As interior design changes and evolves, styles that were once considered out-of-date may suddenly become a trend in modern homes. Recently, textured melamine cabinets have been stealing the spotlight. Once considered a budget-friendly alternative to real wood cabinets, melamine has had a serious glow-up. These textured cabinets can now be seen in many kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. 

What Is Textured Melamine?

Unlike traditional melamine, which is smooth and flat, this synthetic material is made by fusing textured resin melamine paper onto particleboard using high heat and pressure. Textured melamine cabinets mimic the feel and grain of real wood and offer a tactile, dimensional finish that brings warmth and authenticity to any space — without the upkeep or cost of natural materials.

Why It’s Trending

Here’s why designers and homeowners choose to use textured melamine cabinets instead of wood ones: 

Affordable Luxury

Textured melamine gives you the rustic, high-quality look of wood cabinetry at a fraction of the price. It’s perfect for renovations on a budget or large-scale projects requiring consistency in finish and quality. These cabinets provide depth and a sense of luxury to any room. 

Durability Meets Style

Textured melamine cabinets resist scratches, moisture, and stains — making it a smart choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms or for homes that have children or pets. These cabinets are also easy to clean — you only need a damp cloth and mild detergent to make them shine. 

These cabinets are also less prone to swelling, warping, or splitting due to moisture or weather conditions, making them an excellent choice for humid areas or rooms prone to spills. 

Endless Aesthetic Options

Whether you prefer the rustic feel of reclaimed oak, the sleekness of ash, or the bold texture of walnut, textured melamine comes in a variety of colors, textures, and surface patterns that can suit any design style — from industrial to farmhouse to minimalist.

Eco-Friendly Appeal

Melamine products are often made with sustainable or recycled materials, making them a popular choice among environmentally conscious homeowners. The long-lasting nature of these cabinets also makes them an eco-conscious choice for homeowners. 

Easy to Install

Textured melamine cabinets are easy to install compared to other cabinet materials. They are also lightweight and easy to handle, lift, and maneuver during installation. They can be cut and shaped with standard woodworking tools.

Uniform Look

Solid wood can have different grain patterns and colors, while textured melamine has a more uniform look from being manufactured in a controlled environment, making it sleeker and perfect for modern homes. 

How to Style It

Two-Tone Cabinets — Pair textured melamine lower cabinets with high-gloss uppers for a dynamic, contemporary look. You could also pair two bold colors to add personality to your space. 

Contrasting Colors — If you have lighter-colored cabinets, use darker colors for your countertops, backsplash, or feature wall to create visual interest. If you opted for dark-color cabinets, due the opposite.

Bold Accents — Hardware in matte black or brushed brass beautifully complements wood-look finishes while metal adds a touch of sophistication. If you want to showcase any beautiful dishes or items you’ve collected, consider adding glass-fronted cabinets.

Neutral Palettes — Let the texture do the talking. Stick with earthy tones, soft whites, and greys for a grounded and modern aesthetic that highlights the beauty of your cabinets. 

Drawbacks of Textured Melamine 

While you’ll find many benefits to choosing textured melamine cabinets, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of: 

Risk of Chipping — The corners and edges of melamine cabinets can chip if not properly taken care of, causing the particleboard to be exposed. Never use sharp objects or abrasive cleaners on your melamine cabinets.

Limited Door Styles – Textured melamine typically comes in slab (flat) door styles. There is little room for other designs or raised panels. 

May Look Artificial — Some people don’t like the synthetic look of textured melamine and prefer the look of real wood. For this reason, make sure you only choose high-quality materials, so your cabinets don’t look fake and cheap. 

Difficult to Repair — If you damage textured melamine cabinets, you may find it difficult to repair them, leading you to need to replace them. 

Textured Melamine — A Beautiful Alternative to Real Wood

Textured melamine cabinets allow you to be more than just on trend — they give you a smart, stylish solution. With their durability, affordability, and variety of styles and colors, it’s easy to see why they’ve become a staple in today’s interiors. Whether you’re designing your dream kitchen or refreshing your bathroom, textured melamine brings the perfect balance of form and function.

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and optimizing cabinets with the right accessories can make it more functional, organized, and stylish. Whether you want to remodel or just complete small upgrades, here are some must-have cabinet accessories to enhance your kitchen experience.

1. Pull Out Shelves

Pull-out shelves are a great practical update. They maximize storage and convenience by helping you access items at the back of deep cabinets, and they typically have a lip around the edge to keep things from sliding off. 

You can utilize pull-out shelves for a few different things. Some are perfect for storing pots, pans, and small appliances. Some are designed to hold boxed, canned, and bagged food. If you want to use pull-out shelves for appliances or heavy jars, you’ll want to make sure the shelf is sturdy enough to handle the weight. 

2. Lazy Susans

Classic corner cabinet accessories, Lazy Susans have shelves that rotate 360 degrees, preventing clutter and maximizing space. They prevent items from getting lost in the back of the cabinet and let you access items without having to dig through cluttered spaces. They come in three different designs: round, triangular cut, and semi-circle. Lazy Susans are Ideal for spices, condiments, and dry goods.

3. Drawer Organizers

From cutlery trays to deep dividers, drawer organizers keep everything in place, making it easier to find what you need and preventing kitchen tools from becoming a jumbled and chaotic mess. You can buy different drawer organizers or have them built into the drawer.  You may even consider color-coding the organizers for easy identification. 

4. Vertical Dividers

Perfect for storing baking sheets, cooling racks, cutting boards, and trays, vertical dividers keep your kitchenware organized and easy to grab. These dividers can be installed or set in lower cabinets or even inside pantry spaces to separate flat items, making them more accessible. Adjustable dividers allow you to customize the spacing based on your specific storage needs.

5. Under-Sink Storage

Make the most of the space under your sink with cabinet accessories such as pull-out caddies or tiered shelves. These accessories help keep cleaning supplies organized and easily accessible. Some under-sink organizers feature sliding racks or stackable bins to maximize vertical space, making it easier to store sponges, dish soap, garbage bags, and other miscellaneous items without creating clutter.

6. Trash and Recycling Pull-Outs

Some homeowners opt for trash pull-out shelves to keep their cans out of sight. These cabinet accessories keep your kitchen clean and uncluttered. Many models include separate compartments for trash and recycling, allowing for eco-friendly waste disposal.  These shelves come in various materials, including wood and metal, and can be customized to fit different cabinet sizes. Add Soft-close mechanisms for a touch of luxury by ensuring a smooth close. 

7. Spice Racks

Built-in spice racks or pull-out spice organizers make it easy to find the right seasoning when you need it. They also help free up counter and drawer space. Spice racks can be installed on the inside of cabinet doors, inside pull-out drawers, or even in vertical pull-outs near the stove for easy access while cooking. Organizing spices alphabetically or by category can make meal preparation even more efficient.

8. Soft-Close Hinges and Slides

Upgrade your cabinet doors and drawers with soft-close hinges and slides and put at end to slamming doors. These mechanisms not only reduce noise but also extend the lifespan of your cabinetry by preventing wear and tear. Soft-close technology is affordable and adds a high-end feel to any kitchen.

9. Appliance Garages

Keep small appliances like blenders, toasters, and coffee makers hidden but accessible with appliance garages. These cabinets help maintain a clean, uncluttered look in your kitchen. Some appliance garages come with retractable doors or lift-up panels, allowing you to store and use appliances without moving them. Adding power outlets inside these cabinets can further enhance their convenience; you only need to open the door to use your appliance. 

10. LED Cabinet Lighting

Enhance kitchen visibility and add a modern touch to your cabinets with LED lighting. Under-cabinet lighting is great for countertops, while in-cabinet lighting helps you see what’s stored inside. Motion-activated LED lights are especially convenient for deep or hard-to-reach cabinets, automatically turning on when the door is opened.

Upgrade Your Kitchen With Cabinet Accessories 

By incorporating these cabinet accessories, you can create a more efficient, modern, and enjoyable kitchen space. Whether you love home-cooked meals or just want to enjoy a well-organized kitchen, consider these upgrades. Investing in smart storage solutions can enhance your cooking experience, improve accessibility, and elevate the overall functionality of your kitchen.

At the beginning of the year, each of the major paint companies decides which color trends they will see in the new year. The Pantone Color of the Year was established in 1999 and has become a widely anticipated event for those in the design company, and was soon followed by other paint companies. Each company’s color of the year reflects unique themes and inspirations, as the goal of this event is to start a conversation between designers and color enthusiasts about the connection between color and culture. If you want to know which colors will thrive this year, read below. 

Pantone

The Pantone Color Institute’s color of the year expresses a singular mood and attitude and collective desire in the form of a single color. The Pantone color of the year is Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. This warm, rich, brown hue reminds people of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee. This color is thought to invoke thoughtful indulgence, harmonious comfort, and feelings of contentment. 

Mocha Mousse can be paired with a range of colors or used as an elegant stand-alone color. This color conveys sophistication and earthy refinement, adding a touch of class to any room. 

Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore has chosen Cinnamon Slate 2113-40 as their color of the year. Described as a mix of heathered plum and velvety brown, this shade is delicate and nuanced, but also familiar. Benjamin Moore wants to remind people how color can captivate us and make us feel calm and confident. 

Sherwin Williams 

For 2025, Sherwin Williams decided to be bold and do a color capsule of the year that includes nine colors instead of choosing one color. This capsule combines warm and vibracy in way that will inspire designers and delight color enthusiasts. The colors in their capsule include:

• SW 6089 Grounded — This color is a celebration of richness, stability, and refined earth. 
• SW 9585 Sunbleached — This color is a balance of warm and cool. This airy neutral color is deeper than white but lighter than gray. 
• SW 0073 Chartreuse — This vibrant yellow-green color brings a bright, joyful, tropical feel to a room. 
• SW Bosc Pear — This golden hue brings a hit of nostalgia and provides an organic tone. 
• SW 9541 White Snow — This pure white is a favorite among designers because it creates a light and spacious final result.
• SW 9639 Rain Cloud — This hue bridges classic design and contemporary feel to create a stormy, deep gray-blue color. 
• SW 9605 Clove — This entrancing brown, almost black, is a cozy neutral hue that comforts and soothes
• SW 9110 Malabar — This sandy neutral turns any room into a soft, inviting haven. It creates serenity and can be paired with any warm, delicate hues. 
• SW 6282 Mauve Finery — This botanical beauty provides a beautiful accent to any wall for a dreamy and refreshing touch. 

Dutch Boy Paint

Dutch Boy Paint has moved away from earth tones and chosen 429-5DB Mapped Blue as their color of the year. This color is a medium-tone blue with slight yellow undertones. This color gives your house a timeless feel and will stay on trend even if your personal style changes. It inspires a sense of calm and adds a modern touch. 

Behr Paint

Behr has chosen a warm and rich ruby red that provides a dramatic effect to any room. MQ1-15 Rumors is perfect for anyone who wants to make a statement in their home. It can be used for an entire room or as an accent color and can be paired with warm or cool tones. 

Valspar

Valspar has gone with a deep blue for their color of the year. 8002-45G Encore brings a calming and cheerful feel to any room. This color is also confident and constant making you want to stay in the room again and again. This hue is perfect for anyone who wants to create a joy-filled home and life. This color pairs well with lavender and sage shades. 

Glidden 

Glidden’s color of the year celebrates self-discovery and self-expression. PPG1046-7 Purple Basil has been the base of the maximalism movement and used a lot in design and fashion. This hue is perfect for anyone who loves richness and warmth. 

Which Color of the Year is Your Favorite?

Each major paint company has chosen its color of the year, so it’s your turn to pick your favorite. Which color would you choose for your home?  If you need kitchen cabinets and love one of these colors, talk to the Out of the Woods professionals and see how we can incorporate one of these hues into the design of your home.