Table of Contents
Wood is an excellent element to add to any interior space. Adding wood kitchen accents creates warmth, natural beauty, and comfort, which is why wood is very popular to incorporate into home spaces. Wood can be used in any home’s style, including rustic, modern, and even vintage.
One idea for your home is to install reclaimed high ceilings to add uniqueness and create a more intimate atmosphere. You can also stack up birchwood logs into a decorative fireplace to make your home feel like a rustic getaway. Wood light fixtures are the perfect cherry on top of wood accents in your home.
The wood is more sustainable, offers an organic look, and can be incorporated into most areas. Let's dive into what wood accents you can incorporate into your home this spring.
Credit: Photo By Barrow Builders Group
Cabinetry markets used to go to great lengths to conceal the wood grain and worked towards making every single cabinet and kitchen piece uniform. The reclaimed wood trend began around ten years ago and is now a staple in interiors worldwide. It has opened the door to mixing textures, colors, and wood grain finishes to create a unique space. We have collected our favorite photos of wood kitchen accents and compiled our very own products to complete your dream look.
1. Warmth is Everything
Wood surfaces make it easy to add softness and warmth to any space. Taking this extra step adds a statement piece that is also functional! When you add a wooden accent chair or side table, the entire mood of your room will shift. This hint of wood will add the warmth you are looking for.
Credit: Photo By Bordware
Want something bolder? One option is to resurface your kitchen island. You can resurface your countertops with butcher block to add immense warmth to your home. This will add a rustic modern aesthetic and will draw the eyes of your guests.
Moe's Home Collection Ventana Counter Stool Natural
$575.10
The Ventana counter stool flaunts sweet juxtaposition with its simple, sturdy construction, contemporary woven paper fiber seat, and convenient wrap around footrest.… Read More
The Ventana counter stool flaunts a sweet juxtaposition with its simple, sturdy construction, contemporary woven paper fiber seat, and convenient wrap-around footrest.
2. Make a Statement
When you layer many different wood surfaces in your kitchen, you can create a dynamic and eye-catching space. For example, let's say your kitchen is bright with natural light and grey tones. Although this creates a very sleek look, it can be overpowering. Instead, consider adding a bold contrast with wood on the countertops and incorporating a darker wood with your bar stools.
This is an example of a gorgeous bar cart with an iron metal frame and a wood cabinet, perfect for your DIY bar. Inside the wooden cabinet, there is a wine rack that can hold five bottles. On top of the bar, there is a glass mirror surface to keep your barware.
The ZLINE KBUF wall mount wooden range hood is designed to be both elegant and powerful, featuring the industry's only lifetime warranty motor. In addition, the beautiful unfinished light wood and stainless steel inner frame make it durable and long-lasting. This durable construction and ZLINE's lifetime warranty motor - a ZLINE exclusive - guarantees a range hood that will add a wood kitchen accent for a lifetime.
ZLINE Ducted Unfinished Wooden Wall Mount Range Hood (KBUF)
$872.99
$969.99
The ZLINE KBUF is a Designer Series Wooden Wall Mount Range Hood with a modern design and built-to-last quality that would make it a great addition to any home or kitchen remodel. The unfinished wood is made from solid pine… Read More
3. Frame Your Space
Wood beams will draw the eyes up and add a unique style to highlight the architectural details of the space. The ceiling of your home is usually a blank canvas and one that is too often neglected. Beams, whether structural or purely decorative, can instantly add visual interest. Reclaimed wood planks will create a rustic ambiance, while white-washed panels enhance the coastal appeal. Everything ties together when you add wood floors and counters that mirror the ceiling.
Credit: Grand Traditional Homes
Credit: Cocokelly
4. Widen Your Space
Anytime you add a wide array of one color or texture, it draws the eye along and makes your space look larger. The same happens when adding natural wood to your kitchen cabinets. Lighter wood finishes with bright and airy wall paint or backsplash will expand the perceived space and make your kitchen more inviting.
Credit: Spacecrafting / Architectural Photography
Experience Attainable Luxury with premium eco-friendly washing features and a modern, integrated, complete control design in the ZLINE Dishwasher with a Traditional Style Handle. Designed to optimize performance every use, this dishwasher features industry-leading ZLINE Multiple Filter System technology.
ZLINE 18 in. Tallac Series 3rd Rack Top Control Built-In Dishwasher in Unfinished Wood and Traditional Handle, 51dBa (DWV-UF-18)
$1,214.99
$1,349.99
Luxury isn’t meant to be desired - it’s meant to be attainable. The ZLINE 18 in. Tallac Series 3rd Rack Top Control Dishwasher in Unfinished Wood and Traditonal Handle, 51dBa (DWV-UF-18) features 8 unique wash cycles and a multiple filter… Read More
5. Wooden Decor
The easiest way to add wood accents to your kitchen without breaking the bank is to add decor and accessories. Adding wooden placemats, bowls, and cutting boards will create a space that will feel more homey and cozy. A range hood can be a great statement piece. You can create your own with refurbished or new wood. When you add a wooden range hood, you can change the entire look of your kitchen from bland to Pinterest-worthy.
Even in contemporary-style kitchens where grey is becoming the new white, mirrors are still the perfect functional accessory.
Kalalou 63 in. Wood Framed Floor Mirror
$437.75
This floor mirror works great in bedrooms, studios, and other spacious rooms. Check yourself out in this wood-framed mirror that props in the back. This wide mirror with a simple wood frame is an excellent addition to your home or… Read More
Danya B 24 in. Rustic Wood-Framed Wall Mount Vanity Mirror with Shelf and Iron Hardware (FHB5388)
$87.99
Style and purpose converge in the Danya B 24-inch Rustic/Industrial Wood-Framed Wall Mount Barn Door Vanity Mirror with Shelf and Iron Hardware. Crafted in true rustic fashion, this charming vanity mirror and shelf feature a gorgeous wooden frame made from… Read More
With all the new and beautiful ways wood with texture and grain can make your kitchen more inviting and exciting, there is one last question. Which one will you choose?
If you need any assistance or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
FAQs
Why are wood accents so popular in kitchen design?
Wood adds warmth, texture, and natural character that many modern kitchens lack. Unlike synthetic finishes, wood introduces organic variation through grain and tone, making spaces feel more inviting, comfortable, and lived-in. It also works across multiple styles, from rustic and farmhouse to modern and transitional.
Can wood accents work in modern or contemporary kitchens?
Yes. Wood accents are especially effective in modern kitchens because they soften clean lines and cooler color palettes. When paired with materials like stainless steel, stone, or concrete, wood creates contrast that prevents a space from feeling sterile while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.
What are the easiest ways to add wood accents without remodeling?
Decor and accessories are the simplest entry point. Cutting boards, bowls, stools, mirrors, and small furniture pieces introduce wood tones without permanent changes. These elements allow you to experiment with texture and color before committing to larger design updates.
How do wood accents affect the mood of a kitchen?
Wood immediately makes a kitchen feel warmer and more welcoming. Even small touches can shift the atmosphere from sleek and utilitarian to cozy and comfortable. Larger applications, such as islands or range hoods, can dramatically change the emotional tone of the space.
Are reclaimed wood accents better than new wood?
Reclaimed wood offers a unique, time-worn appearance that adds character and history to a kitchen. Its imperfections and varied grain create visual interest that new, uniform wood cannot replicate. That said, new wood can still achieve a beautiful effect, especially when left unfinished or lightly treated to highlight natural grain.
How can wood be used as a statement piece in the kitchen?
Wood works well as a focal point when used intentionally. Examples include resurfacing a kitchen island with butcher block, installing a wooden range hood, or adding exposed ceiling beams. These larger applications anchor the design and guide the overall style of the space.
Do wood accents make a kitchen feel smaller or larger?
When used correctly, wood can make a kitchen feel larger. Light wood finishes paired with bright walls and reflective surfaces draw the eye across the space, enhancing openness. Continuous wood elements, such as cabinetry or beams, also help visually widen the room.
Are wood range hoods purely decorative or functional?
Wood range hoods combine form and function. While they provide strong visual impact, they are built around durable internal frames and ventilation systems. This allows them to act as both a design centerpiece and a fully functional appliance component.
How do ceiling beams change the look of a kitchen?
Ceiling beams draw the eye upward, emphasizing height and architectural detail. They add dimension to what is often an overlooked surface and help tie together other wood elements like floors, cabinetry, and countertops for a cohesive design.
Is wood a sustainable choice for kitchen accents?
Wood is one of the more sustainable design materials, especially when reclaimed or responsibly sourced. It is durable, long-lasting, and biodegradable, making it an environmentally conscious option compared to many synthetic alternatives.
Can wood accents be mixed with different wood tones?
Yes. Mixing wood tones adds depth and visual interest when done thoughtfully. The key is balance. Pair lighter and darker woods intentionally and repeat tones throughout the space so the design feels layered rather than mismatched.
What is the most impactful wood accent for a kitchen makeover?
A wood range hood or kitchen island surface typically delivers the most visual impact. These elements are large, centrally located, and immediately noticeable, making them ideal starting points for transforming the overall look of the kitchen.
Are wood accents easy to maintain in a kitchen?
Most wood accents are easy to maintain with proper sealing and routine cleaning. Decorative items require minimal care, while functional surfaces like countertops benefit from periodic oiling or sealing to preserve their appearance and durability.
Why choose wood accents over other materials?
Wood offers a balance of beauty, versatility, and warmth that few materials can match. It adapts to changing trends, complements a wide range of finishes, and creates a timeless foundation that allows your kitchen design to evolve over time.
