The TikTok Hack To Brilliantly Give Outdated Oak Cabinets A Modern Refresh

Stepping into a kitchen with tacky, honey oak cabinets can have you feeling like you're in "Back to the Future." Well, if the time-traveling movie placed you back in 1995, that is. Outdated oak cabinets with those thick, raised ridges often appear clunky and heavy by modern interior design standards. Worse, these cabinets give the room an orange undertone that can make many of us cringe. While it seems like the only solution to styling these cabinets is either completely gutting them or repainting them, TikTok's got easier fixes up its sleeve. One such example is to modernize other surfaces in your kitchen to save time and money.

After all, replacing all of your kitchen cabinets is usually the most expensive part of any kitchen remodel. Instead, updates like a new countertop or backsplash, adding modern hardware, or updating appliances can bring your kitchen out of the '90s and into the present day. These can all help make your oak cabinets look modern while retaining their vintage charm.

The key to making oak kitchen cabinets appealing in your design is to break up any visual heaviness in the room. A quick and relatively simple swap is to update the backsplash to something light and bright. You could opt for timeless white subway tile. Or, if you prefer more color, sage green, navy, mint, or terracotta tones also pair well with oak cabinets. Choose a tile with a sheen to help reflect light and brighten the room. Dark kitchens often appear outdated, so including methods to maximize light — whether through sheer window treatments, mirrors, high gloss tile, light colors, or added light fixtures — can instantly modernize the space. Likewise, a white or light-colored countertop, like marble or quartz, can also invite a modern look to your space. Bonus points if you include a waterfall kitchen island with a countertop that extends down to the sides for an even updated feel. 

Additionally, you might consider breaking up the heavy look of the upper cabinets by removing some and replacing them with open shelving. While there are a few things to consider before committing to open shelving, this can be an effective way to add a light and airy touch to the space. If you'd prefer to maximize your storage space and keep your upper cabinetry, consider swapping out your existing range hood for a box hood, which could achieve the same effect as open shelving.

Not everyone has the budget for a full-scale remodel. Thankfully, there are a few DIY hacks that will completely transform your cabinets without the need for a costly renovation. Start with a simple swap: changing out old hardware for sleeker, modern alternatives. Brass looks seamless with oak cabinets, but you could choose any metal that suits your design style. Another affordable revamp solution is to stain your kitchen cabinets. Keep your existing oak cabinets and use a darker wood stain on them to stay on trend. Today, stains in mocha or coffee hues with a warm undertone feel cozy and fresh.

Want to preserve the honey color on your cabinets? Break up the space by painting only your kitchen island for a two-tone look. Do note: You can always forgo a classic kitchen island and opt for a kitchen table instead. The open space beneath the table can help lighten the visual heaviness in the space. Just be sure to choose a wood tone that complements your cabinets, if possible. By choosing the right colors and fixtures to pair with them, you can uplift your outdated '90s cabinetry to better suit the modern era.