Wood cabinets are back in a big way in 2023, continuing the trend we've been seeing over the past couple of years. These aren't your honey oak cabinets from the 1980's… today's wood cabinets have much more muted tones (not as much yellow and orange to them).
SHAKER-STYLE CABINET DOORS
A well-loved, class option, Shaker-style cabinets will remain a top kitchen design trend in 2023. Shaker-style cabinet doors are known for their recessed center panel and clean lines. These doors are so versatile they work with various design styles, from traditional to modern.
So, are oak cabinets coming back in style this year? Yes, oak cabinets are returning as one of the hottest trends of 2023. They offer so much flexibility when it comes to aesthetic appeal and durability at an affordable price point.
And yes, they've been popular since long ago because they're a heavy-duty durable material and because oftheir 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 But they're long from outdated.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.
Nowadays oak cabinets are making a comeback in the kitchen. In some cases, homeowners are refacing their old honey oak cabinets to give them fresh new life. They're replacing dated cabinet doors with new Shaker style cabinet doors.
However, those dated, honey oak cabinets you have from the 1980's and 90's are not coming back into fashion… sorry. Today's wood cabinets have clean, modern lines and more muted tones. They are also used in combination with other cabinet colors, like creamy whites, off-blacks, sage greens, and smoky blues.
The clean and sharp lines of white oak kitchen cabinets pair spectacularly with modern living spaces. Simplicity of design allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through, creating a stunning and timeless look that will last for years to come.
A light beech, warm cherry, or dark walnut in a suitable stain should lend a timeless look to your kitchen. Bamboo is another excellent choice for modern kitchens, and hickory has a rustic aesthetic.
White is still the most popular kitchen cabinet color in 2023 and beyond. However, we are seeing a shift towards warmer and more natural tones. We cover the best colors for cabinets from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams like Simply White, Dove White, and Chantilly Lace.
Soft natural wood is coming back in style. The colors are warm and often light. We are turning our backs on all those grays and opting for a lovely warm, honeyed color palette. The beauty of wood is always in style but it is on-trend for 2023.
1. Shaker Cabinet Doors. Shaker cabinet doors are as popular in 2023 as they were in 1823. This look has never gone out of style, thanks to its clean and simple look that fits into any kitchen.
Flat-Panel Cabinet Doors
Shaker style cabinet doors (which feature a flat center panel and a frame around the edges) are still the most popular choice for kitchens, but the Houzz study found that the percentage of homeowners choosing them, now 61 percent, is three points lower this year than last year.
Amber toned wood in pine, oak and maple are the new trend for stained kitchen cabinets. The MIX of wood tones and solid colors is the most important kitchen design trend in 2023. Warmer wood tones will be the forward trend to watch, as they are paired with dark moody hues and pops of bright jewel tones.
Shaker-Style Cabinets
Known for their simple design and recessed-panel doors, Shaker cabinets have been in style for more than 100 years. Shaker cabinets are popular in farmhouse kitchens, but they also work with a variety of home decor styles.
So yellow toned beiges, orange toned beiges and grays with a warm, creamy beige undertone will work well. Avoid the green toned beiges as they start to look flat against the warmth of the cabinets. If you surround the warm oak with another warm color, it's going to blend in and look purposeful.
Muted Neutrals
Macuga says dusty, chalky colors, like gray, sage, and mauve, will always shine next to oak cabinetry.
Maple: This wood species is a light, creamy color to contrast your dark oak cabinets. Birch: This softer hardwood comes in various tones, from light to medium, but the most popular is yellow birch. If you'd like to create a color contrast between your dark oak cabinets, you may want to get birch flooring.
After cleaning, you may notice that your oak cabinets have lost some of their original color or finish. To restore the natural beauty of your oak cabinets, you can re-oil or re-stain them. If you choose to re-oil, use a natural oil such as tung oil or linseed oil.
There was a point in the early 00's where oak cabinets were entirely supplanted by other cabinet styles. Seen as a relic of the early 90's, the oak cabinets of yesteryear had a major issue: they didn't look all that great paired together with the then-prevalent styles of granite countertops.
Warm backsplash colors like beige, cream, and brown make honey oak cabinets look cozy and modern. An earth-tone backsplash will create a harmonious atmosphere when paired with honey oak countertops. The pairing isn't as stark as choosing black backsplash, and it's not as simple as going with white tile.
Steps for Painting Kitchen Cabinets (Without Sanding)
Buy a cabinet painting kit and get the paint tinted to your preference. Good commercial kits contain a de-glosser to remove any older coats of paint on existing cabinetry. The de-glosser eliminates the need to sand or prime surfaces that are already finished.