Christie Brinkley's unpainted kitchen cabinets 'bring warmth, elegance, and luxurious textures' into her space
The supermodel's natural wood kitchen cabinets are a timeless trend, which are compatible with a variety of contemporary styles


There is something to be said about paring things back in the kitchen. Simple design and decor never go out of style, and for those looking to go back to basics in a way that is both trendy and timeless, unpainted wood cabinets are a great first step.
Supermodel Christie Brinkley, whose kitchen and dining space we have long admired here at H&G, is on board the natural kitchen trend. She recently posted a photo to her Instagram page showing off her spacious kitchen, and we were immediately drawn to her beautiful, dark wood cabinets.
Evoking a traditional spirit but possessing the adaptability to go with more contemporary styles, unpainted cabinets can evoke a natural feel – a staple of current interior trends such as organic modern and Japandi.
A post shared by Christie Brinkley
A photo posted by christiebrinkley on
'Wooden cabinets and wooden elements such as islands, dressers, kitchen cabinets or display units bring warmth, elegance, and luxurious textures into the kitchen space,' says William Durrant, owner of Herringbone Kitchens.
According to Durrant, the texture and various finishes of wood make for a highly compatible material, that is complementary against the majority of colors.
'Not only does wood grain look fantastic as a visible element but it also offsets well against whites as well as cool colors making it a versatile design element,' Durrant says. 'It goes really well with brass if you're after warmer tones or it can create cooler tones if using chrome or nickel.'
For those with modern appliances in metallic finishes, unpainted, wood cabinets can actually be the perfect pairing.
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Wood is also extremely durable, making for a cabinet material that can withstand time. Between deep oaks and light birches, there are plenty of options to choose from – however, we do love Brinkley's darker variety, which brings a moody ambiance to the kitchen space.
'By making wood a standout element in your kitchen or a one-off piece of furniture you bring in elegance and style, which in turn makes for a timeless piece of furniture that will stand the test of time,' Durrant says.
Shop the edit
We don't need to invest in new cabinets to tap into the wooden kitchen movement. Below, find a selection of kitchen accessories to kickstart this natural trend.

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.
Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.
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