Matthew and Camila McConaughey's raw cabinets possess a texture and warmth that's replicable in our kitchens

It may be only March, but this year, kitchen trends are going back to basics. Increasingly, we're seeing designers opt for unpainted cabinets that celebrate their organic wooden nature – and no space celebrates this look quite like Matthew and Camila McConaughey's. 

The McConaughey's stripped their Austin home back to basics long before trend forecasters penned the rise of wooden kitchen cabinets. Their vertical cabinetry showcases the very best of this style – stretching high above their marble island, almost to their ceiling. 

The couple has opted for elm-hued wood with sleek black handles that ensure the natural space feels modern – but as designers explain, all forms of wood are shaping how we decorate for 2024. And it goes beyond our kitchen cabinets. 

William Durrant, the owner of Herringbone, listed natural oak among his top kitchen trend predictions for the year – noting that, alongside cabinets, this wood is perfect for furnishings that will stand the test of time. 

'This includes natural, stained, detailed, or washed wood statement pieces such as islands, dressers, or display units to bring warmth, elegance, and luxurious textures into the kitchen space,' Durrant says. 'This material makes for a lovely and timeless piece of furniture that will stand the test of time. Combined with heavily veined marble, these two texture powerhouses create a real wow factor.' 

The benefits of following suit, whether through wooden cabinetry or these aforementioned statement pieces, are no secret. Wood is as beautiful as it is sustainable, and despite being labeled a 'trend,' this look is more than fleeting. 

'Stain wood is a great element to add to a kitchen as a texture. Not only does wood grain look fantastic as a visible element, but it also adds depth to the face on view, creating a bit of a “wow factor," Durrant says. 

Plus, if we're already working with another cabinet hue, we can incorporate wood in smaller accessories or furnishings without worry that they'll feel out of place. '[Wood] brings a tone of warmth to a space and offset against whites as well as cool colors,' Durrant notes.

'The tone of the wood can create a warm atmosphere but bring a natural element and color into the home. In addition, it also ties in with brassware for warm tones or offsets the cooler meters such as chrome and nickel.'

Kitchen Designer

Kitchen Designer

William Durrant

William Durrant has worked in the kitchen industry for almost a decade. After learning from powerful kitchen brands, he had a desire to manage all aspects of the design project, so he founded Herringbone Kitchens. He now owns the UK-based kitchen company, where he manages a talented creative team and creates kitchens while observing international design trends. 

Shop H&G's wooden kitchen edit

Cabinets, countertops, and islands aside, we can celebrate wood with these handpicked accessories below.