For many years, contemporary interiors have produced sleek white and black interiors. There’s been so much focus on clean lines. But sometimes, this kind of look just feels too clean. Taken to the extreme, it can even feel stoic, sterile, and unwelcoming.
That’s why trends are gradually moving back towards more natural-looking styles. You may have seen the rise of Scandinavian and Japandi inspired homes online and magazines. Mid-century modern has also been having a moment of resurgence of late. And in these styles, the allure of wood is at the forefront.
Today, we’ll cover specifically the lighter side of wood –natural wood finishes. Wood species like white oak, pine, and cedar are but some that fall under this category.
What is a Natural Wood Finish?
When one mentions wood cabinets, one often thinks of red and gold tone pieces from the 70s and 80s –your grandparents probably had one in their home. Those types of wood finishes are unlikely to make a comeback any time soon. What you’re seeing more and more these past few years are natural wood finish cabinets.
Natural wood finishes are lighter, brighter, and look unstained. Oftentimes, they’re simply treated with a clear coat instead of the many darkening stains we’ve seen before. This finish doesn’t feel as rich, heavy, and overly formal as the golden oaks, cherry maples, and espresso finishes of the past.
Are Natural Wood Cabinets in Style?
As we mentioned, natural wood finishes feel lighter, airy, and more welcoming and more dated wood finishes of the past. This more relaxed vibe while still keeping the unique allure of wood is what makes this finish so popular. You’ll see it often on websites, style magazines, and even on TikTok videos!
But unlike the richer finishes of the past like golden oak and honey maple, natural finish kitchens are here to stay for a long while. Why? Its lighter tone lends itself well to a wide range of styles. Whether it’s in an ornate traditionally-styled kitchen or in a sleek Scandinavian-style one, natural finish wood cabinets can work.
Are Natural Wood Cabinets Hard to Maintain?
Not at all! A natural wood finish is not any harder to maintain than other wood stains or varnished finishes. Just follow some basic guidelines such as only using soft cleaning cloths and never using any harsh chemicals. Dust surfaces regularly, and remember to stay on top of any spills.
Compared to painted finishes, a natural wood finish is actually easier to maintain in some ways. Any chips, dings, and minor scratches are much less noticeable on wood as it will blend in with the natural grain to a certain degree. The oil that’s used to treat wood won’t flake and crack, unlike paint. In general, a natural wood finish would last twice as long as a painted finish. An added bonus is that a wood finish ages more gracefully than a painted one!
Natural Finish White Oak Cabinets, Doors, and Wood Paneling by Wood & Co.
How do I Match and Style Natural Wood Cabinets?
So far so good, and you’ve almost made the decision to go for this beautiful cabinet finish for your home. But wait, now you’re left wondering: what goes with natural wood cabinets?
Walls
Broadly speaking, there are two ways to go about choosing a wall finish to go with your wood cabinets. You either complement or contrast. A light color would complement your natural wood. Choose white if you want to go bright, but a nice cozy beige is also a popular choice. If you’re looking to add moodiness into your space, then darker colors are your best choice.
Of course, you don’t have to limit yourself to painting your walls a certain color. You can treat your wall with custom wood panels or clad it with stone. By doubling down on your natural wood finish through additional wainscotting and panels in the same wood, you can create a rustic atmosphere in your home.
Flooring
Flooring is another major aspect we have to consider in a space. It’s the base your cabinets sit upon, afterall. Hardwood flooring is a favorite of many homeowners, but some worry about the difficulty about perfectly matching the floors and cabinets. We’re here to tell you that that’s not actually a hard and fast rule. If going for a similarly light wood flooring, just pay attention to the overall color tones and have them match. If your cabinets have a yellowish undertone, don’t go for hardwood floors with a reddish one. On the other hand, you can go the opposite route and lean in on the contrast with a dark wood species. Walnut or wenge floors are perfect for these, and can really make your cabinets the focal point of your space.
Tiles are another great option for flooring. White tiles are always a safe bet. Go for a marble or marble-like pattern to add a touch of elegance to your space. Beige is another good choice, especially one with a similar tone as your wood cabinets. These work especially well with traditional to transitional styles. Lastly, if you want something more modern, why not give gray tiles a try? They offer great contrast against lighter walls and cabinets while giving your space a slightly moody vibe.
Countertops
The two most common areas people install cabinetry are the kitchen and bathroom. Because of this, countertops definitely deserve their own section in this guide. The safest bet for countertops, regardless of finish, is undoubtedly white. Solid white will always match, but it can look a bit too sterile and plain for some. Stone countertops such as marble and granite have natural textures and patterns that can add some much desired interest.
Black and grays, like gray soapstone, are also great options to pair with your light natural finish cabinetry. You’ll go this route when you want a stronger contrast and bolder lines. This works especially well if your space has a more sleek and contemporary look.
Regardless of which color stone you ultimately choose, it’s important to pay attention to the visual texture of the stone. Pairing cabinets with plenty of visible grain such as quarter-sawn maple with a busy-looking stone countertop can make your space look cluttered. The two strong textures together are going to clash. If you have grainy cabinets, opt for a simpler countertop. Conversely, if your cabinets are mostly uniform straight grains, you can afford to go with a more patterned countertop. Remember, the key here is balance!
Next Steps Toward Natural Finish Cabinets
Hopefully after reading this article, you have a better idea whether natural wood finish cabinets are the right choice for you. What we put in our homes is a very personal choice, dependent on our tastes, inclinations, and situations. Natural wood finish cabinets are a beautiful option, but it’s up to you to decide.
On that front, a surefire way to help you make the right decision is by consulting with a professional. Wood & Co. has the knowledge and experience working with various wood species and finishes. If you’re not sure if a natural finish works for you, then we can help! Get in touch with us, and let’s work together to bring your dream home into reality.
Cerusing is a wood finishing technique that emphasizes the natural character of grain in wood. This is also called a “limed finish” because of the white liming wax or diluted paint used in modern cerusing techniques. A cerused wood finish mutes the original color of the wood and greatly emphasizes the wood’s natural grain and texture. It’s used in a variety of applications such as furniture, chests, cabinets, cabinetry, and even light fixtures.