Brighten Up Your Honey Oak Kitchen with White
As a child of the 80s, I have vivid memories of spending time in my grandmother's kitchen. Her cabinets were that unmistakable honey oak that dominated so many homes built in the 70s and 80s. At the time, I thought her kitchen was the height of style and comfort. But now, as a homeowner with those same honey oak cabinets in my own kitchen, I find them dated and overwhelming.
Like many homeowners, I've struggled with ways to update my kitchen without undergoing a full remodel. The warm, orange-ish tone of the oak cabinets create a heaviness that can be hard to brighten up. But after lots of inspiration searching, I've found that incorporating white into the space can give new life to worn-out honey oak. White has a magic ability to make everything look fresh again.
Reduce the Visual Weight of Wood
One of the biggest challenges in a honey oak kitchen is the heavy, imposing feeling all that wood creates. Here are some simple ways to reduce the visual weight:
- Remove some or all of the upper cabinets to keep the wood below eye level.
- Swap out a bulky wood island for one painted white or another lighter color.
- Replace existing wood flooring with light tile or vinyl plank floors to minimize the wood's presence.
Limit Honey Oak in Other Areas
In addition to reducing the amount of cabinetry, you can limit the appearance of honey oak in other aspects of the kitchen:
- Opt for light wood or painted dining sets rather than matching honey oak.
- Paint or replace dated honey oak trim like baseboards and window frames.
The less honey oak throughout the space, the more refreshed it will feel.
Embrace Contrast
Adding contrast is key when working with honey oak cabinets. Installing a crisp, white backsplash instantly brightens the space. Try subway tile, marble mosaic, or geometric patterns. Using black hardware and fixtures against the oak provides bold contrast. Painting one wall a dramatic dark green or navy blue adds eye-catching appeal.
Keep Things Light and Bright
When selecting materials like countertops and flooring, stick with lighter colors that won't compete with the honey oak. Crisp white quartz countertops instantly freshen up dated oak. For flooring, light wood with minimal graining or gray vinyl planks keep things contemporary. Paint walls a soft white like Benjamin Moore Simply White to get that welcoming, airy feel.
Declutter
Honey oak cabinets can easily start to look cluttered. Keep counters clutter-free and cabinet fronts streamlined. Store items attractively using organizational tools like:
- Drawer dividers
- Spice racks
- Cabinet door organizers
Peel-and-Stick
If you're not ready for a major renovation, temporary upgrades with peel-and-stick products can make a big difference:
- Tile backsplash film
- Bold patterned wallpaper
- Faux stone contact paper for counters
honey oak cabinets can be used with white and light colors to look outdated. A fresh coat of paint on the walls, new hardware, tile backsplash, countertops and decluttering can give new life to your existing oak cabinets. While my childhood self still has a soft spot for the cozy honey oak of decades past, my adult self appreciates the clean and contemporary look that white and oak can create together.