Modern Wenge Kitchen Ideas
Modern wengé kitchens feature large, open spaces; simple, boxy counters; and cabinets and tables that are created from this rare wood with clean, sleek lines. The appliances are typically stainless steel. Accessories are modern. A spacious, open, contemporary feel is a big part of this kitchen design. Wengé is pronounced "weng-gay." Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
History
-
A tropical timber, wengé has a distinctive figure, partridge pattern and dark color. The heavy, hard wood is often used for stairways, flooring and kitchens. Wengé comes in and out of fashion in home design. Indigenous to the Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Tanzania and Mozambique, the wood is becoming rarer because of over-exploitation of timber and destruction of habitat.
-
Features
-
This contemporary custom kitchen features all natural wood veneers, solid wood drawer boxes and soft close hardware.
All natural veneer options often incorporated to capture this design look include wengé, ebony wood, light oak and zebrawood. Other options might be rosewood, walnut, European or bleached oak. Laminate and imitations are not acceptable in this modern style.
The back, edges and face of all doors will be finished in the same material. Choose European-style frameless cabinetry and a high-gloss lacquer finish to complete this decor.
Expert Insight
-
Since wengé has such a bold appearance, it is best to let these pieces have center stage. Other elements of the kitchen design should be more understated.
Complementing Elements
-
The wengé modern kitchen design is often complemented by a glass backsplash; modern cargo base oven units; sleek, stainless steel refrigerators and stoves; and smooth, granite worktops.
Warning
-
If you cut or sand wengé, it will give off a dust. Take care to wear a mask, protective clothing and gloves, as the dust may cause poison-ivy-like symptoms or dermatitis. It may irritate the eyes or cause respiratory problems. Also, the splinters are septic.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit "Mondrian Kitchen" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: army.arch (Adam) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
