Oak cabinetry is making an enormous comeback in the home design world thanks to their classic, timeless beauty and versatility. The natural warmth and character of oak is desirable for many homeowners looking to add a timeless element to their kitchen décor.
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).
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 But they're long from outdated.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.
Oak is a hardwood and, if properly cared for, can still be used in contemporary kitchens. However, the typical orange oak finish of decades past can look dated in today's kitchens. It may not make sense for you to replace your old wood cabinetry only for aesthetic reasons, especially if they're still in good condition.
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.
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.
One outdated trend that many of us are all too familiar with is golden oak.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.
He also says to avoid cherry-colored cabinets because they look dated. Plus, Chastain says, traditional cabinetry shapes and sizes are quickly being outpaced by space-saving shelving systems and larger pantry-style cabinets.
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.
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.
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.
While the natural look of simple wood cabinetry is nothing new, 2023 will see a different wood tone than previous years. Whereas dark and ultra-light tones were fashionable in decades' past, 2023 will see the kitchen trend of medium wood tones as the most popular natural look for cabinets.
There are two types of oak, white and red - white being, unsurprisingly, lighter and less warm-toned than red oak. How does oak age? Cindy says, "White oak will turn golden, whereas red oak has a more red tone in the beginning and over time becomes richer and warmer."
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.
Shaker Doors
The most timeless kitchen cabinet door style is also a staple in transitional kitchen design: the shaker door.
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.
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.
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.