How to Make Oak Kitchen Cabinets Look Modern

Kitchen design trends evolve over time. But some styles make comebacks, like the older oak cabinets from the ’90s. These cabinets appear outdated. So, renovation might be the only solution. But if you explore more, there are cost-effective and DIY-friendly options available.

Several of these cabinet updates can be completed in just one afternoon. These updates will give you quick and impressive results without a significant time or financial investment.

So, keep reading to make the oak kitchen cabinets look modern and classy.

Here are 9 Ways to Refresh Oak Kitchen Cabinets

Now, let’s get straight into some ideas to make your kitchen cabinets more up-to-date.

• Replace the Hardware
• Refinish Your Cabinets
• Install New Lighting
• Replace doors of Cabinets
• Swap out Old Appliances
• Use Open Shelving
• Add Modern Backsplash
• Replace Countertops
• Add Furniture

1. Replace the Hardware

One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to give your oak kitchen cabinets a modern look is to replace the hardware. This includes the handles or knobs used to open and close doors and drawers.

So, swap out the outdated or worn hardware with a new one. There are many contemporary options available that can instantly breathe new life into your cabinets. 

Modern cabinet hardware usually has a simple, sleek design with straight lines and shapes like rectangles or squares. Instead of curved designs, people often choose matte and brushed finishes in colors like nickel, black, or other metals for a modern kitchen with oak cabinets.

Currently, black hardware is a trendy choice. It gives a modern and cool look, especially if you have light oak cabinets with classic white knobs. If you prefer round knobs, you might explore replacing them with jewel-like alternatives or using long handles instead.

2. Refinish Your Cabinets

Another idea to make your oak cabinets modern is to paint or refinish them. 

For some people, painting kitchen cabinets might seem like a design no-no because it means covering up the oak’s beautiful grain. But remember, it’s your kitchen, and you make the rules. If you prefer smooth, grain-free cabinets in a neutral color, then painting is the way to go.

On the other hand, if you love the rich grain of the oak but want to change the color – especially if your oak has yellow and orange tones. Then, a darker stain is a better choice.

3. Install New Lighting

Changing your current lighting to new is the perfect update for your kitchen needs. Good lighting can showcase the unique features of your cabinets, like wood grain. The lighting will also highlight the specific areas of the kitchen. Modern lighting fixtures can also add a sense of style and sophistication to your kitchen.

For instance, pendant lights are a popular choice for oak cabinets kitchen. They offer focused task lighting above the kitchen island and dining table. 

Another way to modernize your kitchen cabinets is by installing under-cabinet lighting. This type of lighting creates a warm and inviting atmosphere and illuminates the countertops to make food preparation easier.

In addition to practical lighting, decorative fixtures can also give your oak cabinets a modern look. Chandeliers, for example, can add a touch of glamour and create a striking focal point.

4. Replace doors of Cabinets

If you desire a completely new look for your oak cabinets without resorting to paint or stain, consider removing the cabinet doors. 

Consider flat-panel or shaker-style cabinet doors. They have primary, clean lines, giving your kitchen a streamlined, contemporary appearance. These cabinet styles follow modern design principles and complement other contemporary elements in your kitchen, such as sleek appliances, mini hardware, and neutral palettes.

5. Swap out Old Appliances

New kitchen appliances have a way of grabbing your attention. If your oak cabinets are old, using shiny new appliances can make them less noticeable. We’re not saying to replace a nearly new fridge, but if your dishwasher, oven, or another significant appliance is getting old, it might be worth getting a new one.

While stainless steel remains a popular choice for modern appliances, there are alternative options worth exploring. To truly bring your oak kitchen into the contemporary era, consider unconventional choices like a retro panel fridge, introducing a vibrant and colorful design element to your kitchen space.

6. Use Open Shelving

Open shelving is a popular and growing design trend, especially for modern kitchens with oak cabinets. Instead of having upper cabinets, you replace them with open shelves. This change not only makes your kitchen feel more spacious and airier but also gives it a modern and stylish appearance.

In the case of oak kitchen cabinets, adding open shelves helps break the visual monotony of the wood. It introduces a more dynamic and layered look to the kitchen. 

Moreover, open shelving lets you showcase your favorite glassware and cookware, adding a personal touch to your kitchen. This not only makes the space more welcoming but also ensures that your essentials are easily accessible.

7. Add a Modern Backsplash

Adding a backsplash is an excellent and helpful way to make your kitchen look more modern. It’s like a panel on the wall behind the sink or stove that keeps it safe from spills and stains. But it can also help make your oak cabinets fit better with a modern style.

Installing a backsplash can divert attention away from your oak cabinets and create a focal point in your kitchen. It is beneficial if your cabinets have a more traditional design you want to update.

Furthermore, a backsplash helps achieve a cohesive design by harmonizing various elements in your kitchen. For example, if you have white countertops, backsplash with white subway tile can match and look nice. Or, if you have different colors in your cabinets and countertops, mosaic tile backsplash will bring everything together.

8. Replace Countertops

Countertops are essential in making the whole kitchen look good. They’re one of the things you notice first. If you replace your old countertops with more modern ones, your kitchen will look fresh and cool.

Although it is not a budget-friendly option, it can make your kitchen stand out. It becomes the center of attention, taking away any focus on old cabinets and making the whole space feel new and updated.

Modern countertops include quartz, concrete, or marble ones. These materials have a smooth and stylish look that instantly makes your kitchen seem more modern. However, if you’re on a budget, consider using contact paper to cover up old laminate counters. It will give them the appearance of quartz, marble, or another natural stone.

9. Add Furniture

The last but not the least way to upgrade your oak cabinets look is to add furniture and other cool decorations in the surroundings. Incorporating modern furniture results in a seamless integration, as if the oak cabinets were always meant to be part of the original design.

Do You Need Professional Help for Your Oak Kitchen Upgradation?

Hiring an expert for kitchen or home decor is always a good idea. This is because they use their experience and field knowledge to bring the best results.

At Smart Remodeling LLC, we prioritize dependability, ethical business practices, and client satisfaction on each task. The company achieved a recognizable reputation in Houston for its unwavering dedication. So, we will assure you a renovation experience that aligns with your vision and budget.

Plus, we promise that our work will make your dreams come true. We want your renovation journey to be fun, stress-free, and positive. And guess what? We’ve got your back with a 5-year guarantee! 

Final Words

In conclusion, transforming your oak kitchen cabinets into a modern one involves a combination of strategic updates and creative approaches. By exploring options such as hardware replacements, introducing new lighting fixtures, and incorporating contemporary backsplashes, you can achieve a fresh and updated look without a full-scale renovation.

Whether through budget-friendly tweaks or more substantial changes, these versatile strategies offer a spectrum of possibilities to breathe new life into your kitchen and make your oak cabinets blend into a modern design scheme.