The Trending Wood Cabinet Material That's Changing The Game

Kitchen cabinet trends are always coming and going — especially when it comes to color and material. In 2025, for example, blue and green cabinets were all the rage, while in 2024, it was all about light wood kitchens paired with warm, earthy color palettes. The reason trends often fade, however, is that eventually they become overdone, leaving people feeling exhausted by spaces that start to look just like everyone else's. But burl wood — one of the gorgeous cabinet trends set to take over kitchens in 2026 — may actually have some serious staying power, thanks to its inherent natural uniqueness.  

According to interior designers Katarzyna Najdek and Aleksandra Frankowska, burl wood — which refers to wood that features a distinctive swirled or knotted grain pattern formed by burls (a growth caused by damage or stress to a tree) — is quickly becoming a go-to choice for clients looking for something unique. "Burl wood has an exceptionally distinctive and decorative grain pattern that feels too beautiful not to be showcased," they explained in an interview with Homes and Gardens. "As a natural material, it also brings a sense of authenticity and refinement, adding a timeless, elevated quality to the interior." So, if you're in search of kitchen cabinets that don't feel cookie cutter, investing in burl wood, which can be found in a range of wood types, from maple and oak to walnut and elm, might be exactly what you need to set your space apart.

In addition to making your space feel uniquely yours, burl wood kitchen cabinets come with a few other perks, including the fact that they tend to be stronger and more durable than traditional wood cabinets, thanks to their tightly, intertwined grain. Another bonus is their versatility: while burl can naturally bring a '70s vibe to a space, it can take on almost any feel depending on how you style it. For example, pairing dark walnut burl cabinets with an earthy color palette (think shades of brown, terracotta, or ochre) would lend itself beautifully to a mid-century modern style home. Meanwhile, a light oak burl wood paired with white marble countertops and a muted neutral palette of creamy whites, beiges, grays, pinks, or blues would feel at home in a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired kitchen.

The trick to incorporating burl wood cabinets without making your space feel too busy is keeping everything else relatively calm and neutral. This means avoiding any bold patterns on walls, backsplashes, and countertops that would clash with the burl wood and result in a kitchen that feels more overwhelming than uniquely styled. Meanwhile, if you love the look of burl wood but are weary of its price tag that can often be on the steeper side due to its rarity, you can easily DIY a stunning faux burl wood with the help of some patterned peel-and-stick wallpaper. This is also a great option for homeowners who want to try out the trend in their kitchen before fully committing.