Character Wood: The JWH Way

At JWH Design & Cabinetry, we’re passionate about integrating character wood into thoughtfully designed spaces—reclaimed barn beams, custom millwork, or bespoke cabinetry. Our Pennsylvania-based Millshop partners with local suppliers to source beautiful reclaimed and specialty woods, giving them new life in modern homes.

Our team highlights a standout species each month in our “Sample of the Month” series. For May 2025, we feature a stunning reclaimed chestnut character, perfect for adding warmth and history to kitchens, libraries, or bedroom cabinetry.

How to Use Character Wood in Every Room of Your Home

While character wood is often associated with kitchens and living spaces, its beauty and durability make it a versatile choice for every room in the house. Here are some creative ways the JWH Design & Cabinetry team has incorporated character wood into custom interiors:

✅ Kitchen Accents: Beyond cabinetry, character wood makes stunning open shelving, island tops, or range hoods. A knotty pine island or spalted maple shelf can become a focal point while blending seamlessly with stone and metal finishes.

✅ Living Spaces: Reclaimed beams or accent walls crafted from character chestnut or oak add rustic charm and architectural interest. Built-in cabinetry featuring curly maple or crotch wood creates warmth and sophistication around fireplaces and media units.

✅ Bathrooms: Spalted wood vanities or reclaimed wood mirrors add natural texture to spa-like baths. The organic patterns of character wood complement marble or limestone, balancing sleek surfaces with warmth.

✅ Bedrooms and Offices: Character wood can be used for custom desks, library shelving, or statement headboards. Incorporating a reclaimed chestnut panel behind a bed or as a desk surface infuses personal spaces with history and uniqueness.

No matter where it’s used, character wood brings a sense of authenticity and individuality, making your home truly one of a kind.

The 4 Faces of Character Wood

Every character wood board originates in a specific part of the tree, each with its own unique aesthetic and structural properties. Understanding these distinctions helps us create custom designs that celebrate natural texture, color, and pattern variations.

1. Burly (The Knotted Strength)

Ever noticed “eyes” or knots on a tree trunk? Those are burls—dense, swirled growths formed when a tree responds to stress from storms, drought, or injury. While challenging, burls yield stunning results when this character wood is crafted into cabinetry, accent panels, or furniture.

👉 JWH Spotlight: We recently designed custom knotty pine cabinets for a cozy, lakefront vacation home in upstate NY. The rich warmth and durability of the wood brought a natural, welcoming charm to the kitchen and baths.

Character Wood: Key to Kitchen Design : JWH Design & Cabinetry
Character wood the JWH way!
Character Wood: Key to Kitchen Design : JWH Design & Cabinetry
Long planks of solid hardwood make an ideal writing surface

2. Crossroads (The Crotch Wood Drama)

The crotch of a tree—the area where the trunk splits into branches—yields striking, flame-like grain patterns. Crotch wood is bold and challenging to mill, but it creates a dramatic, organic statement when used thoughtfully.

Crotch character wood is often found in handcrafted tables but can also be transformed into jaw-dropping island tops or accent panels. Whether your space is modern or rustic, this natural artwork adds unmatched character.

3. Spalting (Nature’s Artwork)

Spalting occurs when certain fungi interact with the wood, leaving dark streaks, contrasting veins, and intricate patterns behind. Far from damaging, this natural process turns wood into a one-of-a-kind canvas.

Each spalted board is uniquely colored and patterned character wood, making it ideal for feature pieces, like a focal point vanity or floating shelving that draws the eye.

Ready to Add Natural Character to Your Home?

Whether you dream of a rustic kitchen island, a dramatic custom pantry, or handcrafted shelving, the JWH Design & Cabinetry team guides you using character wood. We specialize in designing and crafting cabinetry that reflects your style while celebrating the unique beauty of natural wood.

📞 Contact us today to discuss your project or schedule a design consultation.
👉 Follow us on Instagram @jwhdesigns for more inspiration.

👉 Want inspiration? Explore these featured spaces from House Beautiful to see how character wood transforms interiors with timeless style.