As a kitchen editor, I spend hours every day looking at kitchen designs and a trend doesn't pass me by. From sleek, marble-drenched spaces to more traditional moody schemes, I've truly seen it all. But if there's one kitchen style that so rarely sparks my interest, it's wood kitchens. That was, until, I saw Amber Interiors' latest project.
It's not because I don't like wooden kitchen cabinets (I absolutely do), but they can easily feel dated and lack personality. However, there's something unique about this kitchen that makes it stand out to me as the blueprint for tastefully designing with this natural material.
Featuring slatted wood on the cabinetry and kitchen island, it offers an alternative take to classic designs, instantly catapulting it into the 21st century. The black hardware introduces an element of contrast, while off-white and subtly veined countertops add a softness that breaks up the wood tones. I love that the designer hasn't shied away from a tonal scheme, leaning into the cozy feel and warm hues through materials and decor.
But it's the kitchen flooring here that really makes a statement. The designer has strayed from the obvious choice of darker stone that I have seen time and time again in wooden kitchens, instead introducing a terracotta brick floor that gives the whole space more textural interest. The slightly worn look is a far cry from the more polished finish of the wood cabinets and offers a style reminiscent of a Tuscan kitchen.
A transformed corner adds an unexpected detail. The breakfast nook, while still in keeping with the kitchen and mirroring the design with a round wood table, experiments with new colors and patterns to create a cozy inviting dining area. The stripe upholstery on the chairs feels at home and ties into the stripe effect of the wood paneling and the flooring, while the blue banquette seating is less expected, yet brings a new visual layer to the design.
It's the small details and finishing touches that really elevate this scheme. A dark backsplash, hardware, and light fixtures add depth to the design, while leather bar stools and a terracotta vase filled with grasses introduce new textures that add a more homey feel to the space.
Kitchenware has also been considered – making the functional aesthetic is a great way to decorate a kitchen, and this scheme features pieces that are not only stylish but feel intentional as part of the overall design.
The cohesion of all of these elements, from the decorative details to the materials chosen, and the thoughtful way wood cabinetry has been introduced make this kitchen feel on-trend and tasteful. It's certainly got me considering a wood kitchen in this style.
Shop the look
Unless you're planning a kitchen renovation, changing the cabinetry, flooring, or countertops probably isn't realistic. However, you can take so much inspiration from this kitchen designed by Amber Interiors by introducing similar furniture and decor.
This terracotta from the Amber Lewis x Four Hands collection is the perfect addition to a kitchen island filled with grasses, shown beautifully in the designer's project.
No kitchen is complete without island pendant lights. This industrial design is similar to the ones used in Amber Interiors' kitchen design to add a darker detail.
A stylish fruit bowl is a great way to make the functional aesthetic. This footed bowl has a sculptural feel, while the wood finish gives it timeless appeal.
A ceramic crock gives your utensils a place to live on your countertops without looking messy or cluttered. A simple white design works in all kitchen schemes.
Wood and leather are two materials that combine stylishly. This bar stool has a similar feel to the ones in the kitchen project, with two height options available.
Artwork on the wall above the breakfast nook ties the corner to the main kitchen area's backsplash. This abstract design has a similar aesthetic, introducing those darker hues.
This design proves wood kitchens can look incredibly chic – it's all about how you style them. Whether you take inspiration from the slatted wood cabinets or introduce wood accents through decor, there's plenty in this kitchen design to encourage you to introduce this warm, cozy material to your space.
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