I've never considered mixing different wood tones in my kitchen before – but Shea McGee's method proves how timeless these natural combinations can be

Wood kitchens might be one of the top trends this year, but they can be tricky to design – especially choosing which materials, colors, and tones to pair them with.

I've been trying to get it right this year in my own space to make my light wooden kitchen cabinets feel stylish and updated. Most specifically, it's the decorative items at the top of my list. I'm a big fan of darker woods, but should I be mixing different tones?

According to interior designer Shea McGee, there's an art to mixing different woods tastefully in the kitchen. Taking to Instagram, she revealed that her method to nailing the wood kitchen trend is to stick to no more than two wood tones. Here's what I've learned.

'Wood tones can be tricky – it’s one of the top questions we get asked! A good rule of thumb is to stick to no more than two for a balanced mix,' says designer Shea McGee via Instagram.

Sticking to only two wood tones is a great way to ensure your kitchen design feels stylish and infused with natural materials without feeling like a mismatched scheme. It's also a really achievable way to decorate with wood without getting overwhelmed.

There are two routes you can take when mixing wood – a streamlined, cohesive design or a space that embraces contrast. 'If you're going for a streamlined look, matching is more of an art than a science – aim for cohesion rather than competition.'

The first kitchen project in Shea's post is a perfect example of taking a more cohesive approach. Similar light woods have been used on the island, cabinetry, and accessories like the bar stools and cutting board. Paired with the light neutral palette used throughout the kitchen, the entire scheme feels airy, elevated, and cohesive.

Because I want to add deeper, richer wood tones, I'm opting for the contrasting approach – much like the second kitchen from Shea's post, where light wood chairs have been paired with darker wood shelving, both of which add contrast to the rest of the kitchen design.

'On the other hand, contrast can add visual interest, especially if things feel too matchy-matchy. Just be sure it feels intentional and complementary to the space,' Shea adds.

So, how can I introduce this secondary wood? I'm not looking to make any major changes to the bones of my space, so I'm focusing on decor and kitchenware. This is a great approach if you're not totally confident with mixing wood tones yet – the lack of permanency means you can experiment and see what you like.

My favorite wooden kitchen accessories and decor

Taking inspiration from Shea's designs, I want to add some darker open shelves as well as some elevated kitchenware that doubles as decor. I'm thinking of cutting boards, a fruit bowl, and even storage canisters that feel a bit more luxurious. Here are a few pieces worth considering.

Following Shea's method for mixing wood tones in a kitchen has made re-accessorizing my space so much easier. A few dark wood decor pieces have given my kitchen a new lease of life and prove just how timeless this natural material can be.