Russell Wilson and Ciara use this trending material to add charm and warmth to their modern rustic kitchen

Wood is having quite the moment. We're seeing the natural material across interiors: from rustic kitchens to cozy farmhouse living rooms, wood is a major interior design trend for 2024. In Russell Wilson and Ciara's kitchen, it's used in an innovatively stylish and functional way: as the worktop of the kitchen island.

Ciara shared a video of her and her husband's kitchen on Instagram, and we were immediately captivated by the natural island surface. The kitchen design trend lends a charming, warm feeling to the power couple's space.

Design experts love the wood-topped kitchen islands because they are timeless and cozy. NYC-based interior designer Kathy Kuo says: ' A wood-topped kitchen island is always in style because it's a classic look and it's also super-practical as well!' Melissa Read, a London-based interior designer at Studio Burntwood, continues, 'Wooden kitchen worktops are undeniably charming and instantly add warmth to a kitchen.'

Kathy Kuo

Kathy Kuo is a celebrated interior designer and international guru within the home and lifestyle space. She has 20+ years of experience in the design industry. 

Melissa continues, 'Wooden kitchen countertops develop a unique patina with use, this adds character, and any damage can be  repaired, sanded, and sealed.'

Melissa Read

Melissa Read is a leading Interior Designer and Founder of Studio Burntwood, a London-based interior design studio, specializing in luxury residential design for clients across the UK and globally. Their focus is on crafting timeless spaces that enhance clients' lifestyles.

Furthermore, designers admire how versatile using wood in a kitchen can be. Melissa states: 'There are countless wood finishes to source from which can suit a huge range of design preferences. It is typically used in period properties and country homes, which often feature wood finishes throughout the home and within the architecture of the building.'

Kathy continues, 'I love how an island like Russell and Ciara's can feel rustic, modern, or transitional depending on how the rest of the kitchen is styled. The white cabinetry with the navy blue hood over the stove—when paired next to the wooden island—gives off a very fresh modern farmhouse look'

Before rushing off to recreate Russell and Ciara's wooden countertop look right away, Mellisa recommends that readers, 'consider the placement of the wooden worktop. She cautions that they can be 'susceptible to moisture' and that they 'require regular sealing.' Though wood is a beautiful material, installing it is not a kitchen decision to be taken lightly.

Shop the Wood Kitchen Edit

As looks like wood kitchen cabinets become more popular, it's worth considering how the beautiful material can be installed in more innovative ways. Russell Wilson and Ciara's wooden island worktop is just one great example.