Many clients love the beauty of walnut for cabinetry and countertops, but it tends to be one of the more expensive woods available. One way to avoid busting the budget with walnut is to mix it with other materials and make it a focal point of the design. Below are three examples where walnut was desired, but remaining on budget was a priority.
In this kitchen a walnut appliance garage, shelves and back island paneling add warmth and richness to a kitchen with cool grey cabinets and stainless steel appliances while respecting the client’s desire to keep costs down. The working side of the island matches the painted grey cabinetry.
In this kitchen the dynamic grain of walnut is a nice contrast to the soothing blue tones.
In this home office walnut butcherblock countertops add interest and a hardy work surface to the dark hickory cabinets.
Side note: the center section of the countertop is also a standing desk!
Leftover countertop material was used to make walnut shelves.
