There is a certain timeless beauty to a wooden countertop. Rustic, welcoming, warm, and chic, it's the material that will never go out of style. A wooden counter is an easy, timeless choice. Knowing what color to pair it with, however, is a whole other story.
As Richard Davonport, from Davonport, says, “We find that wood or butcher block worktops are incredibly versatile because they bring natural warmth and texture into a kitchen scheme. The cabinetry color you pair with them can help to set the tone and show off the natural beauty of the wood."
Unlike other kitchen countertop colors, wood is essentially a neutral, working beautifully with a wide array of colors and tones. So much so that it can become difficult to pick which is the best. Luckily, our experts have done that task for you, so you have a designer-approved shortlist to consult.
Inky Blues
One of the most appealing aspects of a wooden kitchen worktop is the rich textural variation that can only be found in natural materials. To play into this, designers suggest looking to nature for your color inspiration, bringing in tones you'd find in the natural world.
"Deep, inky blues and rich greens are often the most successful choices, as they create a strong contrast against the grain of the timber and highlight its organic beauty," says Richard Davonport from Davonport, a bespoke kitchen firm.
Opting for rich, dark tones brings a moody intensity to your kitchen, while allowing the attention to remain on the wood as opposed to the cabinets.
As Richard says, "These shades feel timeless yet contemporary and allow the wood to become a focal point rather than blending in."
Sage Green
If there was one color that has dominated interior design trends over the past decade, it's decorating with sage green. And for good reason, too, the soft green shade looks beautiful alongside pretty much any material, though it works particularly well when paired with warm, wooden countertops.
"The soft, muted tone of sage green strikes a beautiful balance between warmth and freshness. It complements the natural wood tones without competing with them, creating a calm, organic feel that feels both timeless and modern," says Liane Burrett, a senior designer at Roundhouse.
Much like dark blue shades, sage green works so well because of its presence in nature, making it a natural pairing with wood and other natural materials.
"Sage green works especially well because it picks up on the earthy, natural qualities of wood, while still offering a subtle pop of color. It also works harmoniously with other natural materials, from stone flooring to ceramic accessories, making it incredibly versatile in kitchen design," says Liane.
Creamy Yellow
Unless you've been living under a rock (or you don't spend your life scrolling through social media), you probably have noticed that butter yellow is having a bit of a moment. But, I'm willing to bet that this color trend won't be going anywhere soon, at least, not if I have anything to do with it. Because, as cute as it looks on a summer dress, it actually looks even better when paired with wood in your kitchen.
If you're keen to experiment with the shade, before fully committing, Helen Parker from deVOL says, "Introducing yellow as the shakers did, by painting one cupboard, is a nice toe in the water, especially if you have muted colors in the rest of the room. But going for a full kitchen in butter yellow is my suggestion, as I always say, if you’re going to go for something, then commit fully to it."
Plus, this isn't just a fad, trend-following look. As Helen explains, "Many Victorians used yellows with whites and creams, terracotta floors and dark wooden worktops, this has an authentic understairs feel."
The combination of a sunny, light yellow, and warm, earthy wood makes for a balanced and inviting feel. Both classic and on trend.
A warm, muted butter yellow with undertones of brown and grey to mellow it out.
Soft Black
"Deep charcoal or soft black tones can be incredibly effective with wooden countertops," says Liane.
While decorating with black can often feel more intimidating, dusty blacks and charcoals have an alluring softness to them, which, when used with wood, can make a room feel super cozy.
"What makes this combination work so well is the balance — the dark base units ground the design, while the light wood adds warmth and tactility. It’s a pairing that feels sleek and contemporary, but still inviting and organic," Liane explains.
Where green meets black, this shade has all the comforting depth of a true black with a touch of earthy tones behind it.
Pale Neutrals
All-white kitchens are often at the receiving end of quite a significant amount of criticism, largely due to their tendency to look slightly sterile. However, throw some wood in the mix, and any risk of stark sterility immediately dissolves, making way for a light, airy, and comforting space to take its spot.
"Lighter neutrals, such as soft greys or off-whites, can also work beautifully, offering a fresher, more airy aesthetic that lets the wood bring character without overwhelming the space," notes Richard.
This combination feels refreshing and classic, especially when paired with beautiful period architecture.
What Cabinet Colors Should You Avoid?
Now you know the colors that make your wooden counters pop, it's time to get to know the tones the experts suggest you stay away from.
One of the most helpful tools to bear in mind is thinking not just about the color itself, but how it would look next to the tone of wood you're using. As Richard explains, “Colors we would generally advise avoiding are those that sit too close to the tone of the wood itself. For example, orange-based shades or yellowy creams can clash with the natural variations in the butcher block, making the kitchen feel heavy or dated."
Liane largely agrees, adding, "I’d generally stay clear of red–yellow–toned cabinetry when using butcher block counters — they can clash with the warmth of the wood or make the space feel too visually busy."
Knowing what colors go with your counters is one thing, but knowing how to care for your butcher's block countertop is quite another. So, before you go and buy your paint, try brushing up on a few expert tips first.
