Are Golden Oak cabinets making a comeback?

Author: Davon Abshire  |  Last update: Sunday, March 29, 2026

There's a simple beauty and charm in its' grain that provides a sense of nostalgia, and it's a trend that's gaining momentum in the home design world. So, in response to the question, "Are oak cabinets coming back in style?" The signs certainly point to yes!

Are golden oak cabinets coming back in style?

No, they are not making a comeback. Painted and opaque varnish oak isn't exactly popular, but it is still sought after by people adding texture to an otherwise boring shaker cabinet. I certainly hope if a client asks me for golden oak, i say no and block their phone number.

Is Golden oak dated?

One outdated trend that many of us are all too familiar with is golden oak. In the '80s and '90s, this honey-toned wood finish was all the rage, and people put it evvverywhere. Flooring, railings, doors, trim, baseboards, cabinets… you name it.

Are oak cabinets coming back in 2024?

Today, many homeowners wonder if oak cabinetry will ever make a comeback. Design experts confidently say they are already back! In general, wood kitchen elements are trending, and oak is at the forefront, leading the way.

What color cabinets are in style for 2024?

Most Popular Kitchen Cabinet Colors in 2024
  • Green and Blue Tranquility. ...
  • Blissful Blue. ...
  • Blending Light & Warmth. ...
  • Versatile Medium Tones. ...
  • Integrating Wood and Painted Cabinetry. ...
  • WHITE REMAINS KING. ...
  • GRAY'S NOT GONE YET. ...
  • EARTHY TONES TAKE OVER.

Do People Actually Repaint Old Honey Oak Kitchen Cabinets?

What color is replacing gray in 2024?

Beige is emerging as the new go-to neutral, adding warm and inviting tones to interiors. In this article, we'll explore why beige is taking over and how to use it in your home. Beige is replacing gray as a popular interior color, offering warmth and versatility for various design styles.

What is the color trend in kitchen cabinets in 2025?

Yes, there are several other emerging color trends for kitchen cabinets. Rich jewel tones like emerald green and navy blue, as well as darker shades of gray and black, are gaining popularity. These colors add a touch of drama and sophistication to the kitchen, making it a standout feature in any home.

How outdated are oak cabinets?

And yes, they've been popular since long ago because they're a heavy-duty durable material and because of their timeless appeal. But they're long from outdated. In more recent years, more modern and contemporary designs have popped up all over the world with new ways to use oak cabinets.

How to make oak cabinets less orange?

Try using a gel stain on those dated orange-yellow honey oak cabinets to give your kitchen a new look. There are a lot of good reasons to gel stain cabinets when you want to refresh the color of wood cabinetry. It's an easy way to give your kitchen or bathroom a new look without sanding or stripping.

Is honey oak back?

Oak is a classic. But many people are scared of them because of the applications of oak cabinets in the 90s. These cabinets featured ornate door styles and were paired with honey oak floors, yellow walls, and dark countertops. But honey oak is back and better than ever!

How to make golden oak cabinets look better?

How to Modernize Oak Cabinetry
  1. Update Hardware. First up, the simplest of solutions: Remove dated hardware and replace it with more modern options. ...
  2. Go Dark With Your Backsplash. ...
  3. Add a White Backsplash. ...
  4. Use a Dark Stain. ...
  5. Try Vinyl Wrapping. ...
  6. Add Glass Fronts and Open Shelving. ...
  7. Mix Wood Tones.

Is Golden Oak timeless?

Paired with a neutral color palette, Golden Oak brings vitality to an otherwise ordinary space. A popular color in decades past, this color remains safe, reliable, and timeless.

Is golden oak stain out of style?

Once the go-to for oak floors, Golden Oak is now considered a bit passé. It's not that it's bad, but it's very much tied to the design aesthetics of the past. Today, homeowners are opting for more contemporary tones.

What is the most popular wood for kitchen cabinets in 2024?

Trend Overview: Warm wood tones, including walnut, oak, and cherry, continue to be popular in 2024. These finishes bring a natural, inviting feel to kitchens and pair well with various design elements.

What is the difference between honey oak and golden oak?

A: Honey would be closest to the natural wood color. The Golden has a yellowish/orange tint but still close to the natural wood color and Red oak is much darker and a brownish red. Helpful? Thank you for your feedback!

What kitchen cabinets are out of style?

These are outdated kitchen cabinet trends to avoid, according to interior designers
  • Cabinets with central panels.
  • One-tone kitchen cabinets.
  • Fully fitted kitchen cabinets.
  • Honey and orange wood tones.
  • Ultra-modern kitchens.
  • Handleless doors.
  • Matte black hardware.
  • Gray kitchens.

How do you downplay honey oak cabinets?

You could put glass fronts in several of the upper cabinets so it is not so much honey oak. paint and new hardware! I put glass fronts on some of my cabinets and also had the back of them tiled to match the backsplash. Painting them would also work, but I had the same cabinetry throughout the house.

Is oak trim outdated?

Oak wood trim can be a beautiful addition to any home, but it can also look dated and traditional. In this article, we will explore ways to make oak wood trim look more modern without having to paint it.

Is golden oak out of style?

They have a certain timeless aesthetic. They can give your space a warm, natural, and classic look that never truly goes out of style. Your kitchen can adopt a retro vibe with a twist of modernity or go fully contemporary with these as either your primary or accent feature.

What are the kitchen trends for 2025?

9 Top Kitchen Color Trends Experts Predict for 2025
  • Warm Earth Tones Are Trending. ...
  • Brown Will Be the "It" Neutral. ...
  • Statement Backsplashes and Metallic Accents Will Be In. ...
  • Shades of Blue Will Be Popular. ...
  • There Will Be a Shift Toward Natural Wood Cabinets and Work Surfaces. ...
  • Deep and Rich Paint Colors Will Be Making a Statement.

What is the best color for oak cabinets?

Here are some paint colors that go with honey oak cabinets:
  • Light Gray With a Warm Undertone. Opt for a light gray with a warmer undertone. ...
  • Soft Blue-Green. A light soft blue-green is another good choice for honey oak. ...
  • Subdued Navy Blue. ...
  • Tan. ...
  • Creamy Off-White. ...
  • Bright White. ...
  • Cool Neutral Gray. ...
  • Tomato Red.

What color cabinets never go out of style?

Kitchen Cabinet Colors That Never Go Out of Style
  • The Eternal Whites. White. Off-White. Creamy White.
  • Graceful Grays. Light Gray. Dark Gray.
  • Wood Tones.
  • Two-Tone Designs.
  • Timeless Elegance for Your Kitchen.

What countertops are in style in 2025?

As we move into 2024-2025, kitchen design trends continue to prioritize both style and sustainability, with quartz countertops at the forefront. Known for their durability and low maintenance, quartz countertops are not only practical but also offer a plethora of design options.

What cabinet color is timeless?

White is the most timeless cabinet color of all, with popularity dating back over half a century. It's hard to beat the crisp, clean beauty of bright white cabinets. They lighten the entire room and lend a refreshing, airy feel.

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