Choosing the Right Wood for Your Kitchen: A Modern Muse Case Study

Wood is more than a material—it’s a mood. It brings depth, texture, and warmth into a space in a way few other elements can. In Modern Muse, we took a different approach: blending the beauty of natural wood with the flexibility of painted cabinetry for a look that feels tailored, masculine, and deeply intentional.

From the walnut island to the soft, neutral cabinetry, every choice was made to balance contrast and cohesion—proving that it’s not only possible to mix woods and colors, it’s incredibly rewarding when done right.

But selecting the right combination for your kitchen can be overwhelming. There are dozens of species, paint options, undertones, and finishes to choose from—and each one can completely shift the energy of your space. In this blog, we’ll share how we approached wood and finish selection for Modern Muse, along with expert tips to help you design with confidence.

1. Understanding the Design Goals First

Before making a single finish decision, we asked: What do we want this space to feel like?

For Modern Muse, the vision leaned masculine—strong lines, rich textures, and a color palette that felt grounded yet refined. The cabinetry was painted in Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige, a versatile and modern neutral that offers warmth without reading yellow. This gave the kitchen a sleek, custom look while keeping the tone understated.

We also decided to forgo mouldings, knowing that a clean, streamlined profile would better match the contemporary direction of the design.

👉 Design tip: Before choosing finishes, align on the emotional tone of your kitchen. Should it feel sleek and bold? Warm and rustic? Bright and airy? Your answers will guide every material choice.

2. Spotlight on the Island: Auburn Carini Walnut

While the cabinetry set the stage for a soft, masculine feel, the island became the statement piece. We chose Auburn Carini Walnut for its rich, dimensional grain and warm undertones that contrast beautifully against the painted cabinets.

This piece not only anchors the room visually but also introduces natural texture, giving the space a layer of organic warmth.

👉 Design tip: An island is a perfect opportunity to play with a different wood species or finish—think of it as a centerpiece that can stand apart while still harmonizing with the rest of the kitchen.

3. The Joy of Mixing Woods and Colors

One of our favorite parts of designing kitchens is proving that yes—you can mix different woods, stains, and colors in the same space. The key is to find a common thread, whether it’s similar undertones, complementary textures, or a shared finish type.

In Modern Muse, the Accessible Beige cabinets and Auburn Carini Walnut island work because they share a warm base, yet offer enough contrast to make the design interesting and layered.

👉 Design tip: Don’t be afraid to mix painted finishes with natural wood—it creates dimension and makes the space feel curated rather than cookie-cutter.

4. Painted Cabinets for a Custom Feel

Painting cabinetry opens up endless possibilities for customization. In this case, it allowed us to deliver the exact tone and mood the client wanted without being limited to the natural shades of a particular wood.

Beyond aesthetics, painted finishes also allow for subtle sheen control and texture play, creating a polished and cohesive look throughout the space.

👉 Design tip: If you can’t find a natural wood tone that fits your vision, paint can give you the flexibility to achieve the perfect hue while still offering the craftsmanship and durability of quality cabinetry.

5. Wood as a Defining Element

Even with painted cabinetry, wood remains a defining design element in Modern Muse. The walnut island, wood accents, and clean-lined millwork all work together to bring depth and softness into a modern, masculine setting.

Whether it’s floating shelves, a bold island, or subtle paneling, wood has the power to tie a kitchen together and make it feel more inviting.

👉 Design tip: Think beyond cabinet doors—integrate wood in open shelving, panel-ready appliances, hood covers, or even drawer insets to create visual flow.

In the end, the Modern Muse kitchen proves that mixing materials, finishes, and styles can result in a space that feels unique, balanced, and completely your own. By blending painted cabinetry with a richly toned walnut island, we created a kitchen that’s both strong and warm—modern yet timeless.

CHECK OUT THE BEFORE OF THIS KITCHEN HERE!