Cooking might be a passion, but interior design is Magnolia magnate Joanna Gaines’s true calling, which is clear from her famous on-set kitchen, used to film Magnolia Table. The Gristmill, where the show is filmed, and constructed in the late 1800s, is this old piece of history.
Aligning with a wider shift in interiors to nature-inspired design, the bare stone walls, and raw, unpainted kitchen cabinets, give this space a rustic feel that still is unlike anything we've seen on television cooking shows before.
In a conversation with Architectural Digest, Joanna Gaines spoke about wanting to craft a completely authentic space that pays homage to its original beauty. 'The beams were painted, and sanded down so you could see the raw wood,' she says. 'I wanted it to feel textural, simple, and clean.'
The balance of old and new is captivating, but it is the raw kitchen cabinet idea that is the real standout star. Future kitchens are about dispelling any notions of a decorative show home, and introducing some modern rustic features into a kitchen will instantly look and feel warm, and lived-in. Yes – unfinished, unpainted cabinetry is a kitchen style we predict will once again top kitchen trends in 2025.
Unpainted cabinets may have fallen out of favor in recent years, yet they can bring warmth and character to a space that may otherwise feel cold and clinical. However, take care not to overwhelm the space with wood finishes – consider adding painted elements, and contrast tones and textures to prevent the space from looking homogenized, as in this design by Joanna Gaines.
‘Consider ways to bring interest to the kitchen with lighting, knobs and countertops. This way you will still have some personality in your space but keep true to the core of the Shaker aesthetic of clean lines and flat surfaces,’ says Georgia Zikas, founder of Georgia Zikas Design.
Cameron Shepherd and Jill Norman, co-founders and principal designers at Studio Mesa share our undying adoration for this aesthetic.
'We love that the tide is shifting toward natural wood cabinets in both new and old kitchens. There are so many opportunities to lean into the inherent beauty of wood.'
There is no standard template for a traditional kitchen, similar to Gristmill, simply it must be warm, welcoming, and filled with heritage-inspired elements. Get the look by embracing softly-grained wood kitchen cabinets, or even oak cabinet kitchen ideas.
Each year there is a new ‘must-have’ paint shade for cabinetry, but well-made wooden cabinetry with beautiful graining and depth is an excellent way to achieve a timeless look. For example, this unfinished timber design has a rich aesthetic quality that is believed to be good for our well-being.
The use of natural materials has increased considerably since the recent pandemic and will strengthen in appeal as unpainted wood becomes a firm fixture in our modern kitchens. Not only do they have cozy-like qualities, but they are increasingly being recognized for their health benefits (reducing the amount of chemically treated items in the home).
Shop the rustic kitchen edit
Serve up delicacies in style with this Scalloped-Edge Stoneware Serving Bowl from Joanna Gaines's Hearth & Hand collection at Target. The pretty scalloped detailing is what sold me to this piece. It is a popular trend that shows no sign of abating, and rightly so. It is guaranteed to add a demure, cutesy aesthetic to a modern rustic kitchen. plus, it can be put into a dishwasher or a microwave for convenient cleaning and reheating.
With a unique and rustic design, the Malco Cruets by interior designer Shea McGee are a must-have for any home. Made of clay with a natural glaze, this wonderful textural design will bring a practical and welcoming detail to your kitchen countertops.
Add a modern rustic style to your serveware collection with this Natural Wood Paddle Serve Board. It will make a wonderful addition to your entertaining spread. This acacia wood board is perfect for serving and chopping fruit, cheese, cold-cut spreads, and more. It comes with a built-in hole on the handle for easy carrying, hanging,g and storage. Position it on a kitchen wall on full display – it is that beautiful.
