Are My Cherry Cabinets Dated? 3 Key Factors to Consider Before a Kitchen Remodel
Cherry wood cabinets were the height of luxury in the 1980s and 1990s. The rich, reddish-brown stain and ornate carved details were staples of upscale kitchen designs. But trends eventually shift, leaving many homeowners wondering if their beloved cherry cabinets now seem stuck in the past.
Before ripping out those cherrywood gems in favor of something more modern, it's important to weigh a few key factors. With the right updates and accessories, your cherry cabinets may still have their place in a contemporary kitchen.
Factor 1: The Style and Finish of Your Cherry Cabinets
The door style and stain color of cherry cabinets can contribute to a dated look. Many popular cherry finishes from the 80s and 90s were quite reddish and dark. Fussy carved details and ornate hardware also scream traditional. All these elements together create an unmistakably stuffy, outdated aesthetic.
But instead of replacing the cabinets entirely, consider refinishing or refacing them. Sanding down stained cherry cabinets and applying a lighter, more neutral stain can modernize the look dramatically. Similarly, swapping out ornate hardware and doors for clean, simple Shaker-style panels makes cherry suitable for transitional kitchens. Glass-front upper cabinets also break up heavy cherry cabinets in a lighter, brighter way.
Update, Don't Replace for a Fresh Cherry Cabinet Look
Unless structurally damaged, quality cherry cabinets don't need to be discarded. With a fresh coat of stain, new doors and hardware, your existing cabinets can look current again. Refinishing or refacing cherries costs a fraction of full replacement.
Factor 2: Your Kitchen Layout and Overall Design
Beyond their style, the room layout and other design elements impact how cherry cabinets look. Cherry wood suits traditional kitchens with abundant cabinetry and ornate moldings. The bold cherry stain can overwhelm in a minimalist, ultra-modern kitchen.
Countertop and backsplash materials also affect the vibe. Pairing cherry cabinets with granite, soapstone or wood countertops enhances the traditional charm. But sleek quartz or marble countertops and glass tile backsplash better complement the richness of cherry stain.
Even flooring influences the look. Warm hardwood flooring complements cherry cabinets nicely. But slate or porcelain tile floors lend a more contemporary feel that cherry can still work with.
Design Elements to Make Cherry Cabinets Suit Your Style
With careful attention to kitchen layout, surfaces and finishes, cherry cabinets can suit modern designs. The key is choosing complementary elements that temper the traditional cherry vibe.
Factor 3: The Condition of Your Existing Cabinets
Before painting or replacing cherry cabinets, assess their condition. Solid wood cherry cabinets in good structural shape are worth preserving through refinishing. But laminate or lower-quality woods with damage may not be worth the cost of upgrades.
Refacing and refinishing worn cherry cabinets provides a like-new look for less cost. But drawers that don't slide right or warped cabinet boxes need more work. At a certain point, replacement makes more sense than continuing to repair issues.
Know When to Renovate Cherry Cabinets and When to Remove
Quality cherry cabinets have years of life left if maintained properly. But disregarding signs of wear until cabinets are unsalvageable wastes money. Keeping cherries in good condition with minor updates as needed is the most cost-effective approach.
Alternative Cabinet Materials to Consider
Although wood still reigns supreme, several alternative cabinet materials are trending:
- Thermofoil: Durable, affordable laminate on medium-density fiberboard (MDF)
- Metal: Sleek stainless steel or colorful powder-coated steel
- Paint-Grade Wood: Maple and birch take white and light paint beautifully
- MDF: Affordable substrate for painted and faux-wood veneer finishes
Each material has pros and cons. But door style and finish have more impact than the material itself. For example, metal cabinets with visible welding seams and rivets create an industrial vibe. Simple shaker maple cabinets painted white appear fresh and airy. Consider materials but focus more on the look you want to achieve.
Cherry wood still delivers a timeless, elegant look. But surrounding design elements and proper maintenance are key to keeping cherries feeling current. With strategic updates and careful attention to the overall kitchen aesthetic, those lustrous cherry cabinets can still look fantastic.
When weighing a kitchen remodel, don't rush to banish your cherry cabinets. With creativity and care, they can transition seamlessly from the 90s into your dream kitchen today.