Ah, oak cabinets. The staple of kitchens everywhere in the 1980s and 1990s.
Sturdy? Sure. Classic? Maybe. But stylish? Let’s just say they’ve aged about as gracefully as a dial-up internet modem.
If your kitchen still has those golden oak cabinets, it’s not too late to give them a glow-up.
With a little creativity and a lot of sanding, you can turn those time-capsule cabinets into something so modern that even Grandma will ask, “Is this from TikTok?”
Here’s how to transform those outdated wooden relics into sleek, modern marvels.
1. Paint, Paint, Paint
The easiest way to banish the ’90s from your kitchen is to slap on a fresh coat of paint. But don’t just grab the first can you find in the garage.
Choose a modern color like deep navy, soft sage, or crisp white. These shades scream “2025” instead of “1995.”
Bonus points if you go two-tone—dark lowers and light uppers are all the rage. Your cabinets will look so fresh, they’ll need their own Instagram.
2. Swap Out the Hardware
Those chunky brass pulls? Out. The random ceramic knobs with painted flowers? Definitely out.
Replace them with sleek, modern hardware in matte black, brushed gold, or stainless steel. It’s like giving your cabinets new earrings—small change, big impact.
3. Add Glass Panels
Want to make your cabinets look instantly chic? Replace a few of the solid wood panels with glass inserts.
Bonus: this is the perfect excuse to finally organize your mismatched mugs and hide the questionable plastic Tupperware.
4. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting
Lighting is the unsung hero of modern kitchens. Add LED strips under your cabinets, and suddenly, your oak looks less like “Grandma’s heirloom” and more like “luxury showroom.”
Plus, you’ll finally be able to see what you’re chopping at night. Win-win.
5. Embrace Open Shelving
Feeling bold? Remove a few cabinet doors completely and turn them into open shelving. It’s the ultimate modern kitchen trend.
Just make sure to only display your aesthetically pleasing plates and bowls. (Yes, that means the Garfield mug has to go in the back.)
6. Update the Backsplash
A dated backsplash can drag your cabinets down, no matter how modern they look.
Replace that old beige tile with something fresh, like subway tiles, geometric patterns, or even peel-and-stick options if you’re on a budget. The cabinets will thank you.
7. Replace the Countertops
Oak cabinets with laminate countertops? A crime against design. Pair them with a sleek quartz or butcher block countertop to instantly elevate the whole kitchen.
Pro tip: Choose a countertop color that complements your cabinet paint for maximum effect.
8. Refinish Instead of Replacing
If you’re attached to the natural wood look, consider refinishing instead of painting. Sand them down, strip the old yellowy finish, and re-stain in a cooler, more modern tone.
Think gray, espresso, or even a weathered oak finish. It’s like Botox for your cabinets.
9. Add Crown Molding
A little crown molding can go a long way in making your cabinets look upscale. It’s the equivalent of adding a sharp blazer to a casual outfit—it pulls everything together.
Plus, you’ll save yourself from the tedious chore that’s dusting the top of your cabinets!
10. Declutter and Organize
Sometimes, the best way to modernize a space is just to declutter.
Get rid of the 47 plastic containers with no lids, the ancient spice jars, and that one drawer full of mystery items. A sleek, organized cabinet interior can make even oak feel posh.