As we know, oak cabinet kitchens are nothing new. Many people think that oak kitchens are old and outdated. 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 But they're long from outdated.
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…
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.
Honey-coloured, arched door styles, and a traditional design that doesn't mesh with today's modern kitchens. But these preconceived notions don't have to be true. Oak cabinets have much more to offer than that! In fact, if designed correctly, oak cabinets can look modern and up-to-date.
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.
Shaker-Style Cabinets
Known for their simple design and recessed-panel doors, Shaker cabinets have been in style for more than 100 years. Shaker cabinets are popular in farmhouse kitchens, but they also work with a variety of home decor styles.
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.
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.
One outdated trend that many of us are all too familiar with is golden oak.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.
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.
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.
Oak cabinetry often features an orange finish that can make 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.
Wood cabinets need surrounding finishes that visually support them. Wood cabinets can also look dated based on the finishes that directly connect to them, such as the backsplash in this next kitchen… There's not a SINGLE THING WRONG with these beautiful oak cabinets – I wouldn't touch them with a lick of paint!
Medium-dark flooring matches oak cabinets perfectly: When you're trying to decide what color flooring goes with oak cabinets, medium-dark flooring is one of your best options. Since oak is a medium-dark wood, medium-dark flooring would complement your cabinetry nicely.
Ultimately, there is no hard and fast rule for whether to choose lighter or darker wood floors in relation to cabinets. It's important to consider the specific design goals you have for your space and choose a color that fits with your overall aesthetic.
Look to contrasting colors that are a bit cooler in tone. Shades of blue, green, grey, white, and greige (grey beige), are all options. By making the oak stand out in an intentional way, it feels fresh. Neutral colors are always a good choice when working with oak cabinets and trim.
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. They often won't look as rich or polished against the cabinet's wood tones.
Arguably, the most timeless kitchen cabinet color is white. Bright white cabinets suit a variety of beautiful kitchens, including modern, contemporary, and farmhouse styles. Brilliant whites work to give kitchens a light and airy feel, and off-white options, like the White Dove shade, provides warmth.
White is the most timeless cabinet color of all, with popularity dating back over half a century. It's hard to beat the crisp, clean beauty of bright white cabinets. They lighten the entire room and lend a refreshing, airy feel.
Shaker Doors
The most timeless kitchen cabinet door style is also a staple in transitional kitchen design: the shaker door.