Neutrals and simple classic colours are a great way to update wood cabinets. Rather than contrasting the wood with a colour like blue or green, neutrals keep things simple and modern while still adding visual interest. Copper is a beautiful complement to oak cabinets with its earthy rich metal finish.
However, oak cabinets are currently in the middle of making a comeback. There are several possible reasons for this. First, homeowners are looking for warmth and authenticity in their kitchens. Natural wood checks all the boxes.
There's two main ways to transform your honey oak trim, doors, or cabinets simply by painting the walls: Using a harmonious color palette (similar colors or colors with a similar undertone) that will work alongside and help fade or camouflage the orange or yellow wood tones.
Honey Oak Cabinets
A staple in kitchens of the 1980s and '90s, these golden-toned wood cabinets have fallen out of favor as white and gray cabinets have risen in popularity. If you don't like your light-stained cabinets, but they're in good shape, consider refinishing or painting what's there.
Saturate a small cloth with the FEED-N-WAX Wood Polish and Conditioner and wipe evenly all over the wood surface. Let wax stand for at least 20 minutes and then wipe off all the excess. There you go, just like brand new!
KITCHEN FLOOR TRENDS
Light (and medium) oak flooring will continue to be on-trend in 2022. Of course, you can create this look via solid wood floors or engineered wood flooring (or even LVP). This is most definitely a (classic) trend I would incorporate if building in 2022.
A: You can paint the oak cabinets and the laminate ends, provided you do the prep work necessary for a good finish. Start by cleaning the cabinets with a strong detergent to remove surface oils. Then, use a fine grade of sandpaper to lightly scuff up the oak and laminate surfaces.
Well, it's good for resale. Generally speaking, traditional oak cabinets appeal to those 70 and older. If that's your target market then just keep them stained and call it a day. However, if you're looking to appeal to a younger and more modern crowd (69 years and younger), you'll want to consider painting them.
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.
What is this? Wood cabinets are continuing to come back into style. No, not your honey oak cabinets from 1980's and 90's – they are most definitely not coming back.
Detailed Patterns, Warped or Damaged Cabinets
If your cabinets have detailed patterns or they are warped, chipped, cracked or have other damage to them, then painting your kitchen cabinets is not the way to go – it most definitely won't solve your cabinet problem.
Well, it should be no surprise… the classic white cabinet will still be the #1 cabinet color for kitchens in 2022 and beyond. White is crisp and clean, will brighten any kitchen, and will most likely never go out of style.
You can change the color of your stained oak cabinets, but it will require time and effort. Stain sinks into wood pores under a sealed topcoat of lacquer. The only way to properly lighten the wood is to remove the lacquer, sand off the dark stain and replace it with a lighter color of stain.
Among renovating homeowners, a built-in island is the most sought-after kitchen feature after pantry cabinets, according to a 2017 Houzz kitchen-trends survey of 2,707 people. She notes that as houses grew, islands, popular since the 1980s, have grown along with them.
Skinny backsplashes are out of style, we are happy to report. A ceramic tile or glass backsplash that stretches from counter to cabinets is much easier to keep clean, and is more likely to catch spills and splatters.
Are Oak Cabinets Coming Back in Style 2022:
For 2022, you will probably see a return to oak wood for kitchen cabinets as vintage becomes designer, and homeowners go back to the real wood of time past. Oak has the texture and look of subtle elegance with its neutral color and design versatility.
Refinish. If you want a natural wood finish but refacing isn't an option, consider refinishing your light oak cabinets and using a darker stain. While following the manufacturer's safety recommendations, brush a chemical stripper onto the cabinet surfaces. Remove the softened finish with a dull scraper or steel wood.
Oak kitchens were VERY in style… 20 years ago, but now, they are just dated. There have been beautiful houses on the market that just won't sell because new buyers don't want to deal with an oak kitchen.
The answer is – no! The oak trim and oak flooring finish (the golden color known in the industry as “honey”) will never come back in style. Today, there are many beautiful versions of stained oak on the market that allow it to appear more contemporary and aesthetically pleasing.
Wooden finishes are also making a return for cabinets, but typically in lighter shades and not the traditional cherry wood of the early 2000s. Instead, oaks and walnuts are increasing in popularity. We're also seeing a shift towards unique storage inside cabinets, such as corner larders and even blending pantries.