When it comes to designing a bespoke kitchen, the choice of materials is just as important as the layout and functionality. Plywood has become an increasingly popular choice for kitchen cabinetry, thanks to its durability, versatility, and eco-friendly credentials. But with so many colour options available, how do you choose the perfect plywood hues to bring your dream kitchen to life?
At NG Bespoke, we specialise in crafting stunning plywood kitchens tailored to each client’s unique style and needs. Our expert designers and craftsmen have years of experience working with this beautiful material, and we’re passionate about helping homeowners create kitchens that are both functional and visually striking. In this guide, we’ll explore the world of plywood colours and share our top tips for selecting the perfect palette for your space.
The Beauty of Plywood
Before we dive into colour options, let’s take a moment to appreciate the inherent beauty of plywood itself. Unlike solid wood, which can be prone to warping and cracking over time, plywood is an engineered wood product that offers superior stability and strength. It’s made by layering thin sheets of wood veneer and bonding them together with adhesive, creating a material that’s resistant to moisture and temperature changes.
One of the great things about plywood is that it comes in a wide range of wood species, each with its own unique grain pattern and colour variations. From the light, even tones of birch to the rich, warm hues of walnut, there’s a plywood species to suit every design aesthetic. And because the grain pattern is more uniform than solid wood, plywood offers a clean, modern look that’s perfect for contemporary kitchens.
Natural Plywood Finishes
For a timeless, minimalist look, you can’t go wrong with natural plywood finishes. Leaving the wood grain exposed and simply sealing it with a clear coat or oil brings out the inherent beauty of the material and creates a warm, inviting feel in the kitchen.
One of our favourite species for natural plywood kitchens is birch. With its pale, creamy colour and subtle grain pattern, birch plywood offers a bright, airy look that’s perfect for small spaces or kitchens that don’t get a lot of natural light. It pairs beautifully with white countertops and stainless steel appliances for a clean, modern aesthetic.
If you prefer a richer, more traditional look, consider a natural finish in a darker wood species like walnut or cherry. The warm, reddish-brown tones of these woods add depth and character to a kitchen, and look stunning paired with brass or copper hardware and accents.
Painted Plywood
While natural plywood finishes are certainly beautiful, there’s no denying the impact of a bold, colourful kitchen. Painting your plywood cabinetry is a great way to inject personality into the space and create a look that’s uniquely yours.
One of the hottest trends in kitchen design right now is the use of deep, moody hues like navy blue, forest green, and charcoal grey. These rich, saturated colours add drama and sophistication to a kitchen, and look particularly striking when paired with brass or gold hardware and warm wood accents.
If you prefer a lighter, brighter look, consider painting your plywood cabinets in a soft, muted hue like sage green, pale blue, or blush pink. These colours add a touch of whimsy and romance to a kitchen, and look beautiful paired with natural wood countertops and open shelving.
Of course, you can never go wrong with a classic white kitchen. Painting your plywood cabinets in a crisp, bright white creates a timeless look that’s both elegant and fresh. White kitchens are also incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily switch up your decor and accessories over time without having to renovate the entire space.
Two-Tone Plywood Kitchens
If you can’t decide between a natural plywood finish and a painted look, why not combine the two? Two-tone kitchens, featuring a mix of wood and painted finishes, are a huge trend right now and offer endless possibilities for customization.
One popular approach is to use a natural plywood finish on the base cabinets and a painted finish on the upper cabinets. This creates a grounded, earthy feel in the lower half of the kitchen, while the painted uppers add a pop of colour and keep the space feeling light and airy.
Another option is to use a natural plywood finish on the perimeter cabinets and a bold, contrasting colour on the island. This creates a stunning focal point in the kitchen and allows you to incorporate a daring hue without overwhelming the entire space.
Laminate Finishes
While natural and painted plywood finishes are certainly beautiful, they’re not the only options available. Laminate finishes, which involve bonding a thin layer of printed paper or vinyl to the surface of the plywood, offer a wide range of colour and pattern options that can completely transform the look of your kitchen.
One of the biggest advantages of laminate finishes is their durability. Unlike paint, which can chip or scratch over time, laminate is incredibly resistant to wear and tear. It’s also easy to clean and maintain, making it a great choice for busy families or anyone who loves to cook.
When it comes to colour options, the sky’s the limit with laminate finishes. From bold, graphic patterns to soft, muted solids, there’s a laminate to suit every design aesthetic. Some of our favourite laminate colours for kitchens include:
- Soft, muted greens like sage or olive
- Rich, earthy browns and taupes
- Bright, cheerful yellows and oranges
- Cool, calming blues and greens
- Crisp, clean whites and greys
Mixing and Matching
Of course, you don’t have to stick to just one plywood colour or finish in your kitchen. Mixing and matching different hues and textures can create a layered, dynamic look that’s full of personality.
One approach is to use different colours or finishes on different elements of the kitchen. For example, you might choose a natural plywood finish for your base cabinets, a painted finish for your upper cabinets, and a bold laminate for your island or pantry door. This creates visual interest and allows you to incorporate multiple colours without overwhelming the space.
Another option is to use the same plywood finish throughout the kitchen, but incorporate contrasting colours or materials in your countertops, backsplash, or flooring. For example, a natural birch plywood kitchen with black granite countertops and a white subway tile backsplash creates a classic, timeless look with plenty of visual interest.
Sustainable Plywood Options
At NG Bespoke, we’re committed to using sustainable, eco-friendly materials whenever possible. When it comes to plywood, there are a few key things to look for to ensure you’re making an environmentally responsible choice.
First, look for plywood that’s made from sustainably sourced wood. This means the wood comes from responsibly managed forests that are replanted and harvested in a way that minimises environmental impact. Some of the most sustainable plywood options include bamboo, which is fast-growing and renewable, and FSC-certified wood, which comes from forests that meet strict environmental and social standards.
Another important factor to consider is the adhesive used to bond the layers of wood veneer together. Many conventional plywoods use formaldehyde-based adhesives, which can off-gas harmful chemicals into your home over time. Look for plywood that uses low-VOC or formaldehyde-free adhesives to ensure a healthier, more eco-friendly choice.
Plywood Kitchen Inspiration
Need some inspiration for your own plywood kitchen? Here are a few of our favourite designs from the NG Bespoke portfolio:
1. Scandi-Inspired Birch Kitchen
This bright, airy kitchen features natural birch plywood cabinets paired with white Corian countertops and a pale grey ceramic tile backsplash. The simple, clean lines of the cabinetry and the light, neutral palette create a serene, minimalist feel that’s perfect for a busy family home.
2. Moody Blue Shaker Kitchen
For a bolder look, consider a deep, inky blue like the one used on the Shaker-style cabinets in this stunning kitchen. You can read our guide if you are Interested in learning more about Shaker Kitchens.
The rich, saturated hue is balanced by warm wood accents, including a natural oak island top and floating shelves. Brass hardware and lighting add a touch of glamour and sophistication.
3. Two-Tone Green and Wood Kitchen
This kitchen combines the best of both worlds, with a mix of painted and natural plywood finishes. The base cabinets are painted in a soft, muted green, while the upper cabinets and open shelving are left in a natural oak finish. The effect is earthy and organic, with just the right amount of colour to keep things interesting.
4. Bright Yellow Laminate Kitchen
For a fun, playful look, consider a bright yellow laminate finish like the one used in this cheery kitchen. The bold hue is balanced by simple, clean-lined cabinetry and a crisp white countertop. A mix of open shelving and closed storage keeps the space feeling light and airy.
Working with NG Bespoke
If you’re considering a plywood kitchen for your home, we’d love to help bring your vision to life. At NG Bespoke, we specialise in creating custom kitchens that are tailored to each client’s unique needs and style preferences. From the initial design consultation to the final installation, our team of experts will guide you through every step of the process to ensure a seamless, stress-free experience.
One of the things that sets us apart is our commitment to using only the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. All of our plywood kitchens are made from sustainably sourced, FSC-certified wood and are built to last a lifetime. We also offer a wide range of customization options, from custom colour matching to bespoke storage solutions, so you can create a kitchen that truly reflects your personal style.
Whether you have a clear vision in mind or need help bringing your ideas to life, our team is here to help. We’ll work closely with you to understand your needs, preferences, and budget, and create a design that checks all the boxes. And with our transparent pricing and exceptional customer service, you can trust that you’re in good hands from start to finish.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect plywood colours for your kitchen is an exciting opportunity to express your personal style and create a space that’s both beautiful and functional. Whether you prefer the warm, natural look of exposed wood grain or the bold, playful impact of colourful laminate, there’s a plywood finish to suit every design aesthetic.
At NG Bespoke, we’re passionate about helping homeowners create their dream kitchens using the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. If you’re considering a plywood kitchen for your home, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards your perfect kitchen.