The Comeback of Wood in 2025 Kitchen Design

From opening up, mixing and matching, and embracing warm natural tones, 2025 has a lot of kitchen trends to be excited about. One of those is the re-emergence of wood in kitchen design, which is making a striking comeback.  

In 2024 we saw a shift towards sustainable materials, an increased focus on personalization, and connecting with the outdoors, so it was natural (no pun intended) that wood was celebrated for the warmth and texture it brings to modern kitchens. This resurgence is part of a broader trend embracing sustainability and organic aesthetics that we expect to continue for years.
A kitchen with rich red wood cabinets and white marble countertops.

Why Wood is Making a Comeback

The growing demand for sustainable and organic materials has propelled wood back into the spotlight. It wasn’t that long ago that homeowners and interior designers were tearing out mid-century wood and replacing it with laminate and fiberboard.

Now, we’re realizing that wood just looks better.

Wood’s timeless appeal and inviting ambiance remind us why it is a favorite choice to create cozy, welcoming kitchens. Wood's natural qualities help foster a connection with nature, making it an ideal material for homeowners looking to board the biophilic design train.

The Different Tones of Wood Elements

Natural Tones: Light, neutral hues such as maple or ash offer a clean, airy feel to kitchens. These tones pair beautifully with lighter stone countertops like white marble or quartz, enhancing the kitchen's brightness and openness. You can pair these natural tones with stainless steel appliances to create a balanced contrast against the warmth of wood. The stainless steel will also add a modern touch without overpowering the organic feel of wooden elements.

A kitchen with natural wood tones and a stainless steel range.

Rich Tones: Rich hues like cherry, mahogany, or red oak bring warmth and depth to the space. These tones create a traditional, elegant vibe and pair well with earth-toned stones like brown granite or deep-colored quartz, adding sophistication. You can pair rich-toned wood with black stainless steel for a warm and inviting feel, or panel-ready appliances to have the appliance disappear and let the wood shine.

A kitchen with cherry wood cabinets and a panel ready dishwasher.
Dark Tones: Dark woods such as walnut, ebony, or dark oak lend sophistication and luxury to kitchens. They work well in modern and industrial styles, complementing materials like steel, and concrete, or darker stones like slate or black granite. Black stainless steel offers a bold, modern aesthetic that pairs beautifully with dark wood tones, creating a rich and dramatic appearance.
A kitchen with dark wood cabinets and black stainless steel appliances.

Wood Accents in the Kitchen

Wood is being creatively used in various kitchen accents, including shelving, islands, and statement pieces. Examples include butcher blocks, floating shelves, open shelving with wooden elements, and even wood cabinet handles. Wood accents complement other materials such as metal and glass which adds a versatile touch to kitchen designs.

A kitchen with natural wood countertops and accents.

Wooden Cabinetry: A Modern Take

Wooden cabinetry is evolving with sleek, minimalistic designs in woods like walnut or oak. These cabinets pair well with contemporary design choices, including soft-close drawers, integrated handles, and panel-ready finishes. Popular wood choices include walnut, oak, maple, and even reclaimed wood for a rustic look.

A kitchen with modern wood cabinetry and natural wood floors.

Pairing Wood with Stone Countertops

Combining warm wood tones with natural stone countertops, such as granite, marble, or quartzite, creates a stunning visual contrast. This pairing enhances the beauty and functionality of a kitchen for a balanced space that will stay in style.

A luxury farmhouse-style kitchen with wood details.

Incorporating Wood in Different Kitchen Styles

Wood fits into various design styles including rustic and farmhouse and even modern minimalist and industrial kitchens. Customization options allow homeowners to tailor their kitchens to their personal tastes and preferences which is a major reason wood works so well in 2025.

A Scandinavian-style kitchen with wood cabinets and floors.
The Future of Wood in Kitchen Design
Incorporating wood into your kitchen can create a cozy, natural, and inviting atmosphere that stands the test of time. Looking ahead, wood is expected to continue influencing kitchen designs with new finishes, treatments, and design concepts that keep it fresh and relevant. Innovations will ensure wood remains a versatile and appealing material in kitchen design.

By carefully selecting appliance finishes that complement the tone and style of your wood, whether it be cabinetry, accents, backsplash, floor, or countertop, you can create a visually appealing kitchen space that feels inviting, functional, and stylish.

The resurgence of wood in 2025 kitchen design makes now the perfect time to invest in high-quality appliances with the finish to complement any design. ZLINE offers a wide range of finishes from our proprietary DuraSnow® Stainless Steel and Black Stainless to Hand-Hammered Copper and White Matte.

Explore over 1000 ZLINE Attainable Luxury® kitchen appliances today to find the perfect fit for your wood kitchen!