Alys Beach – Kitchen with exotic wood cabinetry – photo by Kurt Lischka
A burgeoning trend in kitchen cabinetry and woodwork is exotic woods. I have seen several displays, interiors photos and magazine layouts featuring kitchens with bold exotic wood cabinets.
Above, a home in luxury resort community Alys Beach, Florida features exotic wood cabinetry set against a simple white backdrop with stainless steel appliances.
The woods usually have a striking appearance due to the bold grain patterns. Depending on the wood, the natural patterns vary from heavily striated, to highly textured and boast a variety of interesting colors and hues.
Forget the actual look of the wood, the names are new and foreign in and of themselves. Macore Pommele, Sapele Pommele, Anegre, Teak, Hawaiian Koa, Pearwood, Macassar Ebony, Zebrawood, Lacewood, Bubinga, Bamboo, Bolivian Rosewood, Bloodwood, African Padauk, Bucote, Cannarywood, Cocobolo, Honduras Mahogany, Purpleheart and Wenge are just a few of the exotic wood varieties available.
Kitchen cabinets can come in solid wood, wood veneers and engineered patterns.
Expo Design Centers – Kraftmaid Cabinet Lustra Tygris Gloss – approx. $300-500 per linear foot (installation not included) – photo by Coco of Cococozy
Photo by Coco of Cococzy (above)
Tygris Gloss (above and below) is a faux exotic wood grain pattern in a rich brown with reddish tones. Cabinets are made of engineered wood covered with Thermafoil. Thermafoil is a smooth high gloss sheen plastic/laminate coating that is touted as being extremely durable and scratch resistant.
Photo by Coco of Cococozy (above)
I like this trend for now…kind of reminds me of animal print upholstery and accents in other rooms. A little goes a long way…but a little can also add a sense of high style and design into a modern kitchen.
