5 Trending Wood Stains for Kitchen Cabinets, According to Designers

Biscotti

Kitchen cabinet colors inspired by cookies? We are so here for it. Colleen Bennett, founder and lead interior designer at CBB Design Firm, says she loves a biscotti colored stain (a warm, toasty brown color) on oak wood. “We’ve been using that [stain color] a lot,” she says.

Sandalwood

Andrew Suvalsky, owner and director of Andrew Suvalsky Designs, says one trend he loves right now is a sandalwood tone on white oak. “It’s an ideal bridge between light and dark. It has the warmth of deeper woods without the heaviness, and the freshness of lighter tones without feeling overly trendy or fleeting,” says the designer. “This stain creates a mood that’s fresh but warm, never stark, and it works across a range of palettes, whether you’re leaning into richer, moodier hues or something softer and more neutral.”

Another reason why this stain is so popular is that it works for a variety of aesthetics. “Sandalwood on white oak also supports a transitional style that feels slightly rustic yet refined, making it incredibly versatile,” Suvalsky says.

Honey Oak

John Washer, owner of Cabinets Plus, says he’s seen a big swing toward natural mid-tone stains, especially honey oak shades and warm walnut hues. “They’re not too light, not too dark, and that balance is doing a lot of heavy lifting in kitchens right now,” he says. “They work across design styles from modern, transitional, even coastal, and they photograph beautifully, which matters in the Instagram era. The tone adds visual warmth without looking heavy or outdated. Clients are moving away from the stark white kitchen look. They want something that feels grounded and lived-in.”

He adds that these stains truly shine in open-plan homes. “They play well with neutral countertops, brushed metals, and soft lighting,” he says. “I’d say around 60% of the residential kitchens we did in the last year leaned into these tones. There is a comfort factor to them. People want kitchens that don’t just look clean, but feel cozy. A stain that shows off the wood grain and adds depth is way more forgiving than solid colors.”

Ashwood

Washer has also noticed more homeowners asking for slightly desaturated stains that mimic aged wood, such as muted driftwood or sun-kissed ash. “These stains tell a story,” he says. “They look like they have been around a while and that gives a kitchen instant character. You get texture, history and mood all in one finish. No doubt, it’s a pushback against showroom-perfect gloss. It’s a vibe thing, and it sticks.”

So, if you’re looking to add some charm to a newer home, consider ashwood stains for your kitchen cabinets. 

Whitewash

Annie Obermann, co-founder and principal designer at Forge & Bow, shares that whitewash glaze is a popular choice for staining white oak cabinetry, and it gives a rustic, shabby chic look to a space.

However, the designer adds that this isn’t her favorite choice because it doesn’t always end up looking natural. “Personally, I prefer a light brown chestnut stain on white oak,” she says. “It adds depth while still allowing the grain to shine through.”