New This Week: 7 Appealing Kitchens in White, Wood and Green
Design pros share how they combined these three elements to create soothing spaces with a nod to nature
Mitchell Parker
August 12, 2022
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis and humor.
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative... More
In recent weeks, we’ve profiled kitchens with white and wood palettes, as well as kitchens that build on this combination with accents of blue and black. Now we look at white, wood and green kitchens. Shades of green work wonderfully well with wood tones — just look at any forest — and can create a warm, soothing atmosphere. You can tweak the green to a lighter shade for an airy look or take it toward the darker side for a bit more drama and moodiness. Here, pros share details of seven stylish kitchens in white, wood and green.
1. Earthy Excellence
Designer: Kimberly Barr Interior Design
Location: Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Size: 370 square feet (34 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner was looking for a fun, fresh feel with a mix of classic and boho,” designer Kimberly Barr says. “She also wanted a kitchen large enough for her growing family to comfortably use. The green cabinets were on the table from day one, so we had a clear vision for this space.”
White, wood and green details. The perimeter cabinets and hood are an earthy green (Peale Green by Benjamin Moore). The island and hood detail are white oak. “We knew we wanted to work with green cabinets, but the wood island was a decision made down the ‘design road,’ ” Barr says. “The wood and green ended up being a great mix to ensure we had a balanced mix of boho and classic.”
Other special features. White Princess quartzite countertops. “Their previous kitchen had a wall that divided the open floor plan, and the reason for that was because there is a structural column that we had to work around,” Barr says. “So we decided to embrace the column and incorporate it in the design, which worked well.”
Designer tip. “It’s all about thinking outside the box,” Barr says. “We had a few obstacles to work around, but instead of looking at them as obstacles, we chose to embrace them and incorporate them in the design, which ended up giving the space character.”
Project photographer: Paul S. Bartholomew Photography
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Designer: Kimberly Barr Interior Design
Location: Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Size: 370 square feet (34 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner was looking for a fun, fresh feel with a mix of classic and boho,” designer Kimberly Barr says. “She also wanted a kitchen large enough for her growing family to comfortably use. The green cabinets were on the table from day one, so we had a clear vision for this space.”
White, wood and green details. The perimeter cabinets and hood are an earthy green (Peale Green by Benjamin Moore). The island and hood detail are white oak. “We knew we wanted to work with green cabinets, but the wood island was a decision made down the ‘design road,’ ” Barr says. “The wood and green ended up being a great mix to ensure we had a balanced mix of boho and classic.”
Other special features. White Princess quartzite countertops. “Their previous kitchen had a wall that divided the open floor plan, and the reason for that was because there is a structural column that we had to work around,” Barr says. “So we decided to embrace the column and incorporate it in the design, which worked well.”
Designer tip. “It’s all about thinking outside the box,” Barr says. “We had a few obstacles to work around, but instead of looking at them as obstacles, we chose to embrace them and incorporate them in the design, which ended up giving the space character.”
Project photographer: Paul S. Bartholomew Photography
Find a kitchen designer near you
2. Outstanding Olive
Designer: Jenifer Houlroyd of Etch Design Group
Location: Austin, Texas
Homeowners’ request. “This is a fun and quirky Austin bungalow circa 1930s,” designer Jenifer Houlroyd says. “We took care to maintain the original character of the structure but enhance its livability with more function and lots of aesthetic updates to align with our client’s style. This included refurbishing the homes’ original shiplap walls and reimagining various rooms with this original material by adding texture and interest to each space.”
White, wood and green details. Dark olive green perimeter cabinets (Turtle Green by Benjamin Moore). A different dark olive green on the island (Dakota Woods Green by Benjamin Moore). Wide-plank wood flooring. White shiplap walls (White Dove by Benjamin Moore). And white zellige-style backsplash tile. “Green is earthy and brings a soothing feeling to the space,” Houlroyd says. “Paired with the white walls, it creates a classic touch.”
Other special features. Taj Mahal quartzite countertops.
Designer tip. “Let the tile backsplash enhance the shiplap,” Houlroyd says. “You don’t have to choose just one.”
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Designer: Jenifer Houlroyd of Etch Design Group
Location: Austin, Texas
Homeowners’ request. “This is a fun and quirky Austin bungalow circa 1930s,” designer Jenifer Houlroyd says. “We took care to maintain the original character of the structure but enhance its livability with more function and lots of aesthetic updates to align with our client’s style. This included refurbishing the homes’ original shiplap walls and reimagining various rooms with this original material by adding texture and interest to each space.”
White, wood and green details. Dark olive green perimeter cabinets (Turtle Green by Benjamin Moore). A different dark olive green on the island (Dakota Woods Green by Benjamin Moore). Wide-plank wood flooring. White shiplap walls (White Dove by Benjamin Moore). And white zellige-style backsplash tile. “Green is earthy and brings a soothing feeling to the space,” Houlroyd says. “Paired with the white walls, it creates a classic touch.”
Other special features. Taj Mahal quartzite countertops.
Designer tip. “Let the tile backsplash enhance the shiplap,” Houlroyd says. “You don’t have to choose just one.”
Shop for counter and bar stools
3. Right on Thyme
Design-build pro: Richard Ryder of Clearcut Construction
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Homeowners’ request. Update their Tudor-style home but stay authentic to the architecture.
White, wood and green details. The green cabinets are painted in Dried Thyme by Sherwin-Williams. The white walls are Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams. The island is white oak in a custom stain. The ceiling features reclaimed hand-hewn wood beams.
Other special features. The countertops are Iris White marble. The fixtures and hardware are unlacquered brass. “I think the star-and-cross-patterned tile is a strong feature because it has a bit of a Spanish feel, which was common and authentic in the Tudor era,” design-build pro Richard Ryder says.
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to layout,” Ryder says. “Sometimes if the flow isn’t working, you may need to move the kitchen in order to accomplish the best layout for the home.”
Design-build pro: Richard Ryder of Clearcut Construction
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Homeowners’ request. Update their Tudor-style home but stay authentic to the architecture.
White, wood and green details. The green cabinets are painted in Dried Thyme by Sherwin-Williams. The white walls are Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams. The island is white oak in a custom stain. The ceiling features reclaimed hand-hewn wood beams.
Other special features. The countertops are Iris White marble. The fixtures and hardware are unlacquered brass. “I think the star-and-cross-patterned tile is a strong feature because it has a bit of a Spanish feel, which was common and authentic in the Tudor era,” design-build pro Richard Ryder says.
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to layout,” Ryder says. “Sometimes if the flow isn’t working, you may need to move the kitchen in order to accomplish the best layout for the home.”
4. Forest Flair
Designer: Heidi DeHart of ID3 Interior Design
Architect: Borelli Architecture
Contractor: TJ Glidden Construction
Location: Incline Village, Nevada
Size: 322 square feet (30 square feet); 14 by 23 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This was a full remodel of a home built in the 1970s,” designer Heidi DeHart says. “The burnt orange tile countertops, as well as the mirrored walls and ceilings, had had their moment. The bones of the home were great, but it needed a complete overhaul. The homeowners envisioned a warm and inviting space with more rustic elements, so we went for a rustic mountain modern style. We hoped to achieve this by respecting the original modern and linear lines of the home and softening them with warm wood tones and slightly more rustic finishes.”
White, wood and green details. Alder cabinets. Dark green island (Black Forest Green by Benjamin Moore). White walls (Simply White by Benjamin Moore). Reclaimed barnwood flooring.
Other special features. White Opus quartzite countertops. The backsplash is 2-by-10-inch handmade-look tiles in varying shades of white and installed in a herringbone pattern.
Designer tip. “It’s important to give the home what it wants and needs,” DeHart says. “From the very beginning, this home had modern bones, which we chose to embrace with certain materials and selections and soften with others. You want the exterior of a home to give you a sense of what you are going to see on the inside.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “There were several different species of wood present in the home,” DeHart says. “Some were original to the home, others were new. This was a topic discussed early on and throughout the design-build process. It was very important that all these elements complemented each other. This is when the trust comes in. We had a great team working on this project and all worked together to ensure that the new woods ‘danced well’ with the original woods.”
Pendant lights: Riley in Old Bronze, Hudson Valley Lighting
10 Home Design Trends Taking Off Right Now
Designer: Heidi DeHart of ID3 Interior Design
Architect: Borelli Architecture
Contractor: TJ Glidden Construction
Location: Incline Village, Nevada
Size: 322 square feet (30 square feet); 14 by 23 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This was a full remodel of a home built in the 1970s,” designer Heidi DeHart says. “The burnt orange tile countertops, as well as the mirrored walls and ceilings, had had their moment. The bones of the home were great, but it needed a complete overhaul. The homeowners envisioned a warm and inviting space with more rustic elements, so we went for a rustic mountain modern style. We hoped to achieve this by respecting the original modern and linear lines of the home and softening them with warm wood tones and slightly more rustic finishes.”
White, wood and green details. Alder cabinets. Dark green island (Black Forest Green by Benjamin Moore). White walls (Simply White by Benjamin Moore). Reclaimed barnwood flooring.
Other special features. White Opus quartzite countertops. The backsplash is 2-by-10-inch handmade-look tiles in varying shades of white and installed in a herringbone pattern.
Designer tip. “It’s important to give the home what it wants and needs,” DeHart says. “From the very beginning, this home had modern bones, which we chose to embrace with certain materials and selections and soften with others. You want the exterior of a home to give you a sense of what you are going to see on the inside.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “There were several different species of wood present in the home,” DeHart says. “Some were original to the home, others were new. This was a topic discussed early on and throughout the design-build process. It was very important that all these elements complemented each other. This is when the trust comes in. We had a great team working on this project and all worked together to ensure that the new woods ‘danced well’ with the original woods.”
Pendant lights: Riley in Old Bronze, Hudson Valley Lighting
10 Home Design Trends Taking Off Right Now
5. Powder Green Prettiness
Designer: Amy Guess of BGI Design
Location: Lucas, Texas
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This was a new build, so we came in right after blueprints were drawn,” designer Amy Guess says. “We helped change the island configuration because they were not symmetrical, as well as the layout so that it worked better for her. She requested a true farmhouse country feel for her home, and the overall feel of the space was to be light and airy with character.”
White, wood and green details. The perimeter cabinets are a warm taupe-beige color (Wind’s Breath by Benjamin Moore). The islands are a powder green (Jade Dragon by Sherwin-Williams). The walls, trim and ceiling are Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams. Wood shelves and a cabinet feature a natural stain. The central island has a maple butcher block countertop. The flooring is engineered white oak.
Other special features. Creamy white backsplash tile in varying tones set in a herringbone pattern. Woven pendant lights. Quartz countertops. Brushed brass sconces. “The light blue stove steals the show with its overall large scale, creating quite the presence,” Guess says.
Designer tip. “The most important thing about a kitchen is that it works efficiently for how you use it,” Guess says. “Make note of how things ideally should be laid out. Gone are the days of the typical triangle configuration. Sometimes that doesn’t work well for how clients utilize their kitchen, especially if they’re adding more appliances such as refrigerator drawers, coffee bars, wine storage, etc. Also, hire a professional to help you figure out your needs and style.”
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
Designer: Amy Guess of BGI Design
Location: Lucas, Texas
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This was a new build, so we came in right after blueprints were drawn,” designer Amy Guess says. “We helped change the island configuration because they were not symmetrical, as well as the layout so that it worked better for her. She requested a true farmhouse country feel for her home, and the overall feel of the space was to be light and airy with character.”
White, wood and green details. The perimeter cabinets are a warm taupe-beige color (Wind’s Breath by Benjamin Moore). The islands are a powder green (Jade Dragon by Sherwin-Williams). The walls, trim and ceiling are Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams. Wood shelves and a cabinet feature a natural stain. The central island has a maple butcher block countertop. The flooring is engineered white oak.
Other special features. Creamy white backsplash tile in varying tones set in a herringbone pattern. Woven pendant lights. Quartz countertops. Brushed brass sconces. “The light blue stove steals the show with its overall large scale, creating quite the presence,” Guess says.
Designer tip. “The most important thing about a kitchen is that it works efficiently for how you use it,” Guess says. “Make note of how things ideally should be laid out. Gone are the days of the typical triangle configuration. Sometimes that doesn’t work well for how clients utilize their kitchen, especially if they’re adding more appliances such as refrigerator drawers, coffee bars, wine storage, etc. Also, hire a professional to help you figure out your needs and style.”
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
6. Teal Appeal
Designer: Lisa Rossman of LL Design
Contractor: Well Done Building & Design
Location: Huntington Beach, California
Size: 288 square feet (27 square meters); 16 by 18 feet
Homeowners’ request. “Our clients have a big family and love to entertain,” designer Lisa Rossman says. “The goal was to open up the spaces.”
White, wood and green details. The upper cabinets, paneled fridge and pantry are white oak. The lower cabinets and island are a dark teal color (Narragansett Green by Benjamin Moore). The walls, range hood and shiplap on the range wall are Pure White by Benjamin Moore. “We wanted this design to feel fresh, fun for all ages and have layers of interest from pops of color, warm wood tones, mixed metals and a secret surprise walk-in pantry with herringbone details on the doors and funky botanical wallpaper inside,” Rossman says.
Other special features. Marble-look porcelain slab countertops and backsplash.
Custom cabinets: Madrigal Wood Process
Designer: Lisa Rossman of LL Design
Contractor: Well Done Building & Design
Location: Huntington Beach, California
Size: 288 square feet (27 square meters); 16 by 18 feet
Homeowners’ request. “Our clients have a big family and love to entertain,” designer Lisa Rossman says. “The goal was to open up the spaces.”
White, wood and green details. The upper cabinets, paneled fridge and pantry are white oak. The lower cabinets and island are a dark teal color (Narragansett Green by Benjamin Moore). The walls, range hood and shiplap on the range wall are Pure White by Benjamin Moore. “We wanted this design to feel fresh, fun for all ages and have layers of interest from pops of color, warm wood tones, mixed metals and a secret surprise walk-in pantry with herringbone details on the doors and funky botanical wallpaper inside,” Rossman says.
Other special features. Marble-look porcelain slab countertops and backsplash.
Custom cabinets: Madrigal Wood Process
7. Dark Green Daringness
Designer: Candice Morgan of Premium Cabinets Saint Louis
Location: St. Louis
Size: 356 square feet (33 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner knew they wanted a larger island and were willing to do anything they needed to do to make that happen,” designer Candice Morgan says. “We ended up removing a secondary set of stairs leading to the second floor and almost doubled the size of this kitchen.”
White, wood and green details. The cabinets are from R.D. Henry & Co. in its forest green color called Sherwood and in Pure White. The island is quartersawn white oak in Penofin’s Rainier stain. “The home is a traditional home boasting dentil molding and wainscot throughout most of the main level,” Morgan says. “The homeowners did not want the kitchen to look like they took it from somewhere else and just plopped it in their home. The mix of green, white and wood tones updated this kitchen but kept it classic, allowing this family to enjoy it for years to come.”
Other special features. Marble-look quartz countertops. Cane chairs. Brass details. The island measures 10½ by 4½ feet.
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to go bold,” Morgan says.
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Designer: Candice Morgan of Premium Cabinets Saint Louis
Location: St. Louis
Size: 356 square feet (33 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner knew they wanted a larger island and were willing to do anything they needed to do to make that happen,” designer Candice Morgan says. “We ended up removing a secondary set of stairs leading to the second floor and almost doubled the size of this kitchen.”
White, wood and green details. The cabinets are from R.D. Henry & Co. in its forest green color called Sherwood and in Pure White. The island is quartersawn white oak in Penofin’s Rainier stain. “The home is a traditional home boasting dentil molding and wainscot throughout most of the main level,” Morgan says. “The homeowners did not want the kitchen to look like they took it from somewhere else and just plopped it in their home. The mix of green, white and wood tones updated this kitchen but kept it classic, allowing this family to enjoy it for years to come.”
Other special features. Marble-look quartz countertops. Cane chairs. Brass details. The island measures 10½ by 4½ feet.
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to go bold,” Morgan says.
More on Houzz
Read more kitchen design stories
See more kitchen photos
Shop for kitchen storage and organization
Find a kitchen remodeling pro
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Fantastic ideas
I diy’d a green kitchen for less than 1,000 in a couple of weeks. I’ll eventually gut it a put my dream kitchen in, so why not have a little fun.
Maple stained and white painted cabinets, green walls, bamboo floor, cantaloupe island!