Yes, oak trim is making a major comeback. Design trends are shifting away from sterile all-white and gray interiors toward warmer, cozier, and more natural spaces. However, instead of the heavy, orange-toned "honey oak" from the 1990s, the current trend favors lighter, natural, and muted oak tones.
Yes, oak trim is making a strong comeback. Moving away from the all-white aesthetic, interior designers are embracing warmer, natural wood tones and vintage textures. However, the modern version of oak trim is much more elevated, featuring matte finishes and lighter stains rather than the glossy, orange-tinted tones of the 1990s.
A home typically looks outdated when it features overdone, time-stamped trends from specific past decades, such as honey oak cabinetry, popcorn ceilings, or generic word art. Outdated homes also often suffer from poor lighting, worn-out flooring, and heavy window treatments that block natural light.
Modernizing outdated orange or golden oak trim comes down to two main approaches: embracing the texture by staining it a contemporary dark or muted color, or hiding the wood grain completely with a fresh, crisp paint job.
Whether oak trim is "outdated" depends on its style and finish. "Honey oak" or orange-toned oak from the 80s and 90s is widely considered dated. However, natural woods are experiencing a major design comeback. High-quality oak can look modern, warm, and sophisticated if properly styled or refinished.
In 2026, the dominant wood style embraces organic warmth, moving away from cool greys and uniform finishes in favor of natural textures and earthy character.
When it comes to trim and molding, it's always a good idea to opt for something timeless to prevent your home from looking outdated. Gaines' preferred paint color is just that — a strong pure white that will never go out of style. This might just be the perfect color for your trim too.
The best colors to pair with oak trim depend on whether you want to tone down its warm undertones or blend them in. For a modern, balanced look, try deep blues and moody greens, or embrace a cozy, timeless vibe with creamy whites, beiges, and warm taupes.
Natural Oak and Real Wood Lead Bespoke Kitchen Trends
The return to real wood kitchens is one of the most defining bespoke kitchen trends for 2026. Homeowners now favour natural finishes, washed oak and layered wood stains over classic painted cabinetry.
Updating oak trim without painting involves darkening or neutralizing the orange tones using techniques like gel staining, applying colored wax, or reviving the finish with restorers. Key methods include applying a dark gel stain for a more opaque, modern look, or using tinted wax (e.g., Tudor Brown) to deepen the color and add sheen without obscuring the wood grain.
A tacky look isn't always the result of bad taste or budget mistakes. Designers say it often comes down to overcommitment—locking into trends, finishes, or layouts to the point that a home stops feeling lived in.
As we look toward 2026, one thing becomes clear: interior design is shifting toward spaces that feel meaningful, rooted, and deeply connected to the way we live. These trends highlight a collective desire for warmth, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
Factors that decrease property value the most fall into three main categories: location issues, structural damage, and poor neighborhood conditions. These factors can collectively slash a property’s value by 5% to 30% or more.
When designing floors to pair with oak trim, you have two primary options: matching the wood tones for a seamless, cozy aesthetic, or creating a bold contrast using neutral stone, modern tile, or dark LVP. To modernize yellow or honey oak, select flooring with subtle gray undertones or deep espresso woods.
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.
Best Woods for Trim
Oak: Known for its strength and versatility, oak offers a timeless look with beautiful grain patterns. Pine: A budget-friendly choice that's lightweight and easy to work with. Cherry: A luxurious option with rich, warm hues that develop a stunning patina over time.
Sterile, all-white color schemes, heavy modern farmhouse details, and busy granite countertops are officially outdated. In 2026, design preferences have shifted away from stark, mass-produced aesthetics in favor of warmth, natural textures, organic stone, and customized, highly-functional layouts.
8 Ideas To Make Oak Kitchen Cabinets Look Modern
The most popular kitchen color trend is warm minimalism. Stark whites and cold grays are being replaced by comforting, earthy, and organic hues.
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.
Top 10 Timeless Paint Colors for Your Home
There are no strict rules, but generally, trim is painted lighter than the walls. This classic choice makes rooms feel taller and larger. However, matching the trim to the wall or going darker are both highly popular options depending on the specific style you want to achieve.
Sherwin-Williams named Universal Khaki (SW 6150) as its 2026 Color of the Year. It is a warm, earthy, and foundational mid-tone tan designed to bring simplicity, warmth, and a tailored, timeless feel to any space.
Beige, taupe, and "mushroom" neutrals are officially replacing the cool, sterile grays of the last decade. Designers are leaning into warm khakis, sandy beiges, creamy whites, and earthy tones that add a cozy, comforting energy to spaces.
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.