simple, budget-friendly way to introduce an extra wood tone. I’m especially drawn to the distinctive design of this set from Wayfair.
We could talk endlessly about the versatility of a wooden cutting board in the kitchen. Not only is it a practical, indispensable tool, but it also doubles as a stylish accent that elevates your kitchen’s design.
NYC-based interior designer Artem Kropovinsky, founder of Arsight, explains why this trend is so enduring, especially as the weather cools: 'Wood kitchen cabinets add a natural warmth and timeless appeal to the kitchen, assuring everyone feels at home. They provide significant design flexibility, which can be achieved through stains and finishes to match various kitchen styles from rustic to modern.' He adds: 'Due to its ability to stand the test of time and live up well against daily use, wood is a good choice for cabinetry that will age well.'
Because of their durability and aesthetic appeal, experts agree that natural wood will be one of the biggest kitchen cabinet trends this year and into the next, providing a cozy feel as we head toward winter.
'There’s a noticeable trend in interiors right now towards more natural materials and earth-centered tones,' says designer Greg Roth.
'This is partly a response to the waning appeal of white whites and gray greys that have dominated of late – but it’s also a clear testament to the growing socio-cultural shift towards the biophilic design ideal of forefronting connections to the natural world.'
Artem echoes this sentiment, noting the movement toward greener choices: 'The trend towards greener and more environmentally-friendly home designs seems to indicate that custom wooden cabinets will remain on the rise.' He stresses that being sustainable at home 'isn't going anywhere.'
Greg emphasizes the deeper connection driving this: 'As the delicately intertwined relationship that humans have with nature makes itself increasingly obvious to us, our urge to strengthen our bond to Mother Earth – to assume responsibility for her care and stewardship – becomes heightened.'
He notes this connection appears in our homes in many ways: 'live greenery; flora and fauna motifs on fabrics and wallcoverings; windows, doors, and skylights that optimize physical and visual access to the outdoors; and natural, earth-friendly, and earth-inspired materials.' Natural wood cabinets are simply the beginning of this movement.
