The One Ingredient That Will Transform Your Kitchen or Bath
See how different applications of wood warm up these spaces
One of my favorite design decisions is that the island and refrigerator surround have been wrapped in rich, amber-colored wood to bring some warmth to the blue cabinets and slate-colored floor tile.
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Wood wall niche. Sometimes while cooking, you have a few minutes while you’re waiting around for something. I love the idea of having a comfortable spot close by to get off your feet for a moment. And this wall niche smack dab in a Minnesota kitchen by Laura Bischoff of Metropolis Design Group seems like the perfect solution. Wrapping the area in wood brought some additional coziness to the niche and the mostly white kitchen.
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Wood floor and furnishings. Weaving in wood accents is a relatively quick and easy way to add warmth to an already established kitchen, such as a rental unit in which you’re not allowed to extensively remodel. That was the case in this Oakland, California, studio loft. To warm up the stainless steel appliances, black cabinetry and concrete ceiling, the homeowner introduced a rich wood dining table, wood stools and a wood shelf unit to join the honey-colored wood flooring.
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Similarly, in this London project by Jo Townshend Architects, the light wood floor, stools and dining table take some of the coldness out of the gray laminate cabinets, blue backsplash and granite countertop.
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Wood countertop. For an even subtler but still effective approach, take a cue from this light and airy Kansas City, Missouri, kitchen. Blond birch butcher block countertops soften the crisp white cabinets and subway tile.
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Wood all over. OK, moderation is sometimes overrated. That’s especially true when it comes to a gorgeous selection of wood like that in this Australian kitchen. The all-over approach establishes a light, soothing backdrop for more sumptuous materials, like the dark, graphic backsplash tile, charcoal-colored Caesarstone countertops and glossy jet-black cabinetry by SpaceCraft Joinery.
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Bathroom
Wood storage components. Wood can bring warmth to bathrooms as well. In this design by Susan Ozipko, I love the decision to use wood just on the storage components. Hard surfaces and materials cover almost every inch of the rest of the space, yet the large blocks of flat-paneled maple cabinetry calm the eye.
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Wood storage components. Wood can bring warmth to bathrooms as well. In this design by Susan Ozipko, I love the decision to use wood just on the storage components. Hard surfaces and materials cover almost every inch of the rest of the space, yet the large blocks of flat-paneled maple cabinetry calm the eye.
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Subtle wood accent. Entering this New York bathroom, part of a project by Andrew Mikhael, you will see nothing but white Corian countertops and waterfall edge and swaths of blue square tile. Yet if you use the shower or toilet, you’ll get a glimpse of a section of walnut on the vanity, creating a brief moment of visual warmth.
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Why Wood Works in the Bath
4 Dreamy White-and-Wood Kitchens to Learn From
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See more of this home
More on Houzz
Why Wood Works in the Bath
4 Dreamy White-and-Wood Kitchens to Learn From
Find kitchen and bathroom remodelers
Generous wood detailing. You won’t believe this kitchen transformation by Kristina Crestin Design and Covenant when you see it.