White cabinetry is a popular choice for many kitchen remodels, but stained cabinetry is a beautiful alternative. Additionally, there are plenty of benefits and options when electing to go with stained wood. Here’s a brief rundown from Normandy Designer Ashley Noethe.

“When it comes to stained cabinetry, there’s a wide range of wood species and stains, and each combination takes on its own character,” Ashley says. “A few wood types currently on trend include walnut, maple, and rift-cut white oak. Rift cut white oak is very popular right now as its porous nature can absorb various stains beautifully, from light grey to dark chocolate. Mixing light and dark stains can create a beautiful contrast and depth in your design.”

In addition to being stunning, stains have some practical benefits. One perk is that they tend to hide imperfections from normal wear and tear slightly better than their painted counterparts. “Wood is a natural material,” Ashley notes. “Depending on its environment, this means that it can be prone to scratches in high-traffic areas, or expansion in areas of high humidity such as the bathroom. Going with a stain can help mask some of that, while a painted finish will magnify these changes.”

Overall, stained cabinetry works well for any style, whether that’s contemporary or traditional. However, there are a few recommendations to ensure it works well within the space. This includes the overall style of the cabinetry and hardware. “Keeping a door style simpler will have a more timeless effect,” Ashley says. “However, while the door style is simple, you can have fun with the hardware. Consider selecting a brushed gold, matte black — or mixing metals which is a current trend we’re seeing.”

Have mixed feelings about a stain? From an aesthetic perspective, consider mixing and matching painted and stained cabinetry together.

“If you have your heart set on painted cabinets, you can mix and match color cabinetry and stained cabinetry,” Ashley says. “For instance, a painted island surrounded by stained cabinetry can really anchor a room, and vice versa. The benefit of this is that you can easily change out an island in the coming years if you want a new look.”

If you are contemplating a kitchen remodel or more sweeping changes to your home, you can set up a time with Ashley to talk about the possibilities. You can also see more photos of additions, kitchens and bathroom remodeling projects in our photo galleries. Follow Normandy Remodeling on  Instagram and Facebook for even more home tips and inspiration, or subscribe to our newsletter for periodic updates about our projects.

.