Trending cabinet stains for your modern kitchen design
Choosing the perfect finish (or multiple finishes) for your kitchen cabinets is an exciting step in the design or remodel process. We know it can be difficult to choose from all of the latest colors and stains, which is why we’re here to help!
In recent years, paints pushed aside wood stains to become the latest on-trend finish for modern kitchen cabinets. We saw colors like whites, blues, greens, and grays become popular hues to add dimension or a touch of color to spaces.
While many paints are still trending, wood-stained cabinetry is officially making a comeback. The 2025 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study found that wood tones are a top choice among finishes for kitchen cabinets. While yellow, orange, and red stains have gone out of vogue, the newest wood finishes to consider for your space tend to have gray, brown, and blonde undertones. These subtle hues can create a traditional look, but when stained kitchen cabinets are paired with painted ones, they can bring a modern touch to your kitchen, too.
Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.
If you’d like to experiment with wood grain tones in your home before locking in your design, the Rebode Kitchen Jumpstarter tool allows you to visualize your dream modern kitchen in a matter of minutes. Once you’re ready to dive in with your selections, you can match with a local kitchen designer who can help bring your vision to life.
Trending wood stains for kitchen cabinets
The trending stains that are making their way back into the modern kitchen are natural, white oak and light to medium tones. Depending on the atmosphere you’re trying to create, any of these finishes could look superb in your kitchen.
Natural wood-stained cabinets have the potential to turn your space into a new-age rustic retreat. Mid-tone stains with browns or grays, meanwhile, lend a soft, modern feel.
If an all-wood look is something you crave, you can try using a mid-tone stain with a blonde undertone. This combination provides dimension and richness, but you should be sure that the space has plenty of natural light to ensure the space to be warm and inviting, not dark and dull.
Complete the look using natural materials and finishes to bring your kitchen to the trendy world of modern elegance.
Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.
Mixing finishes for a unique feel
One trend that is here to stay is mixing finishes in the modern kitchen—why settle for one hue when you can have two or maybe three? There are many ways you can mix color or even other stains with your wood cabinetry.
If you’re not sure where to start, an option that can always work is adding a finish to your island that contrasts with the perimeter cabinets. The island is a great area to introduce color, texture, or a subtle finish to add personality to the space. A new trend to consider is a light neutral wood tone with a deep red finish.
If you’re feeling confident in your style, other ways to play around with contrasting finishes include a stand-alone wood hood/island combination, shelving, base cabinets, a separate hutch, or cabinets that vary in depth.
When choosing a complementary finish, you should always be mindful of the undertones that your stain is showing off: you want to choose something with the same undertones otherwise you risk a clash of finishes.
Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.
Getting started with wood stains and other finishes
If you’re interested in considering new cabinet stains for your modern kitchen remodel, use the Rebode Kitchen Jumpstarter tool to start considering which finishes suit your kitchen and budget. You’ll then be matched with a local designer to consider how to incorporate these trends or other styles into the kitchen of your dreams.