Remodel Kitchens With Relaxing Driftwood Stained Cabinets
Tired of dark, dated kitchen cabinets? Looking to brighten up your cooking space with a relaxed, coastal vibe? Driftwood stained cabinets may be the perfect solution for your next kitchen remodel.
Driftwood staining gives cabinets a weathered gray finish that conjures up images of coastal cottages and tranquil beaches. Unlike stark white paint or inky dark stains, driftwood provides a soft, muted gray tone that feels both soothing and stylish.
What is Driftwood Stain?
Driftwood stain mimics the look of naturally weathered gray wood, like the kind found on driftwood that washes up onshore. When applied to kitchen cabinets, it transforms the wood with a soft, neutral gray finish.
The weathered driftwood look is achieved by layering translucent gray staining over the natural wood grain. Glazes are often added on top to accentuate the distressed, coastal effect. The result is cabinets with a subdued, tranquil vibe perfect for renovating kitchens.
Benefits of Driftwood Stained Cabinets
What makes driftwood stain so appealing for today's kitchens? Here are some of the top benefits of choosing driftwood for your next remodel.
Bright and Airy Look
Unlike darker wood stains, driftwood's light gray finish reflects light beautifully to open up smaller kitchens. The soft neutral tone creates a brighter, more airy look than traditional wood cabinetry.
Timeless Yet Trendy
While gray tones are undeniably on-trend right now, driftwood's weathered appearance has a timeless quality too. The distressed finish hides wear and tear over time. You can achieve a coastal cottage look without the style feeling too trendy.
Design Flexibility
Driftwood stained cabinets pair well with a wide variety of kitchen designs and materials. Their light gray color complements everything from marble counters to subway tile backsplashes. Driftwood allows creativity in mixing and matching other kitchen elements.
Choosing Your Driftwood Finish
When opting for driftwood kitchen cabinets, there are a few considerations that will impact the final look.
Stain vs. Paint
Driftwood staining penetrates the wood grain to infuse rich, natural color variations. Paint provides a more uniform driftwood look. For added distressing, many homeowners opt to paint cabinets first, then apply driftwood glazing.
Wood Species
Maple accepts driftwood stain evenly for a seamless weathered finish. Cherry results in undertones of reddish-brown. Oak driftwood accentuates the dramatic wood grain for added texture.
Door Styles
Simple shaker-style doors allow driftwood's weathered beauty to take center stage. More intricate cabinet doors compete with the finish rather than complementing it. Slab cabinet fronts also optimize the stain's distressed flavor.
Glazes and Accents
Creative blends and layers help generate a custom driftwood look. A white glaze over basic driftwood evokes an aged, beach-found quality. Or add black glazing for bold contrast. Go as light or as dark as fits your coastal design vision.
Designing Your Driftwood Kitchen
Driftwood's adaptable gray-beige tone provides endless possibilities for finishing off your kitchen design.
Countertops
Opt for countertops with cool undertones that accent the tranquil vibe of driftwood cabinets. Think marble, soapstone, or concrete. Butcher block counters inject warmth. Avoid matching gray tones, which can feel monotonous.
Backsplashes
Crisp white subway tiles play up driftwood's coastal charm. Natural stone mosaic backsplashes complement the weathered finish. Steer clear of distracting patterns or colors that compete with the cabinets.
Hardware
Warm metal finishes like bronze and brushed nickel allow driftwood to shine. Cool stainless feels too harsh. For contrast, choose blackened iron knobs and pulls.
Lighting
Balance cool LED lights with warm pendant fixtures to keep things from feeling too gloomy. Maximize natural light to highlight your stunning driftwood finish.
Ready to bring a relaxing new look to your kitchen? Driftwood stained cabinets may be the perfect way to remodel your space with tranquil, coastal charm. The soft weathered finish and customizable nature gives you design flexibility with a timeless appeal.
So if you're seeking to upgrade your kitchen with a lighter, brighter makeover, consider driftwood's soothing coastal allure. Let the sound of the waves wash over you every time you cook and dine in your all-new, beach-inspired kitchen.