As a celebrity style editor, I often see common design threads emerge in the homes we write about – and the wooden kitchen is among the most reoccurring. Over the last year, I've seen countless celebrities embrace this material in their own way – with many opting for cabinet finishes. However, in the case of Jimmy Fallon, he allows his island to stay natural.
At a glance, The Tonight Show host's kitchen doesn't seem overly pared-back. He's painted his cabinets a dusty red-brown hue, while his walls are a classic, bright white. Most crucially, though, his wooden kitchen island remains unpainted.
In choosing to keep his island natural, Fallon juxtaposes against the otherwise colorful, modern elements around his kitchen. In many ways, this is as powerful as an all-wooden kitchen. Despite not having wooden kitchen cabinets, the kitchen feels simultaneously rustic and grounding – and the lack of unpainted wood elsewhere allows the island to stand out the most.
Whether you follow Fallon's example and incorporate wood through your island exclusively, designers reassure you that this look has a longevity that will outlive its 'kitchen trend' label.
'Bringing nature indoors, kitchens with wood and organic elements appeal through textures and grains. Warmth and character radiate from these spaces,' comments New York-based designer (and founder of Arsight Studio) Artem Kropovinsky. 'The long life and simple care of this kitchen will make it feel forever new and keep it inviting.'
If you choose to combine varying tones and textures, as Fallon demonstrates, Kropovinsky suggests pairing your wood with other natural materials like stone or metal. Plus, it's important to consider our kitchen lighting. Fallon has chosen a statement hanging pendant – pefect for zoning and task lighting (while looking ultra stylish in the process).
'Lighting accentuates the wood's charm. Daylight enhances warmth, while artificial illumination highlights depth and texture,' Kropovinsky says. Lastly, the designer recommends spending time planning the seemingly minor details. He suggests choosing incorporating natural planets (such as this wicker piece from Wayfair) and wooden-finished utensils, much like this knife set from Amazon.
The perfect accompaniment to a natural wooden kitchen, this planter is the perfect base for any indoor tree. We love how the mixed materials make this basket highly visually engaging – and, like the wood, is utterly timeless.
Made from premium Fraxinus wood, the ergonomic handle is natural, comfortable, lightweight, and does not slide easily, making it feel great to hold in the hand. This set looks perfect on a wooden island or alongside unpainted cabinets.
This scalloped, footed pot has a perfect mix of round and curved details. It offers another way to follow Kropovinsky's advice, bringing some more natural texture alongside your wooden kitchen island or cabinets.
Plus, Kropovinsky is not alone in her observations. Paul Kropp, the co-founder at Bakes & Kropp, emphasizes the desire for this growing kitchen trend.
'We’re seeing a big shift toward natural wood finishes,' he says. 'Rich walnuts and oaks add a nice layer of warmth that more homeowners are looking for.' For a modern look, he suggests contrasting natural wood against more refined materials – striking a balance 'that feels contemporary and timeless.'
