Why Settle For Paint When There Are 7 Smarter Ways To Update Golden Oak Cabinets

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Warm, golden oak cabinets were once a staple of the kitchen, but today, they're a surefire way to make a space feel overdue for an update. The overly bright, often orange-y wood can be overwhelming, and tends to drown out other features of the kitchen that would otherwise make the room more appealing. The double-arched style doors that frequently come with this style of cabinet don't exactly help the space look up-to-date, either. Oak, however, is a long-lasting hardwood, and as a result, it has stuck around in many peoples' homes — even if it was installed way back in the '80s or '90s.

If it's time to modernize and you have golden oak, you should be glad to know that there are a number of ways to tackle the cabinet problem without opting for a complete remodel. Paint is just one of the options — but it does have some noteworthy drawbacks. It's not always a long-lasting solution, and it may not be effective at hiding wood graining. Cerusing your cabinet doors or darkening them with furniture wax may work a bit better, because they conversely lean into utilizing the wood's natural character. Switching up your cabinet handles and drawer pulls is another option worth considering. Certain metals can tone down an overly glossy finish and create a pleasant visual contrast. The right updates for your golden oak cabinets should help you lean into timeless design styles, rather than modern kitchen trends that everyone secretly hates.

If you want to get rid of the shiny finish that comes with golden oak, but you like your wood's graining, consider cerusing your cabinet doors. This process first involves removing old layers of paint and stain, then drawing out the graining pattern with the help of a wire brush. Once that's done, apply a base coat of new paint or stain, then layer on a contrasting color over the top. A black or charcoal base with white graining is a popular cerusing combination that creates a dramatic effect.

The orange brightness of golden oak is one of its least appealing characteristics for modern homeowners. Luckily, toning it down doesn't have to be difficult or overly expensive, as long as your oak doesn't have a polyurethane finish. All you need is a product like Briwax Dark Brown Furniture Wax. Just pop open the can and work it into the wood with a cloth. The color tone change it provides may be on the more subtle side, but it can nonetheless be effective in altering the look for your entire kitchen.

Sometimes, the most effective way to tackle the outdated color of golden oak cabinets is to alter the look of zones that surround them. Your backsplash, in particular, can be a focal point that draws attention away from the wood. A brighter color of tile, perhaps with some subtle warmth to its veining or patterning, can tone things down without creating too much contrast. You don't necessarily have to shy away from using classic white subway tiles here. They're timeless and clean-looking, and they pair well with other renovations you might do in the future.

A new set of cabinet handles and drawer pulls can go a long way toward modernizing just about any kitchen. Matte black hardware, in particular, is a great choice for making your golden oak cabinets look a bit less dated. These fixtures are neutral, timeless, and contrast nicely with the brightness of the wood. Warm metals, such as bronze and brass, are also good companions for golden oak. Steer clear of stainless steel, chrome, and nickel hardware; it's a bit too shiny, and the coldness of the pieces clash with the warmth of the cabinets.

If you want to completely change the aesthetic of your cabinets on a tight budget, vinyl wrap may be the best solution. This adhesive product comes in rolls that you can cut, peel, and stick to your frames and doors. With the help of a hair dryer or a heat gun, the material fits into tight grooves and corners — this makes it great for golden oak cabinets that have cathedral-style doors. Vinyl wrap might even be a means by which you can try a trending kitchen design style that adds lots of character to the home.

A couple cans of wood stain can go a long way when it comes to remixing the appearance of your cabinets. The toughest part of applying them to your golden oak comes in the preparation process: you need to strip, or thoroughly sand down, all of the cabinetry's surfaces to remove any existing finishes. You also need to apply multiple coats of stain. When doing so, always work in the grain's direction. A polyurethane top coat can help protect the new color of your oak and make it a bit more scratch-resistant.

Golden oak cabinets can appear heavy and boxy, as though they're limiting the space in your kitchen. Open shelving tends to have the opposite effect. It looks light, informal, and airy, plus it's easy to clean, and it makes it easier to reach things when you're cooking. Yes, your dishes and cookware are more on display, but you can still incorporate open shelving without sacrificing a clutter-free look. These installations should perhaps be viewed as an opportunity to showcase collections of items and mix colors. Doing both gives your kitchen more character.