Meghan Markle’s kitchen countertops showcase the natural beauty of wood – but there are pros and cons you need to know before replicating the look.
Kitchen countertops are possibly the most labor-intensive element of the kitchen. A well-chosen work surface not only combines beauty and practicality, but it can also be the star feature of your kitchen.
In the popular Netflix series *With Love*, Meghan Markle’s kitchen, owned by philanthropists Tom and Sherrie Cipolla of Montecito, features a standout surface material: the wooden countertop.
A wooden kitchen countertop, similar to the one in Meghan Markle’s kitchen, is a popular but also controversial choice that has many pros and cons, according to experts.
Wood is often overlooked as a practical and durable material, but showcasing its beauty in your home can be beneficial in multiple ways. With a nod to bringing the outdoors in, wood is a suggestion from nature itself, boasting a calming quality that can make you feel relaxed, energized, and comforted.
For rustic character, wood is hard to beat. “Wood is beautifully tactile and naturally warmer to the touch than stone, so it offers a more relaxed and softer approach to kitchen countertop ideas, especially in kitchens that blend with living areas,” says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL.
That being said, there are many people who are understandably cautious about wood countertops. As chic as they may be, they are often seen as high-maintenance.
Hardwoods like iroko and oak are good choices, but all wood countertops will require regular maintenance. Avoid direct heat exposure and prolonged soaking, though it’s generally possible to rub and re-oil the surface to repair any damage. “Keep the wood nourished, and in return, it will give you a constantly changing patina that gets better over time,” notes Helen.
If you already have a wood surface, pure tung oil from Hope, available on Amazon, will keep your countertops looking pristine.
If you decide not to use wood countertops but still love the rustic aesthetic, you may want to find other ways to use wood, such as in accessories, cabinets, or even reclaimed wood shelves.
Buy a wood option
If changing the countertop isn’t on your immediate kitchen renovation plans, why not add a touch of wood to your decor to bring warmth, texture, and color in a simple and more affordable way?
You don’t need to use wood on every surface. Replicate Meghan’s look by using a combination of countertop materials to zone the areas of your kitchen and create an interesting and unique look. Here, the designer used wood on the kitchen island and stone elsewhere to define the spaces.
In terms of new kitchen costs, allocate about 20-30% of your kitchen design budget to the work surface, as it’s a significant element both practically and visually. You’ll be glad you invested the time, money, and effort to get it right.
Source: Homes & Gardens. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
