Wood is one of the most timeless materials you can bring into your kitchen – and we're not just talking about decorative items. Cabinetry, flooring, and furniture made from this natural wood add warmth and character to a scheme and offer a truly timeless design.
As wooden kitchens continue to enjoy a well-deserved revival, trending designs have one thing in common – they all feature lighter wood tones. And while they are a beautiful choice, there's something to be said about dark wood kitchens.
Richer, moodier, and still utterly timeless, we're shining the spotlight on these deeper-toned spaces. Here are our favorite dark wood kitchen ideas that prove that richer tones of this organic material can be just as striking as lighter variations.
5 dark wood kitchen ideas we love
Moody tones continue to dominate kitchen color trends, and dark wood kitchens feel like a natural continuation of these deeper hues. Offering a balance of bold design and natural materials, there are so many ways to design a beautiful scheme with darker tones. Here are a few of our favorite examples.
1. Pair white and dark wood for a timeless design
Introducing a full dark wood kitchen isn't to everyone's taste, but there are some timeless ways to balance light and dark. Pairing white with darker wood tones is an easy way to create a chic, elevated kitchen.
This space by deVOL is a perfect example. Dark wood cabinetry has been paired with warm white walls and a classic range cooker. The result is a space that feels classic, contrasting, and is an utterly enduring design.
2. Embrace the moodiness of dark wood
There's something truly beautiful about a kitchen that embraces the darker hues of wood. In this design, walnut cabinets have been complemented by even darker upper cabinets for a statement look.
'This kitchen is the epitome of elegance, featuring bespoke walnut cabinets that showcase the beauty of wood, while the handles blend seamlessly into the design,' says Chris Spink, founder of Hush Kitchens.
What truly takes this dark wood kitchen to the next level is the statement stone. 'The stunning Patagonia Brazilian granite used for the kitchen island and slab backsplash adds a luxurious aesthetic.'
3. Lift dark wood cabinets with white countertops
Any kitchen with a large expanse of dark wood cabinetry can feel quite bold and sometimes imposing, so introducing lighter kitchen countertops will instantly lift the scheme. This kitchen is a perfect example.
'We paired walnut fronts with a white countertop to create a clean but warm Scandinavian feel. The rich walnut adds a layer of luxury and complements the simplicity of the design, balancing modern and timeless elements in the space,' says Fiona Ginnett, co-founder at HØLTE.
4. Or go tonal with a darker stone
While many people tend to favor a lighter countertop – with marble coming out on top – with dark wood cabinetry, there's no reason you can't embrace something more tonal.
Black kitchen countertops have grown in popularity, and in this kitchen, they create a real sense of cohesion throughout the scheme. The addition of a gold faucet adds a luxurious finish, adding a touch of elegance to the space.
5. Break up dark wood cabinets with reeded glass
Introducing glass-fronted kitchen cabinets in a dark wood scheme can add relief to a long run of cabinets. In this kitchen, reeded glass adds a wonderful texture.
'This open-plan kitchen uses fumed oak cabinetry to create a striking focal point. The dark wood adds depth, while the reeded glass elements lighten the space and provide texture,' explains Fiona.
'We maximised storage with bespoke cabinetry, and the curved European oak bookshelves soften the look, balancing out the darker tones with a warmer wood,' she adds.
These kitchens prove that dark wood designs are the gateway to a striking yet utterly elegant scheme. They pair beautifully with so many colors and materials – you can really personalize your design to suit your style and space. We're certainly convinced!
