Easy Steps to a Contemporary Honey Oak Kitchen

honey oak cabinets bring a sense of comfort to many kitchens. In style during the 80s and 90s, the familiar oak finish conjures up memories ofbig hair and bold patterns. But while we can't resist the pull of oak's welcoming vibe, honey oak's heyday has passed.

If your kitchen is still rocking those honey-hued cabinets, fear not! A few simple updates can give your existing cabinetry a fresh new look. By adding sleek finishes and modern details, you can easily transform the space into a contemporary kitchen that feels light, bright, and completely current.

Step 1: Prepare Your Honey Oak Cabinets

Before painting or restaining, it's important to thoroughly clean your cabinets and make any necessary repairs. This prep work allows the new finishes to properly adhere.

Clean Thoroughly

Remove all contents from cabinets, including shelves and hardware. Wash cabinet boxes and doors with a degreasing cleaner. For stuck-on grime, use a cleansing paste. Once dry, lightly sand surfaces in the direction of the wood grain to rough them up for painting. Finally, vacuum up any leftover debris and wipe all surfaces with a tack cloth.

Make Minor Repairs

Inspect cabinets and use wood filler to patch small holes, gouges and imperfections. Allow filler to dry completely. Sand smooth. Address issues like broken hinges, missing screws or damaged doors and drawers as needed.

Sand Away Any Major Blemishes

If your oak cabinets have noticeable marks, stains, or ugly water damage, now's the time to sand them down. Use 100-150 grit sandpaper to remove the top, damaged layer of wood. Move with the grain making smooth, even strokes. Finish by vacuuming and wiping sanded areas thoroughly before priming or staining.

Step 2: Add Contrast with Dark Colors

Nothing livens up honey oak better than a healthy dose of contrast. Deep charcoal and black elements pop against the oak's golden yellow base. Mixing metals also adds eye-catching variety.

The Power of Black

Black is having a major moment in home design because it instantly modernizes. Updating oak cabinets is no exception! Swapping out old brass pulls for matte black hardware makes a serious style statement. Black window trim and a rolling kitchen cart provide additional spots of sleek contrast.

Charcoal and Navy Blue

If you're considering a fresh coat of paint, rich shades of charcoal gray or navy blue accent honey oak beautifully. Choosing one dominant color creates a more polished look. Beyond walls, use cool-toned textiles like navy curtains or a charcoal rug to balance warm wood elements.

Step 3: Freshen Up With Crisp White

No kitchen update would be complete without the classic pairing of white and wood. Timeless white finishes offset oak's yellow tones, making the space feel light and contemporary. White quartz countertops, subway tile, open shelving, and chairs keep things fresh.

White Subway Tile

A glossy white subway tile backsplash and matching grout bounces light around the kitchen, opening up honey oak cabinets. Contrast dark grout if you prefer a more dramatic look. Allow natural variations in the oak grain to shine through rather than competing with a busy backsplash pattern.

White Quartz Countertops

Quartz counters with a crisp white marble pattern coordinate beautifully with oak while resisting stains better than real marble. White quartz has an organic look that fits with contemporary design, but doesn't overwhelm the warm wood cabinetry.

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Step 7: Consider Layout Improvements

Sometimes updating cabinet finishes still leaves you with an awkward kitchen layout. Floor plan changes open up new possibilities for your updated oak cabinets. Be strategic with adjustments to optimize function.

Create Work Triangles

The work triangle concept focuses on efficient positioning of key zones: refrigeration, sink, and range. These areas should connect via clear paths, with shortcuts between fridge and stove. Update old galley kitchens by opening the space.

Improve Storage Solutions

Maximize vertical real estate with floor-to-ceiling oak cabinets. Add functional pull-out shelves and slide-out storage. Consider glass cabinet inserts to prevent a heavy look. Edit down low-use items to free up room.

Open Up Sight Lines

Consider removing upper cabinets entirely to give a light, airy aesthetic. Try a sleek glass front on lowers rather than solid doors. This allows displayed items to tie into your color scheme. Floating oak shelves maintain storage while keeping walls visible.

It's easy to update honey oak cabinets with some creativity and contrasting updates. The key is embracing the oak's natural beauty while weaving in contemporary elements. This allows you to value sustainability along with getting a fabulous new kitchen.