Let’s talk about something that stirs up a lot of debate in the world of home design: honey oak cabinets. I know—just saying the words probably made you picture a 90s kitchen with ivy wallpaper and ceramic fruit decor. But, if you're lucky enough to have these cabinets, there are some reasons why keeping your honey oak might be the best design decision you make - just hear me out!
As a color consultant who’s seen more kitchens and bathrooms than I can count, I’ve grown to really appreciate honey oak. And honestly? I think it's making a quiet comeback. Here’s why keeping yours might not only save you money—but also result in a space that’s warm, unique, and totally stylish.
1. Your Budget Will Thank You
Renovations are expensive. If your cabinets are still in good shape, why toss them? I’ve worked with so many homeowners who assumed they had to replace their honey oak to get a fresh look—but you can save thousands by keeping them and updating other elements instead.
Think of it this way: keeping your cabinets frees up your budget for the fun stuff. Maybe now you can afford those quartz countertops, or that stunning light fixture you saved on Pinterest. If your cabinets are still functional, it might not make financial sense to replace them - especially when they can be modernized beautifully with some thoughtful design tweaks.
2. They’re Built to Last
One thing I love about honey oak cabinets is that they’re usually made from solid wood—and that’s not something you see every day in newer construction. These cabinets were built to last, and many of them are still in amazing shape decades later.
In fact, I’ve seen a fair amount of newer cabinets fall apart way faster than old-school oak ever would. Instead of tossing them, give them a refresh: a little cleaning, maybe a new finish, and definitely updated hardware. I’ve done this with clients and the results are so rewarding. There's a richness and warmth to natural oak that feels timeless when done right.
3. It’s a Sustainable Choice
If you're trying to be more sustainable in your renovations (which I totally support), keeping your honey oak is a smart move. Tossing perfectly good cabinetry adds to landfill waste and usually requires buying new materials—which often come from freshly cut trees.
Refinishing or re-imagining what you already have is not only budget-friendly, it’s environmentally responsible. I like to think of it as giving your cabinets a second life. There’s something deeply satisfying about honoring the materials already in your home instead of replacing them with something that might not last as long.
So, How Do You Make Honey Oak Look Modern?
Glad you asked! Honey oak can look amazing when paired with the right elements. Here are some of my go-to tricks:
✅ Paint Colors: There are actually some great options for pairing with honey oak. Soft beiges, taupes, warm whites, soft blues, muted greens, even grays —these all contrast beautifully with the warm tones of the oak. Creamy white walls can also bring out the richness of the wood in a really fresh way.
✅ Countertops: I’ve seen honey oak look gorgeous with both light and dark quartz, granite, natural stone, and even polished concrete. There are tons of great materials that will work, but I would be careful with really cool whites - they could look dingy next to honey oak.
✅ Backsplash: Keep it simple. A classic subway tile, a subtle handmade ceramic, or something with a bit of texture will bring modern contrast without clashing.
✅ Hardware: This is such an easy win. Swapping out dated knobs for something sleek—like matte black, brushed nickel, or even a warm brass—can completely change the vibe of your cabinets.
✅ Partial Updates: If the cabinet doors feel too dated, you don’t have to replace the whole thing. Try re-staining for a more modern wood tone, painting them (if you're ready for a bolder change), or even replacing just the doors while keeping the original cabinet boxes. Getting new custom doors completely change the look of the cabinets, and cost significantly less than getting all new cabinetry. It’s a smart, cost-effective compromise.
In the End, It’s Your Home
Here’s the truth: trends come and go. But good design is about creating a space that reflects your style and values. If you love the natural warmth and character of your honey oak cabinets, lean into it! With the right updates, you can create a kitchen or bathroom that feels cozy, current, and completely yours.
If painting in (or near rooms) in your home that have honey oak cabinets (or floors!), I do have a Honey Oak palette available, which was curated with some of my favorite picks for Honey Oak:
Sherwin Williams Honey Oak Palette
Benjamin Moore Honey Oak Palette
As always, please make sure you sample colors in your home. It's the best way to see how they work in your space with your finishes, lighting and decor. My favorite spot to grab samples is Samplize. Their peel-and-stick samples are made from real paint and are so easy to use!
Happy Painting,
Millie
