1. Mix wood styles for a unique pattern In this New Jersey kitchen, the cabinet makers at Bakes & Kropp incorporated a butcher's block countertop with dual woods to create a statement pattern.

Butcher block countertops bring a natural warmth and inviting character to a kitchen that’s hard to replicate with other materials,' says Laura Lubin, of Ellerslie Interiors. 'Their wood tones ...

If pressed, we’d say this type of cutting board (er, mat) could be handy to have around to put on top of a wood cutting board or butcher block countertop to help keep the wood clean and avoid ...