Bring in texture with Painted Oak cabinets and more.

The popularity of painted cabinets continues to dominate kitchen and bath design. Until now, our painted cabinetry has featured our paintable hardwood species, with a flat, satiny smooth surface. This finish is popular precisely because it creates a clean, consistent backdrop for other design elements.

**How about the beautiful look of painted cabinets… plus texture?**

Recently, Marsh introduced Painted Oak—so now, the understated, uniform look of paint meets distinctive oak texture. Painted Oak answers the trend toward rich textures that make a space feel cozy, organic, and human.

Solid oak tends to have deeper, more pronounced grain than other wood species typically used to create the smooth, flat painted look. So, even when painted, a little bit of oak grain will show through as texture—a difference you can see and feel.

Since cabinets are usually the largest investment in a kitchen or bath design, now Painted Oak from Marsh can make your cabinets an integral part of any texture story.

Why is texture important?

Designers work with seven key design elements: space, line, form, light, color, pattern, and texture. Texture comes from using tactile materials, such as wood grain, metal, leather, velvet, a jute rug, a wool felt pillow. It’s the difference between choices like corduroy or linen, velvet or satin.

Physical texture adds dimension to design. But texture is not just something for you to touch. We see texture, too, and associate it with certain styles and feelings. Picture the warmth of rustic brick versus the coolness of stainless steel or the ruggedness of wrought iron or reclaimed wood.

What is the texture trend all about? Why texture now?

We consulted Mary Baber, design manager for Marsh Cabinets, who told us, “Perhaps texture has become so important because of the ongoing popularity of painted cabinets and the growing appeal of modern, minimalist design. Across all styles, kitchens and baths inherently have many hard, reflective surfaces such as countertops, appliances, and decorative hardware. Without added texture, the space can feel cold and over-polished.

“Most homeowners opt for a blend of textures, creating layers to give their kitchen or bath warmth and personalization.” she said. “With a monochromatic color palette, texture is a way to add a lot of interest and comfort to a space—without introducing new colors or finishes.”

Mary recommends Painted Oak whether your statement includes a little or a lot of texture: “If you prefer layers and layers of texture—from refined to chunky—Painted Oak is a great place to start. If you want just a little, the subtlety of our Painted Oak finish is a great way to show texture without all the layers.”

How do you manage texture in the overall design?

Mary added, “Texture should never be treated as an afterthought. Painted Oak creates the opportunity to integrate texture into any design from the start, to complement and contrast with other design elements.”

In addition to cabinets, our designers consider the potential of every component to bring texture to a space:

Putting tile or stone on walls, from smooth subway tile to natural cut stone
Mixing tile textures and patterns to create interest or focal points
Using stained wood cabinets for their warmth and subtle visual texture
Creating contrast with countertops that are shiny or matte, rough or smooth, in a small pattern like quartz, or with large streaks like marble
Adding unique details like glass-front cabinets with seeded or ridged glass, or moldings and corbels
Customizing with a coordinating shiplap stove hood or end panels on an island (from Exclusives by Marsh)

Mary offered additional tips to bring texture to any space. “Add textures with textiles like area rugs or towels. Choose stools made from natural materials, butcher block, and natural utensils or accessories. Even how you live in a space, trailing plants off a high cabinet, or loading an open shelf with your cookbook collection, will add another dimension.”

Visit a showroom to learn more about texture in kitchens and baths.

It takes a knack to know when the right balance of texture has been achieved—without taking it over the top. Marsh Kitchen & Bath designers know how to balance textural elements to bring your new space vibrancy and warmth.

Explore our showroom and get inspired by all the ways texture can add a vibrant touch—including cabinets in our new Painted Oak.

Find the Marsh Kitchen & Bath showroom near you.