I Always Pick Up This Warm Kitchen Accent at HomeGoods

One of my earliest kitchen memories is of the wood salad bowls my parents had. I don’t recall eating a ton of salad as a child, yet those low, wide bowls in a dark brown wood made an impression. I’m not sure if they’re still around, and, if they are, they certainly haven’t been used in years probably due to lack of mineral oil maintenance. But the warm, organic touch they added to dinnertime absolutely stayed with me (even if I didn’t exactly have those words to describe it at age 7).

I’ve been chasing that look in my kitchen decor ever since, through the modern apartment kitchens I’ve had to my current more classic kitchen, with its vintage-inspired checkerboard tile. The common thread has always been touches of warm wood throughout. From cutting boards to serving trays, it’s those pieces that feel natural and welcoming. They add an approachable ease to a meal or an evening spent entertaining. A stone charcuterie board could never hold a candle to a beautifully rich acacia board in my book. A salad just tastes better when it’s been served from a giant wood bowl.  

But there’s a secret to my wood-in-the-kitchen collection. Most of my pieces have come from one incredibly affordable and accessible location. These haven’t been sourced from curated kitchen shops (though, trust me, I dabble in those for other decor!) or collected at farmers markets or European flea markets.

Nope, this is one place where my secret is actually going to the big-box route. Where do I go?

HomeGoods.

If you’ve ever taken a whirl through HomeGoods’ kitchen section, you’ve definitely seen all the wood pieces the retailer sources. From cutting boards to cake stands to wooden serving dishes, there are almost endless options of high-end looking wood pieces for your kitchen. 

Want dark wood for your charcuterie board? HomeGoods has you covered. Prefer a lighter wood for your day-to-day cutting board? They’ve got it. I’ve bought everything from big bowls that elevate my salad presentation at dinner parties to small acacia boards for my afternoon snack presentation (yes, cheese and crackers taste better when displayed on a mini-cutting board situation). 

These pieces are always affordable, and I’ve found they last just as long as wood I’ve bought at specialty shops. Sure, they all require regular maintenance, like moisturizing them with mineral oil, but that’s the price you pay to bring these warm touches into the kitchen.

Whether I’m looking for something to add a natural touch to an open shelf or display on the counter with a few pieces of fruit (my reminder to reach for those midday!), I can always justify picking up another wood kitchen object from HomeGoods. 

And, if you’re someone who’s always Type A-prepared, I highly recommend grabbing a few extras next time you see a particularly good cutting board there. There are few better housewarming or hostess gifts than a pretty wood board tied with a chic dishcloth and a loaf of bread or a few cheese accoutrements.