How to Make OAK kitchen Cabinets Look Modern – 6 Ideas

(Last Updated On: April 4, 2023)

After a couple of years, the color of your kitchen cabinet could begin to fade. Additionally, it could begin to appear older and less appealing.

In addition, the expense of replacing the cabinet with a fresh one can be quite costly. Therefore, you need to be creative and smart when managing this dilemma.

Another reason you’re looking to change the kitchen furniture’s design is that you are not happy with the design.

It is the reason why updating it could be the best option to purchase new furniture that isn’t getting rid of your old furniture This means you will save money in order to get the look you desire.

There is no need to remodel your kitchen. With a few magical touches, you can transform the look of your kitchen’s old oak to look brand new. If you have the cabinets, don’t even think about tossing them out as of now.

Examine the state of your oak cabinet

Before you can determine the best option for your oak cabinet You must first check for the state of your cabinets first.

If the damage is just the faded texture, color, and dull appearance, you can repair it easily.

how to make oak kitchen cabinets look modern

But if the problem is wood that has decayed and an old-fashioned shape it may be necessary to replace the cabinet in its entirety.

In general, when your kitchen cabinet is constructed of oak wood, it is likely that you not require a lot of repairs. This is because oak wood is regarded as an extremely durable material compared to other kinds of wood.

Even after more than a decade, the oak furniture remains in great condition. To create a modern appearance, you may need to do a slight touch-up.

If you want to change the look that your kitchen cabinet is made of oak you may require a fresh style of hardware, paint, and décor.

If you have the right plan, you will be able to do it quickly and efficiently making the old-fashioned look the contemporary look. But you may be able to accomplish it on your own without the help of an expert.

6 Ideas About How to Make OAK Kitchen Cabinets Look Modern?

Let’s Start 👍🏻

1. Repaint the oak cabinets in the kitchen

how to make oak kitchen cabinets look modern

The quickest, and thought to be the cheapest method to update your oak cabinets is to paint the cabinets.

The paint does not affect the durability of the cabinets, yet it gives them a fresh amazing appearance.

It is possible to choose neutral colors like white, cream taupe, black, or gray as they tend to stay fresher and less obsolete.

But this method comes with a few drawbacks. The painting might appear appealing from a distance but it’s not the same when you view it in person.

The only thing you see are lines drawn by the paintbrush and lines that originate from the wood underneath in the event that it’s not completed by an experienced professional.

Furthermore, the paint might not be able to withstand the pressure, especially in the handle area.


Additionally, to compensate for the paint that is easily chipped you must spend a lot of time preparing, including clearing the cupboards, polishing them and filling in the wood grain, and removing the doors and hardware.

When you’ve finished painting your cabinets with oak look into installing new hardware, ceramic backsplash as well as affordable laminate countertops with modern designs that resemble stones as a way to make your kitchen look better without spending a fortune.

2. Refinish the oak cabinets in the kitchen

how to make oak kitchen cabinets look modern

If you don’t wish to spend a lot of time painting your kitchen cabinets made of oak with no sound then re-painting them might be a better option.

Depending on the amount of time and effort you wish to put into it, you could create the modern, dark hue and neutralize wood using an edgier, natural stain.

Make sure you keep the red/yellow/orange tones out. Also, you should take the cabinet’s style into consideration.

Shaker design can be changed to a modern look without difficulty, but it is not an arched or cathedral style.

3. Construct a two-toned oak cabinet

how to make oak kitchen cabinets look modern

If you opt for this option, you only need to paint the components of your cabinets rather than the entire cabinet’s sides and parts.

Furthermore, painting your cabinets with an accent color can give a different look and add interest to your kitchen.

White is the best choice if you’re not sure where to begin. In particular, the combination of oak and white will create a rustic or rustic ambiance, based on the accessories you pick.

If you have a flat panel or shaker-style door, this combo will make the kitchen appear more contemporary.

4. Re-paint the walls of the kitchen

how to make oak kitchen cabinets look modern

If you’re not keen to paint your wood painting the walls, redecorating them is an alternative. 👌

Be cautious when picking the color. Warm hues such as pink, yellow… could make your kitchen appear 20 years older or more.

Contrasting hues like green or blue could make the cabinets of oak appear too prominent and not in a pleasant way.

It is best to choose a color that will reduce the orange hue of the oak wood. This includes neutral, cool, and simple shades, specifically those that belong to those belonging to the gray category.

5. Replacing Cabinet Hardware

Modifying the hardware could bring significant changes to your cabinet’s appearance. Here are some ideas to consider:

Black hardware

how to make oak kitchen cabinets look modern

Black is the most preferred color of many as it makes the wood look more contemporary.

It also makes it the mainstay of cabinets since when you look at them the eyes will be focused on the knobs or pulls. 👌

But the black hinges that come in can cause problems as they appear shabby and show the age of cabinets.

This is why you must replace hinges if they are visible when you close the door of your cabinet.

Hardware in polished nickel

how to make oak kitchen cabinets look modern

If your kitchen is equipped with stainless appliances and polished nickel is the choice, it will be a second-best option as opposed to black.

It will modernize your cabinets and can also complement the appliances.

Hardware comprises gold/brass

how to make oak kitchen cabinets look modern

The colors are becoming trendy in recent times. But, they’re not the best choice for cabinet hardware.
Since brass and gold are typically yellow-toned, they don’t match well with the red/orange tones of your cabinets.

If you’re still looking to keep the older shaker-style cabinets or brass is a good choice.

Hardware in oil-rubbed bronze

how to make oak kitchen cabinets look modern

Oil-rubbed bronze is a popular type of bronze used in wooden cabinets.

However, it’s more likely to be suited to oak, not other woods like cherry or maple, and cherry. It is important to think about this prior to choosing this shade.

Of all the four options, this one is not the most modern-looking.

6. Install a New Backsplash

It is possible to upgrade the cabinets in your kitchen made of oak by changing the backsplash.

You can choose an earthy brown backsplash with the form of a tiny mosaic that is a good match for oak wood, but doesn’t update your kitchen since the small pattern of a rectangular mosaic is old-fashioned.

Furthermore, the mix of orange/red and brown tones can only accentuate the appeal of your kitchen.
An alternative is subway tiles that have distinct grout. This is a great option, particularly when it is paired with a neutral countertop.

A fresh subway tile backsplash together with dark-colored hardware as well as a contemporary countertop is the perfect way to brighten, lighten and refresh your kitchen’s oak cabinets.

Related Questions❓

How can you bring oak cabinets up to date?

To summarize There are five options to modernize your oak kitchen, and they don’t require painting or replacing cabinets:

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

How do you make honey oak cabinets look less prominent?

Pick a Contrasting Color! If neutrals aren’t your style, and you’d prefer to lessen some of the orange-yellow tones in the maple or honey oak woodwork, then selecting an opposite color side of the wheel can help reduce the orange tones of flooring, cabinets, or trim.

Are wood cabinets out of style?

Most of the old cabinets made of golden oak are fitted with gold or white hardware, which makes the cabinets look old. The switch to dark hardware could create a completely new look and make the colors on your backsplash stand out.

I don’t want to paint my oak cabinets, so what can I do to make them look new?

How to Modernize Oak or Wood Cabinets WITHOUT a Fall of Color

Read More: How to Clean Kitchen Sink Drain?

Five Ideas to Update Kitchen Cabinets by adding Hardware, Backsplash, Glass Doors, And More!

  • UPDATE HARDWARE & LIGHT FIXTURES.
  • ADD GLASS TO FEATURE CABINETS DOORS.
  • ADD A NEW BACKSPLASH.
  • USE THE RIGHT HOME DECOR.
  • PAINT… JUST A LITTLE.

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