When designing a kitchen, the combination of wood floors and cabinetry is one of the most important style choices. While wood-on-wood can create a warm and inviting space, not all wood tones play well together. The right pairing can make a kitchen look seamless and balanced— while the wrong one can feel mismatched or overly busy.

In Vermont, most kitchens feature wood flooring, and over the past year, every single kitchen we’ve designed has included wood floors. With that in mind, let’s break down what works (and what doesn’t) when combining wood cabinetry with wood flooring.

Not All Wood Cabinets Work with Wood Floors

It’s tempting to think that any wood cabinet will complement wood flooring, but that’s not the case. Wood tones vary widely, and combining them requires attention to undertones, grain patterns, and overall kitchen aesthetics.

If the wood tones are too close in color but don’t match perfectly, for example, the result can look slightly off— like an almost-match that just doesn’t work. Instead, contrast is key.

Why Painted Cabinets Are a Go-To Choice

If your kitchen has wood flooring, one of the safest and most visually appealing options is painted cabinetry. Painted cabinets provide a crisp contrast and prevent the space from feeling overwhelmed by too much wood grain. White, soft grays, muted blues, and warm greens all pair beautifully with natural wood flooring.

When Wood-on-Wood Works

While painted cabinets are an easy solution, wood cabinets can work with wood floors—when done thoughtfully. Here are some guidelines we like to follow:

  • Cherry Cabinets with Pine Flooring 

    Cherry wood, with its rich red undertones, can complement pine floors if the tones don’t clash. Since pine is naturally lighter, the contrast helps prevent the kitchen from feeling too monochromatic.

  • Light and Dark Woods Can Complement Each Other
    A deep walnut or espresso-stained cabinet can create a beautiful contrast with light oak or maple flooring. The variation in tones adds depth and character to the space.

  • Avoid Wood Tones That Are Too Similar
    If the floor and cabinetry are both mid-toned wood with similar grain patterns, they can blend together in a way that lacks definition. Adding visual contrast—whether through hardware, backsplash, or countertops—can help break things up.

Thinking about a kitchen refresh? Let’s talk about the best cabinetry and flooring combinations for your space. Schedule some time to talk to Jenny about design choices that will make your kitchen feel timeless and intentional.