Kitchens with a mix of stainless steel and natural wood cabinets can create a modern yet warm aesthetic. Combining the sleek look of stainless steel with the natural beauty of wood adds visual interest and depth to your kitchen design. With some planning and care, you can successfully integrate these two materials into a cohesive style.
Choose Complementary Finishes
When mixing stainless steel and wood cabinets, pay close attention to the finishes. A brushed stainless finish will pair nicely with the grain of natural wood. Avoid highly polished or mirrored stainless finishes, as these can look too cold against warm wood tones.
For wood cabinets, medium wood tones like maple or oak work well. Dark espresso cabinets can be too heavy alongside stainless. Light whitewashed wood also contrasts too starkly. Aim for wood cabinets in a neutral to medium-brown stain or paint shade. Distressed, rubbed, or wire-brushed finishes add texture and interest.
Use Color and Texture to Unify
Using color and texture effectively can create visual unity between the stainless steel and wood elements. For example, choose wood cabinets in tones echoing the silver of the stainless. Or select a warm paint color for the walls that complements both materials.
Echo the textures of wood grain in stainless steel finishes too. Brushed and satin nickel finishes have stripe-like graining that can mirror patterns in the wood itself. Matte finishes on appliances can reference the look of natural wood as well.
Zone Areas Thoughtfully
Thoughtfully zoning areas of the kitchen for either stainless steel or wood elements creates balance. For example, you may opt for stainless steel appliances and a sink, alongside mostly all-wood cabinetry. Or use wood on the lower cabinets and stainless uppers.
You can also zone by function – use wood for pantry cabinets and stainless for appliance garages. Breaking up the kitchen into dedicated areas for each material prevents them from competing. It allows each finish to stand out.
Use Neutrals Throughout
Incorporating plenty of neutrals helps unite stainless and wood. Keep the kitchen backsplash and countertops in neutral hues like white, gray, or light natural stone. Use neutral paint on the walls in matte finishes to temper reflections.
Neutral textures are key as well. For example, combine sleek stainless appliances with cool white quartz countertops and light natural wood cabinetry. The neutrals allow each finish to complement the other.
Highlight Unique Details
Focus on highlighting the unique details of each material. For wood, that may mean showing off dovetail joinery, open shelving with rounded edges, or textured grain patterns.
For stainless, accentuate modern features like industrial rivets, professional-style handles, or commercial-looking vents. Avoid covering up these signature characteristics with design elements that mask the inherent beauty of the materials.
Balance Shiny and Matte Finishes
Use balance to mix stainless and wood successfully – combine glossy and matte finishes throughout the space. Stainless steel lends a very shiny look. Wood cabinets are more matte and subdued.
Temper the shine with matte textures like quartz countertops, dull nickel hardware, and painted wood or tile backsplashes. Prevent too stark a contrast with some matte finishes on the stainless appliances too.
Layer Lighting Sources
Thoughtfully layered lighting creates a cohesive look. Use pendant lights over islands or prep areas to spotlight the stainless steel. Under-cabinet lights show off beautiful wood grain.
Recessed ceiling cans wash the whole space in soft background light. Fixtures in finishes like brushed nickel complement both materials. Dim lighting for ambiance at night.
Consider Open Shelving
Open shelving is an on-trend way to mix wood and stainless steel seamlessly. The eye naturally combines the materials since they are not separated into upper and lower cabinet zones.
Shelving shows off beautiful wood tones while the stainless steel stove hood and appliances still stand out. Just be sure to keep the wood tones light enough so they don’t compete with the stainless finishes.
Start with a Unifying Floor
Today’s porcelain and ceramic tiles mimic natural stone with remarkable realism. Choose a modern tile with subtle grey veining or tone variations to unify the whole space. This will beautifully complement both the warm wood cabinets and sleek stainless accents throughout the kitchen.
How to Mix Stainless Steel and Natural Wood Successfully
Approaching your kitchen design with a few key tips in mind will set you up for success:
- Complementary Finishes – Match brushed stainless with neutral wood grains. Avoid highly polished finishes.
- Thoughtful Zoning – Dedicate areas for wood or stainless to create balance.
- Neutral Backdrops – Use neutral countertops, walls, and backsplashes to unify the look.
- Unique Details – Highlight the inherent beauty of each material’s details.
- Balance of Textures – Mix glossy and matte finishes throughout the space.
- Layered Lighting – Use lighting to spotlight each material effectively.
- Open Shelving – Blended materials work well in open shelving.
- Unifying Flooring – Start with a versatile porcelain or ceramic tile flooring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should all the wood cabinets match the same finish?
It’s recommended to use the same species, stain, and style of wood cabinets throughout for a cohesive look. Subtle variations in wood grain will still create natural interest.
What about hardware finishes?
Opt for brushed nickel or steel hardware to complement the mix of materials well. Avoid very ornate hardware that would compete.
Can I use stainless steel appliances with oak cabinets?
Yes, stainless pairs well with oak’s neutral brown tones. Just avoid very orange-hued oak cabinets, which may clash instead of complement.
What about mixing metal finishes, like nickel and brass?
It’s best to stick with one dominant metal finish like brushed nickel when pairing with stainless steel for a unified look.
Should I install a stainless sink with wood countertops?
This can work well – just make sure the wood finish is durable and well-sealed. Add a sink mat for further protection.
Conclusion
The key to successfully integrating stainless steel and natural wood cabinets is all about balance. Use finishes thoughtfully, incorporate plenty of neutrals, zone each material purposefully, and play with lighting and textures. The result will be a kitchen that enjoys the modern appeal of stainless steel alongside the lasting warmth and beauty of natural wood grain. With mindful design choices, you can create a space both sleek and welcoming.