Honey-coloured, arched door styles, and a traditional design that doesn't mesh with today's modern kitchens. But these preconceived notions don't have to be true. Oak cabinets have much more to offer than that! In fact, if designed correctly, oak cabinets can look modern and up-to-date.
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.
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…
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.
Oak. The second most popular wood used for mid-century modern style is strong and durable oak. Naturally, it's a bit softer in color compared to teak, so many people choose to pair it with cooler shades like earthy greens or cream-toned whites.
But they're long from outdated.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.
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.
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.
Oak cabinetry often features an orange finish that can make your kitchen appear outdated. To tone down the warmth and create a modern kitchen with oak cabinets, outfit the rest of the kitchen in cool refreshing tones such as blues or greens.
One outdated trend that many of us are all too familiar with is golden oak.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.
Look to contrasting colors that are a bit cooler in tone. Shades of blue, green, grey, white, and greige (grey beige), are all options. By making the oak stand out in an intentional way, it feels fresh. Neutral colors are always a good choice when working with oak cabinets and trim.
Colours such as white, cream, grey, dark blue, and black are popular options, and can match with a wide variety of kitchen countertop shades. While homeowners look to save money when making a large purchase, investing in quality countertops from reputable manufacturers such as Caesarstone is always the best move.
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.
Shaker Doors
The most timeless kitchen cabinet door style is also a staple in transitional kitchen design: the shaker door.
All-White Kitchens
For the past decade, we've been seeing white walls, white tile, and Carrera marble. People are tired of these muted palettes, and designers are bringing in color— which we love.” Most designers also agree that white-on-white kitchens will look dated in 2023. So what color will be the new white?
Shaker-style cabinetry is a timeless design that fits any budget, whether it's small or unlimited.
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.
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.
With the introduction of painted, high gloss and glass furniture designs, many people deemed oak furniture to be out dated and somewhat old fashioned. However in recent years oak furniture has made a massive comeback with a vast range of styles and designs adorning even the most contemporary designer interiors.
Why Does Oak Wood Change Colors Over Time? Oak wood may darken slightly over time, taking on more amber tones. This happens due to exposure to oxygen and UV light, making it a largely unavoidable process.
Consider Red Oak, Cherry, Rustic Hickory, or Quarter-Sawn White Oak materials. Mid-Century Modern kitchen cabinetry will commonly have an artistic contrast of color typically featuring two tones of cabinet finishes throughout the design.
Finally, oak furniture will get more beautiful with age, naturally darkening during its lifetime, and daylight will alter the colour, so be sure to periodically rearrange any lamps or ornaments to give an even colour. Coastal French-Washed Solid Oak 4ft 6in Double Bed. Original price: £529.87. Why buy oak?