Kitchen & Bathroom Design Blog

Here is a new blog post from a guest author contributing to
Lang’s Kitchen & Bath’s website.  We hope you find this topic helpful!

White cabinets and metal countertops might be everywhere these days, but those ultra-modern features can make a kitchen feel cold. Something seems to be missing—but what?

Texture. For a communal place like the kitchen, you may want to create an atmosphere of comfort, style, and class. A gray and metal aesthetic can’t necessarily pull that off on its own.

Try decorating with wood pieces to add more dimension to your kitchen. Breathe some character into your home by incorporating this material in unique ways. A touch of wood adds rustic charm, warmth, and beauty to any cooking space.

But how can you use wood tastefully and successfully? Try out these 5 designs, which can take your kitchen from cold and bland to as warm as a hearth!

Wall Panels

When featured on your wall, wood will make for an eye-catching characteristic. Its intricate grain, texture, and coloring will be on full display. Wood wall panels break up a plain wall and add artistic flair.

Use reclaimed barn beams on an accent wall for a stand-out design. This is a great way to create a cottage-core or country house aesthetic.

Floating Shelves

This modern storage system attaches directly to the wall without any other supports. Floating shelves solve two problems at once: they add more dimension to your home and give you more storage space (without requiring you to purchase a new cupboard).

Consider using exotic woods like Purpleheart, Padauk, or Cocobolo to make your shelves truly unique. They may carry a hefty price tag, but they’ll look stunning in any kitchen.

Once your shelves are installed, use them to store items that you access frequently, like spices and/or dishes.

New Flooring

It’s tough to beat the comfort that a grooved wooden floor offers, especially on your bare feet! Choose polished floorboards for a clean, modern aesthetic, or leave them unfinished for a more rustic look.

Even though this feature is expensive to install, it pays off—hardwood floors can increase the value of your home by 3-5%.

When wood is featured prominently in your kitchen, you may want to paint the walls and cabinets to match. Keep your home trendy by following 2021 painting color trends, and consider colors like Sunny Yellow, Deep Teal, or Soft Sienna.

Cabinets

All around your kitchen, cabinets take up space below and above the counter. You might be tired of their plain white color—it’s time to replace them with something more exciting!

Create dramatic contrast by using various types of wood. Choose a light Birch veneer for the top cabinets, and add a dark Oak on the lower drawers.

You may consider repurposing old siding by using it as a veneer for your cabinets. The beautiful thing about wood is that you can stain it to the shade you desire. This allows you to adjust the color as needed. Add a finish to make it glossy, or distress it for a unique look.

Furniture & More

The decorative pieces you use around your kitchen are the perfect opportunity for incorporating some wood. You can display a set of wooden bowls and cooking utensils on your counters, which contrast beautifully with granite and stainless steel.

Add a couple of wooden barstools near your kitchen counter to encourage a more communal space. Lean a wooden cutting board against the backsplash, place a wooden vase in the center of the counter, or add a wooden knife block. When you coordinate these features, they can really tie a theme together.

Taking Care of Wood

After you shop for wood pieces and features, you’ll probably realize one thing: it isn’t inexpensive! Once you’ve spruced up your kitchen with new decorations, you’ll need to care for them properly so they’ll last as long as possible.

There are some cleaning products that you should never use on wood floors or other items made of wood. Doing so can cause extensive damage. Use a damp (but not wet) cloth or mop, and utilize cleaning agents that are specifically designed for wood.

Without any wood features, your kitchen might feel a tad one-dimensional—for such an important room in your home, that’s not a look you want!

It’s hard to go wrong with a high-quality slab of wood in any setting. You can use this material to create an atmosphere that’s rustic, homey, or modern—it all depends on where you use it, and how prominently it’s featured.

Try the above decorating tips to transform your kitchen into the cooking space of your dreams.