The “Outdated” Kitchen Cabinet Trend That’s Making a Huge Comeback in 2025
The design world has seen it all in kitchen renovations within the last decade, especially when it comes to kitchen cabinets. With a focus on classic white to bold black and airy green, you might have forgotten about traditional dark wood cabinets entirely. But are they totally out of style? While a lot of kitchens in 2024 see white- or gray-painted cabinetry, I’m here to say that dark wood cabinets still have a place in modern kitchens, at least according to two design experts I interviewed.
“While we’ve seen a lot of lighter, brighter kitchens over the past few years, dark wood has a timeless, rich quality that people are still drawn to,” says Matthew Coates, an architect at Coates Design. Because of how natural and luxurious dark wood looks in cabinetry, experts note it can be a great pick to make your kitchen feel high-end and modern at the same time.
Why Are Dark Wood Cabinets Making a Comeback?
According to the pros, dark wood cabinets aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, despite the colorful kitchen cabinet trend. If anything, they’re making a major comeback. So, if your kitchen still has dark wood, don’t worry — you’re very much “on trend,” but there is a catch to making them work for your space. “It’s all about how you use them,” Coates says. “Right now, it’s less about that heavy, traditional look, and more about incorporating dark wood in a way that feels modern and fresh.”
Carolyn Cerminara, founder and principal designer at Cerminara Design, says that highlighting the natural grain of the wood is the best way to achieve a look that’s fresh and current. “The key today is to avoid overly ornate details and let the beauty of the wood speak for itself,” she says. “To keep it fresh, I love balancing dark cabinets with lighter, brighter elements to prevent the space from feeling heavy or outdated.”
How to Make Dark Wood Cabinets Work for Your Kitchen
There are various dark wood stains you can select for your kitchen cabinets, and to make sure the shade doesn’t overwhelm your kitchen, it’s important to choose the right pairings for the rest of the room. “To make dark wood cabinets work beautifully in a kitchen, you need to balance it,” Cerminara says. “Pair it with natural elements like marble or quartzite countertops, or a light backsplash to keep the space from feeling heavy.” When it comes to hardware, Cerminara says brass or matte black hardware adds a sleek, modern touch to the cabinets that elevates the design.
If you’re worried about the dark stain overwhelming your kitchen, Coates has the perfect solution. “I love mixing dark wood with lighter materials since this contrast can give you the best of both worlds,” he says. “For instance, dark wood lower cabinets paired with lighter uppers or an island in a contrasting material can look modern and grounded without feeling too heavy.”
Not a Fan of Dark Wood Cabinets? Try This Instead
Although dark wood cabinets are back, that doesn’t mean they’re a fan favorite for everyone. While these cabinets are a return to a classic kitchen style, experts say colors are a great alternative for those who are falling out of love with the traditional style. “Homeowners are gravitating toward more earthy, organic vibes, which are softer and feel more relaxed compared to the formality that dark wood can bring,” Coates says. “We’re seeing a lot more light oak, bleached wood, or painted cabinetry in soft whites, greens, and grays. But again, it’s all about personal taste — dark wood can still look stunning when done right.”
If you do like the look of the wood grain shining through but want a lighter style, Cerminara says there are still plenty of options to make it work. “Light woods like oak and maple, especially with natural or bleached finishes, are really popular right now. I’m also seeing a lot of homeowners embrace deeper colors, navy, sage green, or rich blues, which bring a contemporary twist without being too bold.” Only time will tell what kitchen design trends 2025 will bring.
This post originally appeared on The Kitchn. See it there: The “Outdated” Kitchen Cabinet Trend That’s Making a Huge Comeback in 2025
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