Wood is one of the most versatile materials in interior design. Depending on the wood type or stain, it goes well with just about every aesthetic, material, and color and has a place and function in any room. In domestic kitchens, wood is a popular choice for cabinetry thanks to its durability as well as the cozy feel it brings to such a busy, often family-oriented area.

Its connection to the surrounding natural world makes wooden furniture the warm trend that will never go out of style. Still, for all its timelessness, an all-wood design, particularly in your kitchen cabinetry, can feel monotonous and outdated (we’re looking at you honey oak kitchens from the 1990s). A great way to elevate this classic material and bring personality to your kitchen is to break up the natural wood look by pairing it with either painted cabinets or glass doors on the cabinets. 

Combining wood stained cabinets with painted cabinets is a simple, understated way to freshen up the look of a kitchen and add instant visual interest. You can use this duality to differentiate between areas in the room, like cooking and baking versus eating and storage areas or upper versus lower cabinets. Another great option is to decorate a kitchen island with vibrant colors to create a focal point. Additionally, if you have an open layout, painted cabinets can be a fun way to coordinate with living room furniture and decor. However, there are a number of rules to achieve cohesion when pairing stained wood and painted cabinets. 

Decide whether you want to make the wood the star or simply another very competent and stylish supporting actor. If you want to bring attention to it, you should opt for painted cabinets in a contrasting color. In that case, dark wood stains like walnut or mahogany should be paired with light neutral colors (think creams and off-whites). Lighter wood stains like maple and bamboo call for a deeper shade like dark gray or green. If your goal is harmony and subtlety, though, choose colors that complement your wood — light goes with light and dark goes with dark. After all, there’s something incredibly chic about a dark wood and black paint combo. 

Installing glass doors can be the simple swap you need to upgrade wood cabinets without using paint, especially if you’re married to the idea of a one-tone, all-wood kitchen. Not only does glass bring diversity to the space, it can also make it look brighter and bigger, thanks to its ability to reflect light and provide depth. This pairs wonderfully with wood’s denser, more opaque appearance. Besides, whether you’re going for elegant and modern or quaint and rustic, glass can adapt. Glass doors with mullion elements invoke a more picturesque look, while modern kitchens call for the minimalism of single-pane clear or frosted glass. Add in-cabinet LED lights for an even sleeker appearance.

Glass-front cabinets are a great opportunity to showcase your favorite dishware and ceramics, turning them into the decorative accessories they were always meant to be without exposing them to the hazards of open shelving. However, if you’re worried about messy cupboards, leave those to the closed cabinets or consider frosted, patterned, or mirror glass instead. 

The biggest downside to glass is its upkeep. It’s more fragile than most other materials and, despite the advantages of its transparency, also makes dirt and imperfections more noticeable. If you value shatter-resistance, acrylic is a great alternative. Ultimately, glass is a bigger commitment than paint, but its potential arguably outweighs its quirks.