Elizabeth Banks’ 'Naked' Wood Kitchen Cabinets Are the Ultimate Case for Going Paint-Free in Kitchens That Prioritize Calm

The actress makes the case for unpainted wood cabinets, which are as versatile as they are durable, not to mention effortlessly chic

elizabeth banks on a blue background
(Image credit: Marc Piasecki via Getty Images)

Wood kitchens are as practical as they are timeless. From their durability to their adaptability within different trends, there's a solid reason so many of us choose to leave our cabinets unpainted.

Elizabeth Banks is among this camp, having shown off her 'naked' wood kitchen cabinets on her Instagram page. The soothing, minimalistic quality makes an excellent case for an unpainted space, and we are taking notes.

Shop the Wood Kitchen Edit

According to design experts, natural materials like wood are mainstays in the kitchen due to their soothing properties and overall timelessness.

'The great outdoors and all its natural beauty are taking precedent within our homes,' Grazzie Wilson, Head of Creative at Ca' Pietra, says.

'From color palettes to materials, we just can’t get enough of it, and with good reason. We associate outside with nature, wellbeing, and health, and so it makes sense to want to bring that into our kitchens.'

She continues, 'From its warming colors through to its abundance of texture, we’re leaving our kitchen cabinets unpainted and turning to wood worktops. We’re also considering it for our flooring too, but it can take a lot of upkeep, especially in kitchens that see a lot of action.'

As I mentioned, you can get the look in your own kitchen, regardless of whether you have wood cabinets. Try incorporating pieces like these natural salt-and-pepper shakers from Wayfair or this mango-wood carved pedestal, which would make an excellent spoon rest.

Elizabeth’s ‘naked’ wood cabinets show just how timeless and inviting a natural kitchen can be. Whether you choose unpainted cabinetry or simply layer in wooden accents, her approach reminds us that warmth, texture, and authenticity never go out of style.


Hannah Ziegler
News Editor

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.