The Cabinet And Flooring Material That's Starting To Make Your Space Look Dated

And so it goes. The pendulum of interior design has swung back once more, and white oak — once the chicest cabinet and flooring material you could have — is now considered a type of wood finish that is dating your home. In the mid to late 2010s, at the height of the obsession with Scandinavian style, propelled by the rise of IKEA and minimalism, blonde woods – such as white oak — in cabinets and floors, represented a break from the dark, stuffy interiors of past generations. They were a sleek, airy, and pared-back choice, perfect for clean-lined and functional modern spaces. But, just like clockwork, ubiquity eventually led to oversaturation. 

As designer Maya Williams put it in an interview with Forbes, "It's a look that worked, but it's been done to death. At this point, it feels more like a default setting than a design choice." That kind of pervasiveness tends to strip design trends of exclusivity and refinement, leading homeowners and designers to search for options that feel unique and elevated, instead. Still, individuality isn't the only motivator for white oak's fall from grace. For the past year, the light neutral palette of Scandi style has been slowly ousted in favor of color and warmth. As a result, expect darker stains to become the wood finish trend that will start popping up everywhere in 2026.

If your floors, cabinets, and furniture are clad with this soft, pale wood, your home might look a little too 2015. The look has been replicated countless times and it's become synonymous with a safe, often boring form of interior design. There's no denying white oak's versatility and timelessness. Along with durability, they are some of the biggest reasons for this wood tone's popularity over the years. Paradoxically, they are also what's making it feel dated.

Current interior design trends are all about self-expression, and while the beige minimalist interiors, of which white oak has become a staple, may be a form of self-expression for some, through the years they've simply become what's expected and what's safe. Their initial popularity was revolutionary, a complete rejection of consumerism and ostentation. In recent times, however, the disappointing downsides to embracing minimalist decor became more apparent. The lack of personal mementos, color, and depth resulted in a sense of sameness and austerity that was no longer a statement but a loss. 

It's within this panorama that white oak cabinets and flooring have lost their appeal. In their place, warmer, more daring, and more nostalgic dark wood finishes, such as walnut and mahogany, have been clawing their way out of obscurity to regain a spot in homes across the board. These are now seen as a departure from the trends of the past decade, and, therefore, celebrated as being design-forward and luxurious. Their vintage feel and deeper hues also make them feel cozy and homey. Still, if you're not a fan, worry not. Just like white oak, dark woods also come with an expiration date and, years from now, the pendulum will more than likely swing back again.