Thinking about mixing wood tones in your kitchen? Here's how to do it tastefully, according to interior designers

A kitchen is the one room in the house where homeowners can be almost hesitant to experiment. It's a room full of investment pieces, from the cabinetry to the countertops to the tiles, so playing it slightly safer is often favored.

But what if we told you it's actually the perfect place to take a few risks? Especially with this year's wooden kitchen revival – mixing wood in a kitchen is proving to be an effective way to add character and unique appeal to your space.

But how can you do it in a way that feels tasteful and stylish? We've turned to interior designers to find out their favorite ways to mix woods in kitchen schemes – and they've made it seem simpler than we could have ever imagined.

5 ways to mix wood in a kitchen for a stylish, cohesive finish

As wooden schemes continue to grow in popularity, homeowners and designers alike are searching for new ways to make them feel unique. 'We’re witnessing a clear shift towards more natural, wooden finishes in kitchens, embracing the authenticity and inherent beauty of the material itself,' says kitchen designer Tom Howley.

'Painted cabinetry is not going anywhere, but it looks elevated when mixed with wooden tones, offering a beautiful contrast that enhances the overall design,' he adds. These are interior designers' top tips to make mixed woods work in your kitchen ideas.

1. Create intentional contrast

Introducing clear contrast is an easy way to create a kitchen that feels cohesive and intentional – especially when it comes to wooden schemes. There are a number of different approaches for different kitchen styles.

'The best way to mix different wood tones in a kitchen is by creating intentional contrast. One effective approach is pairing lighter finishes for the upper cabinets with darker tones for the base cabinets, which adds depth and visual interest. Another great strategy is using a different wood tone for the island, making it a distinct focal point that complements the rest of the kitchen,' says interior designer Becky Shea.

'I also love making the kitchen island a standout feature by using a unique wood tone or finish, turning it into a one-of-a-kind focal point,' she adds. In this kitchen, a two-tone scheme has been created using wood on the upper cabinets and island, and blue on the lower ones.

The mix of wood comes via the ceiling beams, which have a slightly warmer tone compared to the cabinetry. Because the ceiling beams are an original architectural feature, the mix feels authentic and well considered.

2. Use the same base stain

The key to mixing wood tones right is to choose the right tones. This applies whether you are pairing wood with another wood or a different color. And the simplest method is cohesive undertones.

'When mixing wood tones in a kitchen, it's important to pick a base stain. Once you have a stain selected you can go lighter or darker as long as the woods/stain have the same undertone,' says Kailee Blalock and Taylor Troia, founders of House of Hive Design Co.

'To ensure harmony, consider the undertones of each wood type – warm with warm, cool with cool – and balance the mix with consistent hardware, stone, or paint accents. This approach creates a cohesive yet dynamic look that feels thoughtfully curated rather than mismatched,' adds Becky.

3. Choose wood types of the same or similar species

When you're mixing wood tones in a kitchen, you need to think about the types or species of wood you're introducing. It's not just the tone, but the graining needs to be considered into your design too.

'When designing a kitchen with multiple wood tones, it’s essential to ensure that the wood grain isn’t too busy or overwhelming, as this can make the space feel chaotic. Opt for wood species with complementary grain patterns to maintain visual harmony,' says Becky.

In a kitchen where you're planning to introduce a lot of wood – like this deVOL design where wood is used for the cabinets and the paneled wall – choosing wood with more minimal graining and knotting ensures that your scheme won't feel overwhelmed.

'To achieve a cohesive yet dynamic look, work with the same or similar wood species in varying tones. This creates contrast while maintaining a sense of unity throughout the space,' adds Becky.

4. Decorate with vintage wooden furniture and decor

An effective way to mix wood in a way that feels intentional rather than an accident is by adding vintage wooden furniture to your kitchen. The contrast between old and new adds texture and interest.

'Another favorite way to bring in wood tones is through unique vintage furniture pieces. There’s something special about a well-crafted piece of vintage wood furniture that adds character to a room,' says Kailee and Taylor.

In this scheme, a mid-tone wooden island has been paired with a more rustic vintage wooden hutch. The textural differences give the combination a more intentional feel, instead of looking like a failed attempt at matching the tones.

5. Mix solid and woven woods

Another fun way to mix wood in your kitchen is to play with textures. In this space, wood kitchen cabinets offer a smoother finish, while the stools introduce a more textural, woven element.

'To add contrast, introduce different wood tones through other elements such as counter stools or accessories. You can also play with different textures or grains instead of relying on varying stains,' suggests Kailee and Taylor.

This is a great place to start if you're new to mixing wood. You can't go wrong with mixing wood and painted cabinets, and introducing the secondary wood via decor removes the sense of permanency. If you don't like it, counter stools are much easier to change than a kitchen island!

There are so many different ways to mix woods in your kitchen. From choosing a consistent undertone to playing with vintage additions, these designer suggestions prove it's easier than you might think.

'By carefully balancing contrast and cohesion, wood tones can add warmth, character, and a sense of craftsmanship to the space. Pairing them with complementary materials like stone, metal, or painted cabinetry helps tie everything together seamlessly,' adds Becky.