Gisele Bündchen's high-contrast kitchen island showcases a striking trend for 2024 – designers love its simple elegance

If natural wood cabinets are are known style icon, then a natural wood island is their lessen-known cousin. It's a wonderful way to emphasize the beauty of natural wood, with the added benefit of interacting more closely with the countertop. In Gisele Bündchen's home, this misunderstood detail gets its day to shine.

The model's kitchen is an oasis of dark natural wood with white accents. Contemporary pendant lights hang over the center of the space illuminating the glossy white marble coutnertops. Stainless steel hardware echoes their modern feel. On the kitchen island, dark matte wood contrasts beautifully with the white counters. 

Bündchen's kitchen island idea goes beyond its expected use, largely due to its beautiful color palette. First, the dark wood against the bright white of the countertop provides a high contrast, drawing the eye in. 'I love the pairing of a dark cabinet color with a much lighter countertop color,' says Jennifer Ebert, color expert and digital editor at Homes & Gardens.

'The mix is at once intriguing and classic. This high-contrast look will sure to become a huge interior design trend over the next several years as we lean into the use of more natural materials,' she continues.

Jennifer Ebert

Jen is the Editor (Digital) of Homes & Gardens. Before starting this position, she had completed various interior design courses at KLC Design School, as well as working across Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes and Country Homes & Interiors as an interiors writer.

Aside from the color, the difference in materials itself creates visual interest. 'There’s a noticeable trend in interiors right now towards more natural materials and earth-centered tones,' says Greg Roth, California-based interior designer and architect.

He continues, 'As the delicately intertwined relationship that humans have with nature makes itself increasingly obvious to us, our urge to strengthen our bond to Mother Earth – to assume responsibility for her care and stewardship – become heightened.' We see this in Bündchen's kitchen with the use of both natural wood and gray marble.

Greg Roth

Greg Roth has more than 20 years of experience in the worlds of architectural, graphic and interior design. After earning a Master of Architecture degree from the Southern California Institute of Architecture, Greg spent several years in commercial and hospitality architectural design before segueing to residential interiors.

He adds: 'The interplay of natural textures and earthly colors in this kitchen calls to mind the comforting warmth of a sun-heated landscape, making for an interior that not only invites us in, but that grounds us in the generosity of Mother Nature’s resources.' As these materials become more popular, islands like Bündchen's are set to become a huge kitchen island trend.

Shop the Wood Kitchen Edit

Before you install full natural wood kitchen cabinets, it's possible to test the look with a few carefully chosen wooden countertop accents. A kitchen prep set, a lazy Susan, or a canister like the below grant the benefits of wood without the commitment.

Incorporating wood and white marble together is an excellent way to bring nature and style into your kitchen. Gisele is leading the look, but we expect to see it everywhere soon.