For many homeowners looking to build or remodel their homes Cherry cabinets can be thought of as an outdated or even expensive option, but the truth is they are very much still “in,” most notably with today's stain offerings that help to reduce the redness of the wood.
That trend continues into 2024 and beyond. The same goes for wood. While the organic nature of wood makes any type or color add warmth, wood trends favor oak, maple, cherry, and walnut with undertones of beige, honey, pink, and cheery yellow.
How do you make cherry wood look modern? Use clean lines, minimalistic decor, and neutral colors. Updating hardware and incorporating modern accessories like metallic elements can also help.
Natural cherry wood is perhaps the most prized furniture hardwood in America. Easily our most popular seller, cherry is a smooth-grained, reddish-brown hardwood that comes from the American Black Cherry fruit tree. Cherry is renowned among woodworkers and furniture aficionados for its color and aging process.
Since cherry cabinets have been around for so long, many homeowners ask us if they are going out of style. In short, no! Cherry cabinets will not be leaving the forefront of kitchen design anytime soon. Think your cherry cabinets are ugly or outdated?
For many homeowners looking to build or remodel their homes Cherry cabinets can be thought of as an outdated or even expensive option, but the truth is they are very much still “in,” most notably with today's stain offerings that help to reduce the redness of the wood.
Incorporating metallic accents in colors like gold, silver, or brass can add an extra layer of modern sophistication. They not only complement the warmth of the cherry wood but also reflect light, making the room feel brighter and more spacious.
Many people think that cherry cabinets might be going out of style because they've been around for so long, but the answer to that is that they're here to stay. Designers have even found ways to incorporate them into the modern and contemporary style.
Harder isn't always better. Cherry's relative softness contributes to its excellent workability – the highest rated among common North American hardwood species. The disadvantage to using cherry is that the material is more easily dented and scratched than oak, maple and other denser lumber.
But while light, white woods remain a popular interior design trend – especially if you're into Scandinavian decor or a more minimalist decor – medium, dark tones seem to be making an expected comeback. Think walnut, cherry, or mahogany finishes.
Mix cherry wood with cooler colors for a modern look – Combining cherry wood with cooler colors like soft blues, teal, or navy can create a striking contrast that adds a contemporary edge to your space. This modern aesthetic brings out the richness of the wood while providing a fresh, balanced feel.
It is the color that most of my clients, that want to use cherry wood, desire as well. And, most often, they ask me if I can stain it to quicken the darkening process. I highly advise them against this and typically do not do it and just ask clients to have, you guessed it, patience.
Refinishing cherry cabinets to a lighter brown-gray tone involves stripping the current finish, sanding, and applying a lighter stain.
Paint the Cabinets
Painting your cherry wood-stained cabinetry is a great way to update them. Kathryn Murphy, founder and principal at Kathryn Murphy Interiors, used Farrow and Ball's Green Smoke paint color to completely change the look of these cherry cabinets to offer a more muted tone in the kitchen.
Moody Hues for Statement Pieces
For those who crave a bold and contemporary look, consider delving into moody hues for your wood finishes. Deep charcoals, midnight blues, and forest greens are making a splash in 2024.
Deep, rich stains like ebony, walnut, and mahogany are gaining popularity for wood trim. These darker hues make a bold statement and create a luxurious, cocooning effect in a room. Black wood trim, particularly in matte finishes, is experiencing a revival.
People continue to request cherry wood for their kitchen cabinets because of its classic, warm good looks. They simply do not seem to go out of style. Consequently, cherry cabinets make a timeless addition to any kitchen.
Oak is more dense and more durable. Cherry is less dense and can dent more easily. Cherry is easier to work with than oak, and it's easier to carve and sculpt. Both are strong hardwoods, but oak is stronger and does not have to be watched over as much.
While several varieties of wood may be affordable, softwoods emerge as the most inexpensive choice, particularly types like pine, spruce, and fir. These woods are abundant, easily harvested, and versatile, making them ideal choices for diverse applications, including table top construction.
Dark wood is making a comeback in 2024. A firm favourite of many interior designers, the sheer elegance of dark wood has taken a backseat to mainstream interior design trends for the last few years as the light and minimalist Scandi style took centre stage.
Dark wood flooring is making a bold and luxurious statement in 2025. The rich, deep tones of dark wood species, such as walnut, mahogany, or dark-stained oak, add sophistication and warmth to living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms.
Adding a small amount of white can assist in covering the red if needed. Mix 6 parts White with 1 part Slate to create a paint-like tone that will mask the red. A gray color naturally covers color well, which is why it is often used as a primer on dark-painted walls as opposed to white primers.
Cherry wood flooring could turn any room into an elegant, expensive space. Furniture in neutral colors is an ideal option to give your room a more traditional feel. Neutral tones like white and beige provide a contrast to cherry wood's signature deep red color without the need for staining it.
After years of dominance by blonde and sandy tones, homeowners are returning to warmer hues like gunstock, cherry, and deep brown. These richer shades bring warmth and personality to spaces, creating a cozier, more inviting atmosphere.