Andrew Walker's wooden cabinets have made me rethink the concept of a classic neutral kitchen – they're simple without feeling overly minimal

Neutral kitchens, whether they're white, wooden, gray, or beige, can look just as fashionable in one hundred years as they do today. On the other hand, however, they sometimes risk coming across as somewhat bland. Finding the balance between simplicity and sophistication can be challenging, but Andrew Walker has just provided us with a blueprint to follow.

As a celebrity style editor, I've caught countless glimpses inside the world's most beautiful homes – but my favorites are those that offer lessons that can be replicated in everyday kitchens. While I see many neutral spaces, they can't always transcend trends, but Andrew's does.

In his Los Angeles home, the Hallmark star utilizes rustic, raw cabinets that have influenced some of my conventions regarding neutral hues. Of all neutrals, there is something about unpainted kitchen cabinets, in their organic form, that feels the most beautiful of all. They are earthy, grounding, and don't require any unnatural coloring to impress. What could we want from our kitchen cabinets?

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To prolong their longevity further, Andrew has paired his wooden kitchen cabinets with other neutrals, including black countertops, white walls, and wooden beams, the color of which complements the cabinets perfectly.

As we increasingly look to ensure our kitchens will stand the test of time, neutrals, or more specifically, wooden fronts, are a failsafe choice. As Andrew shows us, they pair with any countertop or wall finish we may choose, so it's unsurprising that I'm not exclusive in my observations.

'Unlike bold colour trends that can quickly fall out of favour, neutral tones offer a timeless canvas – perfect for lasting appeal,' comments Emma Sandford, the brand manager at Second Nature. 'With terms like "neutral kitchen ideas" and "beige kitchen inspiration" trending across Pinterest and Instagram, it’s clear that homeowners are embracing the understated look in their own spaces.'

Plus, while neutral kitchens have impressed for decades, Andrew's wooden cabinets signal a shift towards a more textured aesthetic – a tranquil look that's accessible in every kind of home.

'We’ve seen a marked increase in demand for soft, earthy tones and matt finishes. Customers are leaning into texture and tonal layering such as natural wood, stone worktops and subtle greige cabinets,' Emma says. 'It’s about creating a space that feels relaxed, balanced, and effortlessly liveable.'

She continues: 'Neutral kitchens provide a timeless foundation that adapts beautifully to changing tastes. Neutral doesn’t have to be boring. By stripping back strong colours, attention is drawn to the beauty of materials, layered finishes, and natural light. These kitchens offer a refined sense of calm and purpose, striking the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, without feeling overly minimal.'

With the versatility of a neutral hue and wood's earthy texture, I am sure that following Andrew's example is a safe investment. Won't you join me?