Mina Starsiak Uses This Trendy Trick to Warm Up Any Kitchen

There’s a reason why Good Bones has been around for 7 seasons — viewers love watching home reno expert Mina Starsiak turn rundown houses into beautiful and modern homes. She's an expert at balancing colors, mixing textures and adding decorative elements (like greenery or sophisticated wall art) to make a space feel stylishly cozy.

All in all, Mina's got major design tricks up her sleeve. But there's one in particular we've seen her use countless times: butcher block countertops.

This warm alternative to stone is a favorite among home designers for a reason. Butcher block countertops are timeless, stylish and affordable — plus, nothing beats their functionality. Homeowners can chop and prepare meals directly on top of them. It's even possible to have butcher block countertops professionally sealed to prevent scratches.

And while Mina's touted using sink handles, light fixtures and kitchen appliances to warm up a cook space, her butcher block trick reigns supreme. She makes them shine in any kitchen setting. Ahead: our favorite of her butcher block designs.

Simply Scandinavian

This Scandi style kitchen emphasizes simplicity, durability and an earthy appeal — and the butcher block countertops fit right in. White cabinetry acts as a cool and understated backdrop for the true focal point: a decadent golden pecan kitchen island. Combining warmth and minimalism, the island and the countertops create an almost-monochromatic space oozing with hospitality.

Modern Farmhouse Cool

Mina definitely worked her butcher block magic in this sleek farmhouse kitchen. The combination of fresh creamy finishes and medium-toned wood evokes a buttery softness. Mina made sure these homeowners got the best of both worlds: butcher block on the rustic island allows for traditional marble on the countertops below the white cabinets. Black hardware adds a modern touch.

Layered Textures

For this glorious Italian villa-themed kitchen, Mina inserted a slab of Carrara countertop between two slabs of butcher block, creating a textural playground. Lilac blue cabinets and ornate light fixtures create sophisticated elegance, while the warm-toned butcher block brings dimension and comfort.

Mixed Materials

Here, Mina made a bold design move: using wood and metal accents in one space. Muted, gray-blue cabinets and light-wood butcher block countertops evoke a natural palette, while a metal kitchen island and modern lights and a stainless steel sink add an industrial feel. The mash-up of both style and material creates a pleasing balance of coolness and warmth, modern and classic.

Contrast and Colored Cabinets

For a more colorful and traditional look, Mina turned butcher block's versatility on its head. In this earthy oasis, paired with glorious green cabinetry and a white subway tile backsplash, butcher block adds grounding neutral shades into the mix. Pickled oak under the cabinets complements the warmer-toned kitchen island and amps up the rustic wooden charm.

Want more Mina inspo? Tune in to HGTV on Tuesdays at 9/8c to watch episodes of Good Bones. Follow Mina on Instagram at @mina_starsiak_hawk.