How to make oak kitchen cabinets look modern
Introduction
Oak cabinets are a classic choice for kitchen remodels. They're durable and look good, but they can also feel dated. If you want to give your kitchen a modern makeover without breaking the bank, here are some ways to upgrade your oak cabinets without painting them over:
Change the knobs
If you want to give your oak cabinets a modern look, one of the easiest ways is by changing the knobs. Knobs are available in a wide range of styles, materials, and finishes. They're also very cheap—you can buy them as cheaply as $10 for an entire set at most hardware stores. And if you don't like how they look after you install them, it's easy to just remove them without having to remove the existing hardware from your cabinet doors.
You'll find that there are many different types of knobs on the market today:
Traditional metal ones (also known as "wooden" or "modern" pulls)
Taller ones with rounded edges versus shorter ones with squared edges; some have decorative details on their sides or tops while others are smooth all around
Smaller round versions perfect for kitchen cabinets but not necessarily pantry ones; these may have interesting patterns carved into them instead of being painted in solid colors like traditional metal pulls tend
To complement your new color scheme, choose a knob style that matches both color palette and overall aesthetic feeling inside this room - whether that means going bold with bright colors on one hand side contrasted against darker neutrals elsewhere (as shown above), going modern-yet-timeless with sleek iron hardware throughout all walls...or even going rustic by way of wooden handles
Paint your cabinets
To create a modern look, you’ll want to pick a neutral color that will blend with everything else in the kitchen. This can be any shade of gray or white, as long as it matches your other decor. If you choose a dark gray or black cabinet, it can help frame the countertops and add drama to the space—but if you have light-colored walls and floors, then it might look too stark (unless maybe you’re going for an industrial look).
You could also paint your cabinets red or blue if they already match your flooring and countertops perfectly. A bold choice like this will make more of an impact than choosing any old neutral color would do on its own!
Add a backsplash and change the countertops
To give your kitchen a more modern feel, you can add a backsplash to hide the ugly backs of your cabinets. A wood-paneled wall behind the sink will give it a more sophisticated look. You can also change the countertop material to marble or granite for a more contemporary look. These materials are both easy to work with and affordable, making them great options for any budget.
If you're looking for something even more low-maintenance than marble or granite, then consider installing quartz countertops in your kitchen! Quartz is incredibly durable and easy to clean—just wipe them down with some soap and water each morning before heading off to work!
Should my backsplash match the cabinets or countertops?
Get new, contemporary cabinets
When you're thinking of replacing your existing kitchen cabinets, the number one question on your mind should be: How much will they cost? Because new cabinets can be expensive (especially if they're custom built), it's important to look for a good deal. You'll want to look at local stores and check out big-box retailers like Lowe's and Home Depot as well as cabinet manufacturers like Ikea, who often offer affordable options.
You'll also want to make sure that the new cabinets are suitable for your kitchen. If it's possible, have an architect or designer come in and draw up plans for your dream kitchen so that you know exactly what you'll need before shopping around for new cabinetry. Having specific measurements will help ensure that the cabinets will fit properly once installed—and save both time and money later down the line!
When choosing which cabinets to purchase, take into account these factors: durability (if something breaks or cracks in five years' time could I fix it myself?), energy efficiency (how much does my electric bill go up when using this appliance?), ease of cleaning (#lifehack: vinegar + baking soda = magic combination here!), how often do I use this room/what materials are typically found here?
Change out your cabinet doors
Change the style of your cabinet doors.
Change the color of your cabinet doors.
Change the shape of your cabinet doors.
Change the size of your cabinet doors.
If you want to make oak cabinets look modern, one way to do it is by changing out the existing door style for something else: glass, mirrored panels or sliding glass doors are all very fashionable options that can be used in kitchen cabinets today!
What Your Kitchen Color Aesthetic Says About You
Add some color
If you're looking to add some energy and excitement to your kitchen, consider using a bold color. For example, if the walls are white, choose a cabinet color that is similar in shade. If you're using stainless steel appliances, select cabinets that complement them (for example, stainless steel with brownish hues). Finally, if there's an accent wall or countertop in another hue, don't hesitate to use it as inspiration for your cabinetry!
You don't have to spend a fortune to get a modern kitchen.
Don't have to spend a fortune to get a modern kitchen.
You don't have to replace everything in your kitchen and start from scratch, but you do need to think about the big picture. The cabinets are one of the most expensive parts of a kitchen renovation, and they're also one of the most important pieces when it comes to creating an open feeling in your space. That said, you don't have to replace all of them if you don't want—you could just update those that are already there by painting or staining them with an oak finish (or something else entirely).
If your cabinets aren't worn out yet, consider simply updating their hardware and adding new doors on top instead! You'll be able to save money doing this because it's less labor intensive than replacing an entire set at once. Just remember: If you go this route then be sure not only will they look different from what they did before but also how they function too!
Conclusion
Changing out your kitchen cabinets can be a great way to update your kitchen, but it doesn't have to cost you a fortune. There are lots of inexpensive options for how to make oak kitchen cabinets look modern that don't require replacing them altogether. You can paint them or add some color, change out the knobs and handles on the doors or get new countertops. The easiest way is probably just by adding some new cabinet doors with fewer drawers so that they don't take up as much space visually while still providing plenty of storage space underneath those cabinets if needed.