Yes, oak is absolutely back in style! In fact, warm, natural wood finishes on cabinets have become one of the most dominant interior design trends.
Kitchen cabinet colors that feel dated include stark, clinical all-white, cool minimalist grays, and red-toned woods like cherry or honey-oak. Flat, one-dimensional brown-on-brown color schemes and overly bright primary colors have also fallen out of style.
Oak is not out of style, but how it is used has evolved. Today, natural, matte-finish, and light woods like white oak are incredibly trendy. However, the heavy, yellowish "honey oak" tones from the 1990s are generally considered dated.
Stark white and cold gray kitchens are fading in favor of softer, warmer, and more personalized spaces. Leading trends for 2026 emphasize warm "new neutrals", natural wood grains, deep earthy hues, and moody, high-end colors.
Most oak finishes will create a timeless kitchen design, but designs usually gravitate towards white oak and natural oak for a classic look. There is a place for honey oak, but the warmer undertones can often feel a bit too orange in the wrong space, especially if your kitchen receives a lot of warm light.
A home typically looks outdated when it features overdone, time-stamped trends from specific past decades, such as honey oak cabinetry, popcorn ceilings, or generic word art. Outdated homes also often suffer from poor lighting, worn-out flooring, and heavy window treatments that block natural light.
Neutral colour palette
One of our favourite pairings, oak looks gorgeous with Green 02 and wonderful with White 03 or Beige 02. The warmness of pine is balanced by cooler hues like Blue 02 and Grey 03. Warm-up cooler woods like ash by pairing them with white paints with a hint of yellow, like White 05.
Cool gray is being replaced by "mushroom" neutrals (warm taupes and greys with subtle green or violet undertones), warm earthy khakis, and soft, natural sages.
Avoid high-maintenance stark whites, trend-heavy brights like candy apple red or lime green, and oppressive jet blacks which highlight every fingerprint. Instead of fleeting fads or clinical shades, opt for muted, versatile tones that bring warmth and longevity to your space.
The most popular kitchen cabinet colors right now are warm off-whites, nature-inspired greens (like sage and olive), and rich wood tones like White Oak and Walnut. Stark whites and cool grays are fading in favor of these softer, earthier, and cozier alternatives.
White doors often suit contemporary interiors, while oak doors complement traditional and rustic styles. If you have a small or dark room, white doors can help to brighten and enlarge the space. Oak doors may be better suited for larger rooms with ample natural light.
Yes, oak cabinets are officially making a major comeback. Moving away from the sterile, all-white and gray kitchens of the past decade, modern design trends are heavily favoring the warmth, texture, and natural authenticity of wood cabinetry.
Gray-toned hardwood and laminate. Wide plank farmhouse-style wood. Painted floorboards. Artificial or fake-looking wood.
Top 10 Timeless Paint Colors for Your Home
What are the most popular kitchen paint colors? Off-whites, neutrals, blues, grays and greens are all timeless kitchen paint colors. The color palette below brings together 12 of the best kitchen paint colors—all tried-and-tested hues that homeowners love.
Buyers are moving away from light and airy tones, favoring deeper hues that feel modern, tranquil, and organic. Yellow and red shades could actually lower your home's value by up to $4,000.