I never thought I’d say the words ‘brown interiors are trending’ but here we are! Those of us who spent our childhoods eliminating the hangover of the ’80s mission brown trend may have residual trauma about introducing anything brown into their homes. Thankfully the new wave of brown is softer, warmer and complemented with like luxe materials like bronze tapware and handmade tiles. One space we’re seeing this colour most of all is in the heart of the home — walnut and brown kitchens.

If you’re looking for ideas to create a warm and inviting kitchen, I hope this round up and design tips give you all the inspo you need. It’s at the request of a reader and if you’ve got your own design dilemma, let us know by commenting below or emailing us — many of our best and most popular articles have been requested by YOU!

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Pair walnut joinery with black hardware

There are so many things to love about this kitchen renovation by YDM Studio, especially the sleek black hardware. Adding black accents to a space is like adding punctuation to a sentence — it just makes sense and defines the space. Take the full kitchen tour.

Large corner kitchen and island in open plan
High windows with shutters in kitchen

Lean into warm and rustic vibes

Contemporary design has dominated in Australia for years but across the pond it’s all about luxe yet rustic farmhouse kitchen vibes. If that’s more your style, this warm kitchen by Studio McGee is sure to inspire. Shaker profiles, check. Handmade tiles, check. Pot rack, check.

The Oaks project
The Oaks project by Studio McGee

Add stone and bronze tapware for a designer look

Back on our shores, this latest kitchen project by Kirsty of Curatd is one of the best examples of walnut kitchens I’ve ever drooled over, I mean seen! Paired with stone benchtop and backsplash, and bronze tapware by Yabby, it’s a winning formula. If you love this kitchen as much as us, the home is currently for sale!

Curatd walnut kitchen
Project #10stnins designed by Kirsty @curatd____
Curatd bronze tap
Looove this bronze Yabby tap | Project #10stnins designed by Kirsty @curatd____
Curatd kitchen
Project #10stnins designed by Kirsty @curatd____

Dip your toe in with a walnut island

If the thought of a full walnut or brown kitchen is too much, why not dip your toe in with just a statement island? People often ask how to combine different types of joinery in the kitchen and THIS IS HOW! Rather than mixing joinery against one wall, such as overhead cabinets in a different finish, I much prefer the impact of a kitchen island in a different material. It creates the sense of the island being a piece of furniture in the space.

Orton Haus walnut island
This statement walnut island is by Orton Haus

Walnut wall joinery

Alternatively, you can flip that formula and opt for the main kitchen to be in brown or walnut joinery, and for the island to be in a different finish. Kyal and Kara show how it’s done in their recent duplex project. Take the full tour.

Contrasting dark timber cabinetry in kitchen of Kyal and Kara Bay Builds
Island bench in House 2
Dark timber cabinetry integrated appliances of Kyal and Kara Bay Builds
House 2 — coastal Spanish vibes

Have you spied any other fab walnut and brown kitchens that should be included in this round up? Share a comment below or email us! I’d love to keep updating this article with the best inspo!

More kitchen design

Koala cleaning
Gina Beschorner
Gina is an Interior Designer and the Editor of Style Curator, an award-winning interiors blog all about helping you create a more stylish home. She is passionate about sharing her love of design, architecture, decorating and homewares. When she's not blogging or working with interior styling clients, you'll find her running after her 2 children or getting her hands messy in a creative project. Subscribe to our e-newsletter for weekly highlights!

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