How do you modernize a kitchen with honey oak cabinets?

Author: Elinore Davis  |  Last update: Thursday, December 4, 2025

5 DESIGN IDEAS TO MODERNIZE YOUR HONEY OAK KITCHEN
  1. Update Countertops and Backsplashes. One of the quickest ways to modernize your honey oak kitchen is to update the countertops and backsplashes. ...
  2. Opt for Contemporary Color Schemes. ...
  3. Switch to Modern Hardware. ...
  4. Enhance Lighting Fixtures. ...
  5. Introduce Open Shelving and Glass.

How to make honey oak cabinets look more modern?

How to make honey oak look modern
  1. contemporary hardware.
  2. light countertop and paint colours.
  3. flat panel or shaker cabinet doors (rather than ornate styles)
  4. open shelving.
  5. modern accessories.

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.

How can I update my oak cabinets without replacing them?

What are some budget-friendly ways to update kitchen with oak cabinets without painting them? Restain using popular cabinet finish. Clean with surface prep first. Apply first coat of antique white ALL-IN-ONE Stain. Allow to dry between coats. Brush on second coat leaving solid. Let stain fully dry.

What color compliments 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.

Painting Oak Cabinets - Transform Your Kitchen!

What countertop goes 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 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.

Are honey oak cabinets outdated?

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 do you make oak wood look modern?

How To Make Oak Kitchen Cabinets Look Modern?
  1. Update Hardware. Changing outdated hardware can make a significant impact. ...
  2. Incorporate Glass Doors. ...
  3. Add Open Shelving. ...
  4. Introduce Modern Backsplashes. ...
  5. Paint for a New Palette. ...
  6. Utilize Lighting. ...
  7. Consider New Countertops. ...
  8. Embrace Simplicity.

What flooring goes with oak cabinets?

Since oak is a medium-dark wood, medium-dark flooring would complement your cabinetry nicely. Medium-dark colors don't dominate the room or overpower your oak cabinet's appearance. As a bonus, the dark color hides stains and debris, so darker floors are usually easier to maintain.

What tile goes with honey oak cabinets?

The sneaky golden and yellow undertones of the cabinets can be seamlessly paired with creamy white, light beige, golden or yellow, black, and taupe tiles.

What is the best hardware to update honey oak cabinets?

Look for warm metals like bronze, copper, gold, and brass. They'll look stunning against the warmth of your oak cabinets. Cold metals like chrome, stainless steel, and brushed nickel are fine, but they may fall a little flat.

How do you 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 change the color of honey oak?

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.

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!

Can you paint over honey oak cabinets?

If you have oak cabinets with a shiny finish, they may look dated and dingy. If you're ready to take on the job of painting oak cabinets yourself, we can help. Even if parts of the cabinets are laminate, with the proper prep work, you should be able to paint your oak cabinets any color you want.

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.

How do you modernize a kitchen with 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 countertops go with oak cabinets?

What countertops go with oak cabinets?
  • Plain white. White countertops with oak cabinets create a stunning combination. ...
  • Veined white. Veined white countertop colors, such as 5114 Calacatta Maximus or 5131 Calacatta Nuvo, give an opulent vibe to any space. ...
  • Black. ...
  • Gray. ...
  • Beige.

How can I update my honey oak cabinets?

If your honey oak kitchen cabinets are still in good shape, a great way to update the space is by pairing them with new countertops and a fresh coat of paint. White countertops can instantly brighten the room and balance the warmth of the oak.

What is the trend in wood kitchen cabinets in 2024?

In 2024, cabinet finishes will trend towards warm natural wood tones, matte finishes for durability, and bold colors like emerald green. Metallic accents in gold and silver will also enhance personalization and style in kitchen designs.

How do you 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.

What is the best flooring for honey oak cabinets?

Large format charcoal colored tile gives Honey Oak cabinets a modern fresh look. Go for a dark tile floor to contrast with light or honey oak cabinets. This sleek option is favorite and really updates the space. Colors like dark grey, charcoal, and black are great choices to keep the room neutral.

What handles look best on oak kitchen cabinets?

Best cabinet handles for oak cabinets.
  • Matt Black Cabinet Handles.
  • White Cabinet Handles.
  • Knurled Cabinet Handles.
  • Matt Black Door Handles.
  • Satin Brass Door Handles.

Are honey oak kitchen cabinets coming back in style?

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!

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