Wood Cabinets Are Back — And Maybe I Was Ahead of the Curve
Over the years, one of the things I’ve learned as both a real estate agent and someone who renovates houses is that trends come and go. What feels timeless one year can feel dated the next.
For the better part of the last decade, white kitchen cabinets dominated almost every renovation project. If you walked through enough flipped houses—or enough new construction—you’d see the same formula again and again:
White cabinets.
Quartz countertops.
Subway tile backsplash.
Clean, bright, safe.
And to be honest, I’ve used white cabinets in most of my renovation projects. Buyers love them, they photograph beautifully, and they help smaller kitchens feel larger and brighter. When you’re renovating with resale in mind, white cabinets have been the safest bet for years.
But here’s the funny part.
Ten Years Ago I Did Something Different
When I renovated my own kitchen about ten years ago, I went a completely different direction.
Instead of white cabinets, I chose dark stained wood cabinetry paired with white marble countertops.
At the time, quartz countertops were just starting to enter the market. They were still very expensive, and the designs were fairly plain. Most of them lacked the natural veining and character that people wanted. So marble still felt like the more elegant choice.
To me, the combination of dark wood and white marble just looked classic. Rich. Timeless. A little more sophisticated than the all-white kitchens that were beginning to show up everywhere.
And while I still love the look…
My One Regret: Real Marble
Here’s the honest truth from someone who has lived with it for a decade.
True marble is beautiful — but it doesn’t hold up well.
I chose a matte (honed) finish, which I still think looks fantastic. It has a soft elegance to it that polished stone sometimes lacks.
But marble is porous. It stains. It etches. It requires constant sealing and careful maintenance.
For someone who cooks regularly or uses their kitchen heavily, marble can be frustrating. Over time you’ll see marks from acidic foods, wine, lemon juice, vinegar, and everyday wear.
If I were doing it again today, I would almost certainly choose a high-quality quartz with good veining that mimics marble. The technology has improved dramatically over the past decade.
The Trend Is Changing Again
Interestingly enough, the industry seems to be circling back to what first caught my eye years ago.
According to the 2026 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, which surveyed more than 1,700 homeowners, wood cabinetry has officially overtaken white as the most popular cabinet choice in kitchen renovations.
Here’s how the numbers break down:
- Wood cabinets: 29%
- White cabinets: 28%
- Off-white: 15%
Among wood tones, the most popular choices are:
- Medium wood tones: 15%
- Light wood finishes: 11%
- Dark wood: 3%
We’re also seeing more “tuxedo kitchens”—where the upper cabinets are light (often white) and the lower cabinets or island are darker wood tones or colors.
Another trend gaining traction is wood islands or butcher block countertops, used as a contrasting material against quartz or stone on the main counters.
Why Wood Cabinets Are Making a Comeback
In my opinion, there are a few reasons for this shift.
First, people are starting to crave warmth again in their homes. After years of bright white and gray interiors, natural materials like wood feel more inviting and less sterile.
Second, cabinetry manufacturers have dramatically improved their finishes. Today’s wood cabinetry can range from light Scandinavian tones to rich walnut stains, which work beautifully in both modern and traditional kitchens.
And finally, homeowners are starting to realize that timeless materials tend to age better than trends.
Starting a New Series
As a Realtor here in Williamsburg, I’m constantly being asked questions by both buyers and sellers:
- Should I renovate my kitchen before selling?
- Are white cabinets still the safest choice?
- Is quartz better than granite or marble?
- What upgrades actually add value to a home?
So I thought it might be helpful to start a series of short articles answering some of the most common questions I get about renovating, remodeling, and preparing a home for sale.
After more than 20 years selling homes across Virginia—and renovating quite a few myself—I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t.
Sometimes the design magazines get it right.
And sometimes the people actually living in these homes teach us the real lessons.
About the Author
I’m John Womeldorf — also known locally as Mr. Williamsburg. For more than 20 years I’ve been helping people buy and sell homes throughout Williamsburg and across the broader region from Virginia Beach to Richmond and everywhere in between.
Along the way I’ve also renovated and restored a number of homes myself, so I often see houses from two perspectives: as a Realtor helping clients make smart decisions, and as someone who has personally lived through the remodeling process.
Whether you’re thinking about updating a kitchen before selling, renovating a recently purchased home, or simply curious what improvements actually add value, I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned over the years.
If you ever want to talk about the market, remodeling ideas, or the best neighborhoods around Williamsburg, feel free to reach out.
📞 Call or text: 757-254-8136
📧 Email: John@MrWilliamsburg.com
🌐 Website: mrwilliamsburg.com