Warm Oak Cabinets Are Back—and More Modern Than Ever

No longer the dated, imposing fixture that might initially come to mind, designers have turned oak cabinets into a stylish feature.

Neutral and light-toned palettes have taken over kitchens—from countertops to tables—along with dark finishes that bring a little moodiness. In the last year, trends strayed from patterned backsplashes and bright colors to return to a more traditional aesthetic. Slightly-shockingly, this includes classic oak wood cabinets.

Back from the '90s to provide your kitchen with some much-needed warmth, these aren't the shabby, orange-toned fixtures you once knew. And if you haven't heard: Wood is officially back. As a top cabinetry trend of 2023, we're seeing more homeowners embrace the natural finish and textured look—but with a modern twist.

Designers and DIY pros discovered that a combination of light-colored and oak cabinets strike a balance in their kitchens, making it easier to incorporate other oak elements and accents throughout the space. (Another bonus: Oak is extremely durable. You won’t need to worry about paint scratches, dents, and water damage or stains like you would with other types.)

Whether you're going for minimalist and streamlined or rustic chic, they these cabinets have a timeless quality that pulls everything together. Here's how to incorporate them into your kitchen this year.

Related: Designers Predict the Top Kitchen Trends for 2023

Trying Out the Revamped Oak Cabinet Trend

The two-toned and mixed cabinet style allows you to play with different styles, finishes, and shades—adding visual interest and creative freedom. It also ensures your space won't feel taken over by a certain hue or texture (a common problem with the oak cabinets of decades past).

At the forefront of the autumnal oak rush, designer Sarah Robertson (@studiodearborn) is mixing clean white cabinets and countertops with neutral or white oak features. The effect feels airy and cozy all at once.

"We are seeing more demand for these warm creamy tones—linen, putty, and cream, she writes in an Instagram post featuring a kitchen with French-style oak doors and oak bottom drawers. "It’s the new 'white.' Always with a dash of warm wood finishes thrown in. And the wood tones are getting a tad warmer and darker."

Another of Instagram’s interior designers Liz Mearns (aka @lizmearns) showed off a California-breezy kitchen with mid-toned woods on the top cabinets and bottom drawers in this post, which now has nearly 17,000 likes. While they're actually made of maple, Mearns used a driftwood stain diluted to 75% to give it a white oak look, she said in the comments. The white marble countertops, simple lines, and brushed finish make it feel refined and welcoming.

Related: The Best Woods for Kitchen Cabinets That Suit Every Style

Designer Noa Santos (@noasantos) used waxed white oak from floor to ceiling (literally) to create a minimalist, contemporary kitchen. A few accent pieces make up the only non-oak elements, channeling that quiet luxury style that's taken over in the last year. While the wood is full on, the tone and finish keep it understated and elegant.

The key to achieving this trend, no matter the color or style of your kitchen, is using warm shades that don’t lean toward yellow or orange. This prevents your cabinets from clashing with any of your existing color schemes.

If you’re working with a light or white kitchen, white oak pairs best for bringing in a sense of richness—it’s dark enough to stand out, but the contrast won't come off as too striking. For darker spaces, go with a mid-range or gray oak color for a seamless, contemporary space.

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