How do you make dark cabinets look modern?

Author: Mrs. Selena Heidenreich Sr.  |  Last update: Thursday, September 4, 2025

14 Easy Ways To Modernize Brown Cabinets
  1. Upgrade The Hardware. ...
  2. Upgrade to Stainless Steel Appliances. ...
  3. Paint The Walls White. ...
  4. Embrace Natural Wood. ...
  5. Try Two-Tone Brown and White Cabinets. ...
  6. Opt For Modern Lighting. ...
  7. Install a New Backsplash. ...
  8. Switch Up The Countertops.

How to make dark cabinets more modern?

You can counteract dark cabinets by adding reflective surfaces like what has already been done with the stainless steel appliances. You could also do shiny handles on your doors and a higher sheen varnish on your cabs. You could also replace a couple or all of your wall cabinet doors with an opaque glass.

How do you refresh dark wood cabinets?

Easily Renew Wood Cabinets Without Actually Refinishing
  1. Step 1: Supplies. Ugly Cabinets. ...
  2. Step 2: Clean Cabinets. First clean the cabinets. ...
  3. Step 3: Go to Home Depot. Buy Restor-A-Finish, Super Fine (0000) Steel Wool and Howard Feed-N-Wax. ...
  4. Step 4: Apply Restor-A-Finish. ...
  5. Step 5: Apply Howard Feed-N-Wax. ...
  6. Step 6: You Are Done!

How do you make natural wood cabinets look modern?

How to Make Oak Cabinets Look Modern
  1. What is Modern Kitchen Design?
  2. Add A Stained Finish.
  3. Use Flat, Slab Cabinet Door Styles.
  4. Modern Cabinet Hardware.
  5. Play With The Wood Grain.
  6. Use Surrounding Pieces to Accentuate the Oak.
  7. Design With Deslaurier Custom Cabinets.

How do you neutralize honey oak cabinets?

If natural oak is a bit too warm for your taste, you can try a stain colour that neutralizes the warmth a bit. One that our custom kitchen designers use often is the stain colour “Loft”.

10 Mistakes That Make Your Kitchen Look CHEAP

What removes honey from wood?

Begin by boiling some hot water and pouring it over the sticky patch of honey that spilled. Then cover the water and honey with a couple of paper towels. And lastly, cover the paper towel with saran wrap. Allow 10 to 15 minutes to pass before removing the saran wrap and paper towel.

How to lighten dark stained cabinets?

Very carefully apply household bleach. Move the piece of furniture to an area where the sun can also help aid in the process of lightening the piece of furniture. This helps dry the bleach faster so you can apply more coats if needed.

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.

Can you make old cabinets look modern?

You can use paint to give your kitchen cabinets a new look. You don't need to replace them, which can be expensive. You can choose from a variety of colours and finishes to give your kitchen cabinets a new look. You can also add hardware to give them a new look.

What hardware looks best on 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.

How do you update dark oak cabinets?

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 backsplash goes with dark brown cabinets?

Find Stylish and Functional Backsplash Ideas White, green, beige, black, and gray are some of the color options for a backsplash for brown cabinets and black countertops.

What is the best cleaner for dark cabinets?

What is the best thing to clean dark kitchen cabinets with?
  • Add several drops of mild dish soap to warm water.
  • Apply the mixture on the dark cabinet surface with a microfiber cloth. ...
  • Wipe the cabinets cautiously and pay attention to visible smudges, grease, or stains.

Are dark cabinets coming back in style?

Although dark wood cabinets are back, that doesn't mean they're a fan favorite for everyone. While these cabinets are a return to a classic kitchen style, experts say colors are a great alternative for those who are falling out of love with the traditional style.

What is the best countertop color for dark cabinets?

An ideal choice for most modern dark cabinet kitchen, bright white countertops allows a solid combination that mainly focuses on building contrast. You might want to pick the best countertop material for this match-up, which is quartz.

What color hardware looks best on dark cabinets?

For instance, bright metallic finishes like brushed nickel, chrome, or gold can pop against a dark backdrop, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance. Matte black hardware can also be incredibly striking against dark cabinets.

How to modernize dark wood cabinets?

14 Easy Ways To Modernize Brown Cabinets
  1. Upgrade The Hardware. ...
  2. Upgrade to Stainless Steel Appliances. ...
  3. Paint The Walls White. ...
  4. Embrace Natural Wood. ...
  5. Try Two-Tone Brown and White Cabinets. ...
  6. Opt For Modern Lighting. ...
  7. Install a New Backsplash. ...
  8. Switch Up The Countertops.

What is the cheapest way to update kitchen cabinets?

If your goal is to update the look of your existing cabinets, the cheapest route is to simply reface them.

Does Lowes do cabinet refacing?

Kitchen Remodeling Made Easy and Affordable.

Lowe's cabinet refacing with National Refacing Systems uses your existing cabinets while transforming your kitchen with premium-quality cabinet doors, drawers, hardware, and accessories.

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.

Is honey oak outdated?

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!

Is dark wood trim coming back in style?

While white and neutral trim will always have their place in interior design, 2024 welcomes the resurgence of bold, dark-colored wood trim. Dark wood trim can add depth and drama to a space which creates a stunning contrast with lighter walls.

How to brighten a kitchen with dark cabinets?

Maximize Natural Light
  1. Install Reflective Surfaces. ...
  2. Use Light-Colored Paint. ...
  3. Consider Adding a Window or Skylight. ...
  4. Overhead Lighting. ...
  5. Under-Cabinet Lighting. ...
  6. Recessed vs. ...
  7. Switch to Higher-Wattage Bulbs. ...
  8. Energy-Saving Tips.

How to make oak kitchen cabinets look modern?

Update Hardware and Fixtures

Replacing outdated hardware goes a long way to make a space feel more modern. Hardware and fixtures are like the jewelry of a kitchen, after all! Look for warm metals like bronze, copper, gold, and brass. They'll look stunning against the warmth of your oak cabinets.

Can you paint over dark stained cabinets?

Stained wood nearly always has a protective finish of some kind, and this needs to be removed before painting can occur. While there are chemical products that can achieve this, most people choose to use sandpaper to scuff up the surface. As long as the glossiness is removed, your new paint can stick to it.

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