Redesign Golden Oak Cabinets to Suit Your Style
If your kitchen is still sporting golden oak cabinets straight from the 80s or 90s, it may seem like time for an update. While trends come and go, those dated golden oak cabinets remained popular over decades of design. Updating them can feel daunting. But with strategic changes like refinishing, paint, hardware, counters and more, you can reimagine your golden oak cabinets to suit your personal style.
In this post, we'll explore ways to redesign your existing golden oak cabinets on a budget. We'll cover clever makeovers from painting or staining to switching out knobs and handles. With some simple upgrades, you can give those golden oak cabinets a fresh new look tailored to your taste.
Assess Your Current Golden Oak Cabinets
Before deciding on a remodeling plan, take stock of your existing golden oak kitchen cabinets. This will help you determine the best route for your makeover.
Check the Condition
Thoroughly inspect each cabinet box and door. Look for signs of damage like cracks, dents or peeling surfaces. Test doors and drawers to see if they operate smoothly. Determine whether the cabinet bones are sturdy enough for refinishing or if replacement is needed.
If the boxes are structurally sound overall, minor issues can be addressed as part of the redesign process. For example, sanding cracked areas pre-painting or replacing warped doors.
Evaluate the Layout
While you have the cabinets open, check how the existing layout functions. Decide if the footprint works for your lifestyle or if you’d like to reconfigure it. Common updates include adding an island, peninsula or pantry cabinet.
If making layout changes, this is the time to move or rearrange cabinetry. Leaving boxes in place but switching up door style and color is an affordable way to gain an updated look.
Set a Budget
Now that you have an idea of your cabinets’ condition and layout needs, it’s time to set a realistic budget. Have a contractor provide estimates for these options:
- Refacing - replacing doors and drawer fronts
- Refinishing - sanding and staining/painting existing cabinets
- Full replacement with new semi-custom or custom cabinetry
Costs vary based on factors like location, materials and project scope. Refinishing or refacing can often achieve a like-new look for half the cost of full replacement. Keep resale value in mind too.
Refinishing for an Updated Stain Color
Refinishing means sanding down the existing golden oak finish and applying new stain or paint. This allows you to drastically change the tone and color while keeping the existing cabinet boxes. Refinishing can breathe new life into your kitchen at a fraction of the cost of new cabinets.
Steps for Sanding and Prepping
Proper prep is crucial when refinishing cabinets. First remove doors, drawers and hardware. Thoroughly clean cabinet boxes and doors then sand to remove the glossy top coat. Start with 150 grit paper progressing to 220 grit for a smooth surface.
Fill any cracks, holes or defects with wood filler and sand smooth. Vacuum away all dust. Wipe with a tack cloth before staining.
Gel Stain Options for Oak
For oak cabinets, gel stains are ideal. The thick formula allows rich color while still showing some wood grain. Consider a lighter tone if your existing oak is on the darker side. Stay in the same color family or go bold with navy blue, charcoal or black.
Be sure to choose a coordinating top coat like satin polyurethane. Multiple thin coats will protect your updated stain finish.
Budget-Friendly Facelift
In total, expect to spend $2,000-$4,000 to refinish an average sized kitchen. Results come at a fraction of a brand new custom kitchen. And instantly increase the style and value of your home.
Painting For a Dramatic Color Change
If you feel your golden oak cabinets are stuck in the past, painting is an affordable way to modernize the look. The right color can make the space feel fresh and light or warm and welcoming. Neutral painted cabinets also serve as a clean backdrop for colorful accent walls, tiles and counters.
Proper Steps for Paint Prep
As with staining, proper prep is key to achieving an smooth painted finish. Clean cabinets thoroughly then sand to degloss and rough up the surface. Address dents and fill all cracks and holes with filler designed for wood.
Prime with a quality primer before painting for best adhesion. Opt for oil-based shellac primer for golden oak’s dense grain. Sand lightly between coats.
Recommended Cabinet Paint Finishes
For a contemporary look, choose a satin, matte or eggshell latex enamel cabinet paint. Semi-gloss has some shine and is most durable against marks and scuffs. Distressing techniques can also be used after painting to simulate an antiqued or timeworn patina.
Fresh Color Suggestions
White painted cabinets feel clean and bright. Soft gray adds sophisticated contrast. Navy blue makes a bold statement. Forest green or army green add an earthy character. Basically, the options are endless with paint.
Stick with lighter tones if the room gets minimal natural light. Darker colors can make a small space feel closed in.
The Cost of a Painted Kitchen
Depending on location and materials, expect to pay $4,000-$8,000 to paint an average kitchen. Well worth it for a completely fresh look without replacing cabinet boxes.
Hardware for Visual Interest
One of the easiest ways to update golden oak cabinets is by swapping out the hardware. New knobs, handles and hinges can change the whole vibe. Dated brass can be swapped for sleek matte black handles for a modern twist.
Modern to Transitional Knobs and Pulls
For contemporary cool, opt for flat bar pulls in matte black, brass or nickel. Large round knobs also add interest. Go for brushed metal or oil-rubbed bronze for a more natural transitional look.
Concealed Hinges
Replace old visible hinges with concealed options for a super streamlined look. These hinges mount inside the cabinet for clean lines. Many feature self-closing functionality too.
Recessed Handles
Recessed finger pulls or channel handles work nicely for more minimalist cabinet styles. Pair with painted cabinets and drawers minus knobs for a seamless modern aesthetic.
Easy Upgrade With Big Impact
Expect to spend around $300-$800 to replace all hardware in an average kitchen. It’s one of the most budget-friendly ways to instantly enhance oak cabinets’ style.
Countertops to Match Your Style
Upgrading countertops is another way to modernize golden oak cabinets. Materials like quartz and marble complement painted cabinets nicely while woods like butcher block pair well with re-stained oak.
Popular Countertop Materials
Quartz is an engineered stone that's durable, low maintenance and available in many colors. Marble looks luxe but requires more upkeep. Granite is heat and scratch resistant while butcher block warms up a space.
Colors and Patterns
With golden oak cabinets, stick with light to mid-tone countertops. Whites, creams, grays and subtle patterns prevent clashing. Save very bold granite for paired with white cabinets. Options like butcher block or concrete add organic texture.
Budget-Conscious Options
While materials like quartz and marble cost $80-$100 per square foot, budget options exist. Butcher block can be DIYed for under $50 per square foot. IKEA also offers affordable countertop materials to suit any style.
Backsplash Tile with Personality
Like hardware, backsplash tile presents another opportunity to customize your refreshed golden oak cabinets. Use it to pull together your cabinet color and countertops. Cool patterns and textures also lend visual appeal.
Types of Backsplash Materials
Ceramic tile offers tons of colors and patterns at an affordable price point. Glass tile packs shine and elegance. Natural stone like marble adds opulent detail.
For golden oak, versatile ceramic works well. Check that grout matches if going for a monochromatic look.
Styles and Patterns
Subway tile in white or light tones looks crisp. Stacked patterns create modern texture. Classic herringbone layouts add visual interest. Accent with inlaid stone or metal tiles.
Tips for Selecting Colors
Choose a backsplash tile color that ties into your cabinet paint color or countertop material. A light tile helps open up the space. For a pop of contrast, opt for a bold or dark backsplash tile.
Keep in mind natural light levels too. Dark tiles in a low light area will make it feel smaller. Lighter tiles help reflect light.
Typical Costs
On average, expect to pay $10-$50 per square foot installed depending on material and labor costs. Well worth it to make a design statement.
Lighting Sets the Mood
The right lighting transforms a kitchen from dull to dramatic. Illumination ties together your design choices while setting the overall ambiance. Just as important as the cabinets and counters themselves.
Overhead Fixtures
For golden oak, transitional drum pendants work nicely. Go modern with cylinder lights or industrial with exposed Edison bulbs. Chrome and bronze finishes pair well.
Recessed lighting does the heavy lifting while decorative pendants add allure. Avoid very ornate chandeliers.
Task Lighting Under Cabinets
LED strips installed underneath upper cabinets provide key task lighting. This frees up counterspace without the need for table lamps.
Go for adjustable colour temperature strips. Cool white for food prep, warm white for ambiance.
The Cost of Kitchen Lighting
Prices vary widely based on fixtures and existing electrical. Allow roughly $1,500-$3,000 for lighting upgrades in the average kitchen. Well worth it for the dramatic effect. DIY installation can save substantially on labor fees.
Once quintessential to American kitchens, golden oak cabinets can now seem out of touch. But with strategic updates like refinishing, paint, hardware and tile, you can redesign your cabinets to match your style. Before you replace, see how easy and affordable it can be reinvent your existing cabinetry.
With the right renovations, you can transform your kitchen from stuck in the past to modern marvel. No need to endure your outdated golden oak. A few clever makeovers tailored to your taste will have your space looking brand new.