There have been times over the past few decades where oak furniture has seemed to slip out of fashion. With the introduction of painted, high gloss and glass furniture designs, many people deemed oak furniture to be out dated and somewhat old fashioned.
In general, wood kitchen elements are trending, and oak is at the forefront, leading the way. Oak furniture is making a comeback in the world of home design. The natural warmth and beauty of oak are timeless.
Absolutely! Oak furniture has an enduring appeal that transcends trends. Its classic look ensures that it never truly goes out of style. In recent years, oak furniture has been making a comeback, especially with the rise of the rustic and farmhouse decor trends.
According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association's newly released 2024 Kitchen Trends Report, more and more homeowners are ditching their simple all-white kitchen cabinets for warm wood finishes, including walnut and white oak.
The Timelessness of Oak
Oak furniture has graced interiors for centuries, with a history dating back to medieval times. Its popularity is not without reason; oak is renowned for its strength, durability, and remarkable versatility.
Although fashions in furniture come and go, the popularity of oak furniture has been consistent over the decades. It is classic, high-quality furniture that lends itself to a wide range of different styles, purposes, and finishes.
Beech. If you can appreciate the mild understated tones of Beech with its orangey pink colour and straight grain, it's a great option for interior joinery. It is one of the most modestly priced hardwoods available.
The white kitchen has cemented its place as a timeless classic, and in 2024, its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Renowned for its clean, crisp aesthetic and versatile appeal, the white kitchen remains a top choice for homeowners looking to create a space that is both stylish and classic.
Honey oak kitchen cabinets have taken a back seat over the years. However recently we've not only seen people renovating and incorporating their existing oak cabinets into modern design, but we've seen warm toned woods making a comeback in fresh new ways!
Classic Furniture Pieces: Investing in timeless furniture pieces such as mid-century modern sofas, Chesterfield sofas, and Eames chairs can instantly elevate the look of a room. These iconic designs have stood the test of time and continue to be cherished for their craftsmanship and style.
Whilst some may see oak kitchen units as old-fashioned, there are many reasons why they remain popular and are emerging once again. Natural oak is solid and durable wood, so it is ideal for kitchen furniture that will see a lot of use. It is also a beautiful wood with a natural grain that can add warmth and character.
The toughness of oak furniture is a component that cannot be denied by any means. It ages very well, and will last you for a lifetime, even with little-to-no upkeep. Note that this type of wood, unlike others, is highly unlikely to split or crack, even if it's repetitively put under pressure.
Oak cabinetry often features an orange finish, making 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.
Unlike pine trees, which are often grown in dense forests, oak trees require greater biodiversity and space. This means they can't be grown as efficiently as pine and, coupled with their longer growing time, often means they aren't as sustainable unless they're carefully managed which of course impacts the cost.
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.
Here in the 21st century, golden oak is no longer in demand, and it can immediately make a home feel tired and dated. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to refinish or replace your oak features. Try a few, and I guarantee it'll bring a giant breath of fresh, modern-day air to your space.
“Bold kitchen cabinet colors are replacing the all-white kitchen. Red, cobalt blue, teal, and mustard cabinets will be spicing up kitchens in 2025. Mixing these colors in with white or wood cabinetry is a great option for homeowners who are not 100% committed to floor-to-ceiling bright colors,” she said.
Shiplap has long been celebrated for its rustic charm and farmhouse appeal, but in 2024, it's taking on a fresh, modern twist. As a versatile and stylish design element, shiplap is being reimagined in innovative ways that bring a touch of elegance and warmth to any space.
Organic Elegance with Oak:
Oak woodgrains are making a significant comeback in 2024, exuding organic elegance and a timeless appeal. The natural beauty of oak, with its distinctive grain patterns and warm tones, brings a sense of authenticity to interiors.
The strength, durability and longevity of oak gives it a higher price tag than other woods. This makes low-budget projects a little more difficult. If you have a short timeframe, oak can be harder to obtain. It's best to plan in advance when choosing this wood.
Traditionally, oak would be finished with oils based on Linseed oil (e.g., Danish Oil) or waxes containing beeswax (e.g., Supreme Wax) as these give a natural sheen but offer little by way of protection. Because of this, being harder wearing, Hardwax Oils are proving popular.