How do you downplay honey oak cabinets?

Author: Jed Stroman  |  Last update: Friday, January 23, 2026

You could put glass fronts in several of the upper cabinets so it is not so much honey oak. paint and new hardware!

How do you make honey oak cabinets more modern?

Grain is important as it can lead your decision on how to update your honey oak cabinets. Gel staining, lacquering and painting are the options we offer. Painting will show the least amount of grain, gel staining highlights the grain. Lacquer is as durable as paint and happens to be my favorite option.

How to make honey oak cabinets look less orange?

What are some DIY methods to lighten orange oak cabinets? Use liming wax on the cabinets. Work in small sections. Once it sets, don't go over it or it'll be patchy. Use Cabinet Staining bundle. Clean and stain cabinets without sanding. Use #allinonestain color GRAY MIST. Gradually apply until desired lightening.

How to compliment honey oak cabinets?

Here are 5 ways to make them look spectacular!
  1. Use black hardware on cabinetry. One of the most effective ways to enhance honey oak cabinets is by pairing them with black hardware. ...
  2. Avoid blue paint colours for walls. ...
  3. Use contrasting decor to balance golden oak hues. ...
  4. Consider oversized area rugs. ...
  5. Embrace the gold.

Is honey oak trim outdated?

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. Here in the 21st century, golden oak is no longer in demand, and it can immediately make a home feel tired and dated.

How to change ORANGE OAK wood furniture into whitewashed oak in 3 steps!

How to 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.

Are oak cabinets coming back in style in 2024?

Oak kitchen cabinets is one of the hottest kitchen design trends in 2024. Design experts confidently assert that oak kitchen cabinets have made a comeback in current kitchen trends. Pictured here are the Vicenza oak kitchen cabinets by Schröder Küchen, Germany.

What color drawer pulls for honey oak cabinets?

Contrasting colors will make the new hardware stand out and give some visual breaks in the monotony of overwhelming golden oak (this is the magic power of distraction) - black, dark oil-rubbed bronze and bright chrome offer the best contrast.

What countertop looks best with honey oak cabinets?

Honey oak cabinets and quartz countertops are a combination that rivals all others. The look of multicolored quartz binds with the natural glow of wood cabinets and gives a flattering and cohesive look.

What flooring looks best with honey oak cabinets?

Neutral-toned tile flooring is a safe option for kitchens with oak cabinets. Specifically, shades of brown — from a light creamy brown to a dark espresso shade — complement oak cabinetry.

How to neutralize oak cabinets?

To neutralize these tones, apply a wash, stain, or paint in its complementary color. First and foremost, apply a stain, wash, or even very light color paint that's opposite on the color wheel. You can always sand down the wood until it's bare, then apply an ashy, neutral stain or repaint the wood.

How to make old cabinets look modern?

Let's Begin!
  1. 9 Ways to Update Kitchen Cabinets without Replacing Them. Paint Kitchen Cabinets. ...
  2. Distress the Cabinets. ...
  3. Whitewash. ...
  4. Two-Tone. ...
  5. Change the Cabinet Handles. ...
  6. Add Molding. ...
  7. Change the Kitchen Door Fronts. ...
  8. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting.

How do you keep oak from turning orange?

Very few of these suggestions can be spot-fixed.
  1. Use a white-tinted sealer coat under your clear waterborne finish. ...
  2. Use a white or grey-tinted single coat penetrating oil finish like Rubio Monocoat Mist 5% or Smoke 5%. ...
  3. ADVANCED USERS: Use Rubio Pre-Color Easy in Mint White to the red tones of the red oak.

What backsplash goes with honey oak cabinets?

Honey oak cabinets create a warm atmosphere, their golden hue adds such a stylish look to the kitchens. It is better to use neutral and warm colors for backsplash with honey oak cabinets such as gray, white, beige, or black.

Are honey oak kitchen cabinets coming back in style?

Yes, oak is coming back into style, but it is a paler, softer tone and, in cabinets, the details are much more modern than what we see in older honey oak cabinets: a straight shaker or slab doors, rather than a cathedral-top shape and a pale color instead of a more golden amber finish, which is often just the yellowing ...

How can I update my oak cabinets without replacing them?

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.

What color furniture goes with honey oak cabinets?

Cool neutrals paired with crisp whites and sharp blacks are the path of least resistance for *any* honey oak kitchen, no matter the undertone of your cabinet.

How to modernize honey oak cabinets?

Here are 5 design tips for modern kitchens:
  1. Pair Oak with Black Hardware and Fixtures. Black is modern and industrial, balancing the traditional vibe of golden oak cabinets. ...
  2. Stick to a feature island or accent cabinetry. ...
  3. Try Rift Cut Oak. ...
  4. Contrast Warm Oak with Green. ...
  5. Skip "Real" Oak for TFL or Wood Veneer 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.

What color quartz goes with honey oak cabinets?

The golden hues in honey oak cabinets pair well with lighter-colored or white quartz countertops. This creates a kitchen with a light and airy aesthetic, making the oak's natural characteristics shine.

What door handles go with oak doors?

Other hues that work well with light oak include:
  • Antique brass furniture.
  • Satin door handles and accessories.
  • Polished brass knobs & lever handles.
  • Brushed nickel door knobs & accessories.

What hardware goes with honey oak cabinets?

Settle down your Honey Oak with contrasting colours like black and charcoal colours with warm accents OR choose a white countertop with black or grey veins. To finish it off, add contrasting hardware like black to make it come together or a cool metal.

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!

Why are oak cabinets outdated?

Oak cabinetry often features an orange finish, making 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.

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