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How do you modernize honey oak cabinets?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 13, 2026

How to Update Oak or Wood Cabinets WITHOUT a Drop of Paint

  1. 5 Ideas: Update Kitchen Cabinets with Hardware, Backsplash, Glass Doors & More!
  2. UPDATE HARDWARE & LIGHT FIXTURES.
  3. ADD GLASS TO FEATURE CABINETS DOORS.
  4. ADD A NEW BACKSPLASH.
  5. USE THE RIGHT HOME DECOR.
  6. PAINT… JUST A LITTLE.

How do I update honey oak?

Refresh Your Wall Color to Update your Honey Oak

First, and possibly the least expensive solution is to simply change your wall color. The hallmark of a 90s-style home is the pairing of honey oak with paint colors in shades of brown or red. The result, an all-over aesthetic that feels outdated.

How do you tone down honey oak cabinets?

There's two main ways to transform your honey oak trim, doors, or cabinets simply by painting the walls: Using a harmonious color palette (similar colors or colors with a similar undertone) that will work alongside and help fade or camouflage the orange or yellow wood tones.

How can I update my oak kitchen cabinets?

To review, there are five ways you can update your oak kitchen that don't require replacing or painting your cabinets:

  1. Paint the Walls.
  2. Change the Cabinet Hardware.
  3. Replace the Backsplash.
  4. Stain the Cabinets.
  5. Add White Cabinets.

Can you Restain honey oak cabinets?

Not only can you get rid of the honey oak cabinets, but if you can also "re-modernize" painted cabinets by repainting a new on-trend color.

29 related questions found

Are oak cabinets Coming Back in Style 2020?

However, oak cabinets are currently in the middle of making a comeback. There are several possible reasons for this. First, homeowners are looking for warmth and authenticity in their kitchens. Natural wood checks all the boxes.

Are honey oak kitchen cabinets outdated?

Honey Oak Cabinets

A staple in kitchens of the 1980s and '90s, these golden-toned wood cabinets have fallen out of favor as white and gray cabinets have risen in popularity. If you don't like your light-stained cabinets, but they're in good shape, consider refinishing or painting what's there.

How can I update my oak cabinets without painting them?

How to Update a Kitchen With Oak Cabinets (Without Painting Them)

  1. Gather inspiration.
  2. Look at what you have and be realistic.
  3. Paint the walls a soothing neutral color.
  4. Change hardware and fixtures.
  5. Update lighting.
  6. Add warm coordinating accents.

Is golden oak and honey oak the same?

Honey would be closest to the natural wood color. The Golden has a yellowish/orange tint but still close to the natural wood color and Red oak is much darker and a brownish red.

Is honey oak Coming Back in Style 2021?

What is this? Wood cabinets are continuing to come back into style. No, not your honey oak cabinets from 1980's and 90's – they are most definitely not coming back.

Are oak cabinets Coming Back in Style 2022?

NATURAL WOOD KITCHEN CABINETS

As far as natural wood cabinet colors go, light and medium oak will still be trending in 2022 … whether it's your full kitchen or just your kitchen island. Either way looks beautiful! And you can't go wrong with beautiful stained (or painted) dark kitchen cabinets.

Does agreeable gray go with honey oak cabinets?

Agreeable Gray has warm bronzey undertones that complement the yellow orange in the oak. If you must pair your honey oak with gray walls, Agreeable Gray is a good place to start.

Does Edgecomb Gray go with honey oak?

Edgecomb Gray also compliments honey oak tones of wood really well, so it's a great choice for kitchen walls.

Is honey oak out of style?

The answer is – no! The oak trim and oak flooring finish (the golden color known in the industry as “honey”) will never come back in style. Today, there are many beautiful versions of stained oak on the market that allow it to appear more contemporary and aesthetically pleasing.

Can you lighten honey oak cabinets?

You can change the color of your stained oak cabinets, but it will require time and effort. Stain sinks into wood pores under a sealed topcoat of lacquer. The only way to properly lighten the wood is to remove the lacquer, sand off the dark stain and replace it with a lighter color of stain.

How do you whitewash stained oak cabinets?

To whitewash cabinets, dip a clean paint brush in a whitewash pickling stain and apply it using smooth strokes from the bottom of the cabinet to the top and then back again. After you have applied the wash, wipe it with a clean, soft cotton cloth against the grain, This Old House describes.

Is honey Oak a type of wood?

Honey Oak isn't an actual type of wood. Common wood used for flooring, trim, and furniture is actually from the Northern Red Oak tree. One reason that makes it popular, is that it can be finished with a variety of stains.

What is honey Oak wood?

Honey Oak is created by treating red oak with a stain to give a warmer, more pleasing color. The light, honey-colored stain helps to bring out the grain of the natural hardwood. Red Oak is the standard for furniture building. It is a solid, sturdy wood that is uniform in texture and color.

What is golden Oak wood?

Golden Oak is an interior wood stain color in our Beige Cream wood stain color family. Great when used to stain interior wood doors,staining indoor wood trim, or staining wood steps & railings, it is sure to look gorgeous in your home.

How do you strip oak cabinets?

Paint a light coat of stripper onto the face of one cabinet, one drawer and one door at a time. Wait 10 minutes and then scrape off the softened lacquer with a putty knife, starting at the top and scraping down. Let the gelled finish fall onto the drop cloth. Do all the cabinets, doors and drawers.

Can I paint my oak cabinets?

A: You can paint the oak cabinets and the laminate ends, provided you do the prep work necessary for a good finish. Start by cleaning the cabinets with a strong detergent to remove surface oils. Then, use a fine grade of sandpaper to lightly scuff up the oak and laminate surfaces.

How do you bring wooden cabinets back to life?

Dampen a cloth with mineral spirits, then wipe down the cabinets to remove debris and dirt. Alternatively, add several drops of oil soap to a bowl of warm water. Wet a cloth with the soapy water, then wipe the cabinets. Let the cabinets dry, then buff them with a clean cloth.

Why you shouldn't paint your cabinets?

Detailed Patterns, Warped or Damaged Cabinets

If your cabinets have detailed patterns or they are warped, chipped, cracked or have other damage to them, then painting your kitchen cabinets is not the way to go – it most definitely won't solve your cabinet problem.

Are GREY kitchens out of style?

Are grey kitchens going out of fashion? Grey kitchens are not going out of fashion. They are a safe choice that will age well due to them being sleek, space-efficient, and easy on the eyes. You can pick and choose which grey to go with and still get the type of kitchen that is easy to fall in love with.