12 Lovely Kitchens With Butcher Block Countertops

Lets talk about butcher block countertops! These types of countertops have been gaining popularity in kitchens across the country for their warm, natural look and durability. Made from solid wood, these countertops are a versatile and practical addition to any kitchen. 

Our kitchen has butcher block paired with leathered granite. I love the way the two look together- in fact, the wood tones of this type of countertop pair with a LOT of different elements and styles. The cooler tones of the floor and backsplash get a slight warm up from the countertops (and the wood barstools!)

Wood countertops are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. Their durability and practicality make them a great choice for any kitchen. They are timeless!

What are butcher block countertops? 

Butcher block countertops are made from strips of wood that are glued together to create a sturdy surface. They can be made from a variety of woods, including maple, cherry, oak, and walnut, each with its own unique grain pattern and color. Butcher block is a great option for kitchens because they are easy to clean, resistant to stains and scratches, and can be sanded and refinished if they become damaged.

They can be paired with other materials, such as granite or quartz, to create a unique and stylish look. They can also be used as cutting boards, as they are durable and resistant to knife marks.

These types of countertops can be stained anywhere from very light to very dark, creating a wide range of options.

Read all about how to care for butcher block countertops in this post: How To Seal Butcher Block Countertops.

What To Pair With Butcher Block Countertops

The great thing about this type of countertop is that they can be styled in a variety of ways to suit any kitchen design. They can be paired with white or light-colored cabinets for a fresh, modern look, or with dark cabinets for a more traditional feel.

They also look great with open shelving, stainless steel appliances, and vintage-inspired fixtures.

Different Wood Tones

This is a great example of how different wood tones can work together to create a beautiful, warm space! My sister Melanie and her husband updated their circa 2004 kitchen a few years ago and installed butcher block on their island.

The tone variety in the butcher block complements the warm oak cabinetry and the neutral oak floors. Melanie paired the wood tones with white quartz counters, white walls and a white painted island, creating a dynamic and layered design. Her kitchen always feels classic and cozy.

White Cabinets

Butcher block countertops paired with white cabinets is such a classic and timeless aesthetic. My oldest sister, Kendra, (what can I say, we are family with similar tastes!) also has butcher block in her lovely white kitchen, with a large white countertop on the island. This kitchen feels very modern while also retaining a warm vibe.

Kendra and her husband chose to mix the natural texture and grain of the wood to add depth and character to the kitchen with the white cabinets to provide a fresh and airy feel.

Additionally, the concrete flooring, crips white cabinets, and open beams paired with the warmth of the butcher block create a visually appealing balance in the kitchen.

Dark Cabinets

Pairing butcher block with dark cabinets can create a beautiful contrast in your kitchen. The warmth and natural texture of the butcher block complements the richness of the dark cabinets and adds depth and visual interest!

If you’re going for a more dramatic style, pairing wood with dark colors is the way to go.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel and wood tones go well together. The butcher block counters in this beautiful kitchen warm up the stainless steel of the sink area. Stainless steel offers a smooth, reflective surface, while butcher block provides a textured, organic feel. This mix of textures adds depth and interest to the kitchen design.

Also, they’re also both great food prep materials, so together they make a versatile and functional workspace.

Bright Backsplash

White cabinets are an excellent pairing with wood countertops, and the bright backsplash in this kitchen adds a really fun pop of color.

The bright backsplash makes for a colorful focal point, and the interplay between the colorful backsplash and the wood’s organic patterns adds depth and interest.

Dark Wood Tones

Butcher block can be stained any tone, depending on the style of the rest of the kitchen. The dark wood beam and weathered cabinets on this kitchen island pair well with a dark stained butcher block.

Dark wood surfaces are better at concealing stains, scratches, and everyday wear and tear compared to lighter tones. This makes them a practical choice for busy kitchens.

Cool Tones

Like in our own kitchen, pairing wood counters with cool toned floors and/or backsplash warms up the space. The grey vinyl flooring and grey, shiny backsplash in our kitchen need the wood countertops to provide a warm contrast, texture and introduce an organic material.

open Shelving

Open shelving fits well with this type of countertop. They both offer a warm, natural and inviting look that enhances the overall aesthetic of a kitchen. The rich, organic tones of the wood in the butcher block complement the airy and spacious feel of open shelving, creating a cohesive design!

Both elements are also super functional and practical for food prep and easy access to frequently used items. They just make sense together.

Bright Cabinets

The combination of butcher block and bright cabinets can create a visually striking contrast in your kitchen. The warm natural tones of the countertops provide a beautiful balance to the bold and vibrant colors of the cabinets, creating a dynamic and catching look.

Natural textures soften bold colors and create harmony.

Rustic Elements

Shiplap walls and exposed beams go great with the wood countertops in this visually appealing kitchen. A rustic kitchen emphasizes nautral materials and a connection to the outdoors which aligns well with a wood counter. The organix textures and grain paterns in this kichen work really well together in this space.

One of the hallmarks of rustic design is the appreciation of materials that show age and wear over time. These counters will develop scratches and nicks over time, similar to the paneling and other wood elements.

Scandinavian Design

Scandinavian style is on the rise, for good reason! This style is known for its simplicity, minimalism and neutral tones. Wood counters pair naturally with this aesthetic.

Scandinavian design heavily emphasizes the use of natural materials to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Wood counters align perfectly with this principal! The natural grain and texture of wood add an organic and earthy element to the kitchen- a hallmark of Scandinavian aesthetics.

Brick

Lastly, brick adds texture and character to a space, while butcher block brings warmth and a natural element to the kitchen. Together, they create a visually interested and dynamic combination that can add depth and charm to the room.

Pairing Elements that match butcher block countertops 

When choosing paint colors, design elements and cabinets to match butcher block countertops, it’s important to consider the wood species and stain of the countertops.

Light-colored stains pair well with white, cream, and light gray cabinets, while dark-colored countertops look great with dark cabinets or bold colors like navy blue or forest green.

Ultimately, the choice of paint colors and cabinets should complement the counters and create a cohesive look in the kitchen.