The question “How to make oak kitchen cabinets look modern?” can be answered by saying that a contemporary look can be achieved with some design details and the right lighting equipment. At this point, updating oak cabinets, cherished in the latest decoration trends, is preferred due to their durability and classic look. Design trends, which change every year, encourage special pieces to have a contemporary look with innovative touches.
How to Modernize Oak Cabinets?
Updating oak cabinets can be a lengthy process, but a few simple details such as color and design elements are enough. Take inspiration from the following suggestions to make them more contemporary:
1- Replace Hardware
Changing the hardware to renovate kitchen oak cabinets has a remarkable effect. Black hardware for light-coloured cabinets with classic white knobs is currently on trend. The combination of white and black creates a strong contrast.
When changing the hardware, you can add a modern touch by choosing minimalist handles and knobs. At this point, brushed nickel and matt black models allow you to create a timeless decoration.
2- Prefer Dark Stain
Interior designers and remodeling experts say that dark stains give the space a modern feel. Deep tones such as dark cherry or espresso add a contemporary touch to kitchen cabinets. This style of updating oak kitchen cabinets creates a stylish contrast in light colored kitchens.
3- Add Spaciousness with Glass Facades and Open Shelves
Open shelves and glass-fronted cabinets are among the most popular trends recently. If you are looking for spaciousness and modernity in kitchen decoration, you can choose this style. When glass-fronted cabinets are combined with wooden oak cabinets, they blend natural warmth with modern texture and create an impressive look.
Glass-fronted cabinets make the space look more spacious and create a larger space in small kitchens. If you have a collection of glasses, goblets, and bowls, you can replace the oak cabinet doors with glass to display them.
4- Vinyl Wrapping
Vinyl siding is an ideal alternative to renovate oak cabinets and give a modern touch to the decoration. You can also choose vinyl siding options in the form of contact paper or wallpaper according to their patterns. Adhesive film, which is very practical to apply, is a savior alternative for tenants.
5- Add an Elegant Touch with a White Backsplash
Creating a contemporary look in harmony with oak cabinets, white is, above all, a timeless color. While renovating your kitchen with modern touches, a white backsplash reveals the warmth of the wood texture.
You can create a timeless atmosphere with the modern lines of subway tiles or design you create with more organic patterns. It is possible to establish a more natural balance in kitchens with traditional and rustic aesthetics.
6- Renew Lighting Equipment
Lighting is very important in a modern kitchen with oak cabinets design and you can increase the functionality of the space with the right option. Also you can create your dream decoration by replacing your existing lighting with a modern luminaire. Alternatives include slim, industrial-style ceiling lamps and pendant fixtures.
7- Prefer Glass Doors
Glass doors are an ideal choice for a contemporary oak kitchen cabinets design. Compatible with wooden textured cabinets, glass brings elegance and freshness to your space. Thus, you can aesthetically emphasize your dinnerware, cups, and glass collection. Bringing depth to your kitchen designs with oak cabinets, and glass doors provides a more organized look in your space.
8- Create Elegant Contrast with a Dark Coloured Backsplash
It is possible to harness the power of contrast to create a modern look in the kitchen. Design experts emphasize that a dark backsplash will create a balanced look with light oak cabinets. You can add depth to the space by taking advantage of this design idea without the need for paint. Thus, oak is updated with a modern touch without losing its natural texture and charm.
9- New Countertops Compatible with Oak Cabinets
To modernize the design of the kitchen with oak cabinets, you can opt for a new, simple countertop. Quartz worktops in particular contrast with the warm texture and natural grain of oak. The sleek, polished surface creates a contemporary feel in your kitchen.
You can also consider using a marble countertop in grey, white, and beige tones. Emphasizing the natural look of oak cabinets, marble adds a sophisticated ambiance. In addition, black and anthracite countertops are another option you can choose. Creating a modern contrast, this type of countertop creates an industrial and contemporary kitchen style.
10- Replace the Sink Tap
Cabinet hardware innovation is a suitable idea for renovating and modernizing your kitchen. For an update kitchen with oak cabinets, you can choose a stainless steel faucet mixer with a shiny look. Industrial sink mixers with flexible heads are also an ideal choice to create a modern decoration in your kitchen. Thus, you can bring elegance and functionality to your space together.
11- Colour Harmony in Oak Cabinets
With a natural and organic texture, oak cabinets can harmonize with a wide color palette. The choice of color should be taken into consideration as it determines the overall look and atmosphere of the kitchen. Oak cabinets, which are used in a wide range of areas from minimalist designs to farmhouse-style houses, should be combined with the right tones.
If you want to create a bright and more spacious look, you can also include neutral tones in your preferences. Shades such as beige, cream, and light white highlight the natural texture of wood and create a balanced ground. If you wish, you can add a characteristic touch to your space by turning to bold colors such as olive green and navy blue.
12- Paint The Walls To Get Rid of Visual Monotony
When it comes to bringing a modern touch to your oak cabinets, the first thing that comes to mind is painting the walls. There are a few points to consider for this change that helps to break the visual monotony. For this, you should first choose colors that are compatible with your oak cabinets.
If your kitchen cabinets are light, you can paint the walls in a darker color for a bold look. It is also possible to have a timeless living space with a color palette in light and neutral tones.
Things to Consider When Making Oak Cabinets Look Modern
When designing a kitchen with oak cabinets, it’s important to balance natural textures with minimalist design elements. The warm tones of oak bring a welcoming atmosphere to your space with its classic wooden appearance. By combining this natural texture with the clean lines of modern decor, you can create a stylish and updated look. Here are some tips to help you achieve a modern feel with oak cabinets:
- You can go for minimal decorations and simple, clean lines for a sleek modern look.
- Enhance the look of your cabinets with handles in colors like gold, silver, or matte black.
- You should consider open shelving to create a modern and functional space.
- Create a striking contrast by pairing oak cabinets with industrial style gray concrete countertops.
- You can use light colored ceramics and large format tiles for a contemporary touch.
If you are looking for an answer to the question “How to make oak kitchen cabinets look modern?”, you can benefit from the tips above. However, modernizing cabinets doesn’t have to be an extensive renovation. By updating the hardware, renewing the finishes and adding various design elements, it is possible to create a contemporary decoration.
