Wood-Drenched Kitchens Are the New Neutral: Jessica Alba’s Unpainted Cabinet Style Inspires Modern, Timeless Design

The wood kitchen is a humble yet effective. For all the talk about painting cabinets bright or unexpected hues, going with unpainted ones can be just as effective.

Jessica Alba's kitchen really drives this point home, as seen in a recent post on the actor's Instagram page. Her simple, wood cabinets and drawers are complemented by cream paint on the walls; the overall space definitely makes the case for wood drenching.

From its textural wonders to its durability, wood makes for a timeless kitchen material pick for good reason. According to designers, it's a worthwhile investment, with so many ways to style around it.

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Design experts say one of the main reasons would is so popular is because of its unique finishes and visual intrigue; no two woods are exactly the same.

'From the smooth surface of wood flooring to fluted wall panels, texture is at the heart of wood-drenching,' Havwoods’ global production and innovation director, Anthony Scott, states. 'Unlike other materials, wood has the ability to add both dimension and balance to spaces, pairing with almost any interior design style. To create a multi-layered wood drenching look, combine tactile textures that add weight and depth with different colorways and species.'

Additionally, Anthony recommends incorporating wood fixtures and accessories into contemporary homes if you want to create a more historic feel.

'Wood drenching is a great way to add intrigue to spaces thanks to its versatility and timeless appeal,' he explains. 'Ideal for adding character to modern spaces, wood drenching helps to create a sense of cohesion, injecting a space with personality. Whilst in older or architectural properties which have focal points such as high ceilings or beams, wood-drenching helps to enhance these existing features with ease.'

If you don't want to commit to full drenching just yet, try incorporating some staple wood accessories into your kitchen; a bespoke cutting board or salt and pepper set will work wonders.