Warm wood, with its inviting air and natural richness, is a great choice for infusing a cool, breezy kitchen with some approachable character. Crisp white kitchens feel a little more 'homey' and a little less austere with a wood countertop. It makes a popular choice for transitional kitchens that balance traditional and contemporary elements, especially since classic wood fits into both categories.Wood counters, naturally, also work well in spaces that already feature wood cabinets — that is, if you’re a true wood lover and don’t mind it dominating the palette. Notice in several of these examples how wood only dresses the island counters.Wood in general is an excellent material to use for an accent counter (often on an island or a small 'chopping zone' in butcher block), contrasting with nearby stone or solid-surface counters in a pleasing way.Lighter woods tend to have more of a casual or rustic feel compared with darker-stained options. Light-stained or unstained woods can have a cottage-inspired feel or a Scandinavian vibe depending on whether you pair them with traditional or modern accouterments. In either case, a traditional runner rug makes an excellent complement.Darker woods come off a little more formal and polished than lighter tones. They lend a certain gravity to a space, which can work well in areas that are already bright and breezy with lots of windows.When mixing wood counters with other wood finishes, it’s often best to stick to either warm or cool tones across the board. Red-brown woods are more traditional, while ashy gray tones have been a popular modern trend in recent years. Whichever tones you prefer, they will be less likely to clash if you stick to one family or the other.Wood countertops are good for you if:
You want an accent countertop to contrast with other surfaces.
Your white cabinets need a little warming up.
You want your space to feel more approachable and intimate.
