Zara Stacey
As we look towards 2026 and what next year's trends will bring, one of the most unexpected yet sought-after looks for the kitchen is the use of unpainted, natural wood cabinets – a style that truly celebrates the beauty of this natural material in all its glory.
And this kitchen cabinet trend is perfectly captured in none other than Anthony Hopkins's Malibu home. While the internet was enchanted by his dance moves in his Instagram Post, we couldn't help but notice his chic kitchen ideas.
His light-brown wooden cabinets are left completely unpainted, allowing the natural grain and texture of the wood to take center stage. This effortless and honest design is a prime example of the kind of enduring kitchen trend that will define kitchens in the coming years – here's why.
According to Ruth Lavender, the design expert at Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery, pared-back cabinets, similar to Anthony Hopkins's, boast a Nordic-style aesthetic that is one of the most exciting styles to look out for in 2025 and beyond.
'With a heavy focus on functionality, the Nordic style shown here leans towards modernism and minimalism, with a touch of coziness,' she says. 'Washed, natural woodgrains work especially well within this trend, as they introduce texture and warmth while still falling within the trend’s color palette.'
Anthony pairs his kitchen cabinets with silver hardware, creating a subtle yet elegant contast.
Ruth continues, 'remember, a neutral palette doesn’t need to lack character, as shown in Anthony's space – personality can be introduced through textured cabinet doors, subtly patterned wallpapers, and bold-veined marble splashback,' Ruth emphasizes. To accentuate our space (and complement this natural finish), she recommends pairing the cabinets with art and houseplants that will tap into the Nordic look further.
Ruth Lavender is the design expert at Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery, a UK-based manufacturer known for their range of high-quality kitchens. They offer on-trend looks and have shaped kitchen design in the country for over 15 years.
Senior Designer at Second Nature, Ashleigh Hanwell, agrees. She adds that a minimalist kitchen 'will never go out of style' as it is inherently timeless and doesn’t rely on a particular pattern or color.
'This longevity makes it the perfect choice for homeowners who want a kitchen that keeps on giving, without the need to update it constantly,' she says.
'Kitchens with minimalist elements often incorporate lots of natural light and a neutral color palette creating a beautifully bright and welcoming room, which is particularly appealing in smaller homes.'
Anthony's unpainted, rustic kitchen cabinets are a key example of a truly timeless kitchen design. While maximalist kitchens will always have a place in our hearts, drawing on Nordic influences with an emphasis on natural materials and functionality, will create an enduring style that can truly grow with an interior space for many years to come.
Shop the look
Cabinets aside, we're buying our way into Anthony's home with these picks below:
This natural-looking tray, similar to the one seen above Anthony's shelves, offers another smaller way to embrace this organic wooden style without having to repaint any cabinets.
This set of three Mason jars is perfect for storing pasta, candy, or spices. We recommend filling every jar with various goods and scattering them around various shelves.
These wooden salt and pepper grinders (similar to Anthony's) will look great on every countertop or dinner table. We love the dark wood tone that will struggle to fall out of fashion through the years ahead.
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