Ideas for oak kitchen cabinets

Tips and Ideas: How to Update Oak or Wood Cabinets: Paint, stain and more...

How to Update Your Outdated Wood Cabinets

Oak cabinets – you love ’em (if you’re a man) or hate ’em (if you’re a woman). And yes, I’m generalizing, but I encounter the same gender divides again and again, especially when helping clients update homes with wood finishes. However, it’s oak cabinets that are usually the divorce makers.

And while many designers can’t WAIT to get rid of oak cabinets, I’m a big fan. Sure, some of them need a complete overhaul, however many oak cabinets from the 1980s and 90s are solid gold. Not only do these workhorses stand the test of time in STYLING (those with hidden hinges & simple door profiles), it’s only after 30-40 years of wear and tear that they need some love (kind of like me, wink wink). I’ve seen modern kitchen installations that have barely made it past five years.

However, whether I look at wood cabinets, trims or furniture, I often refer to my favourite saying…

‘just because it’s wood, doesn’t mean it’s good’.

This means that if your wood cabinets are fugly, worn out, or mismatched with other finishes, they won’t be adding value (emotional or monetary) to your home.

There’s a HECK of a lot of orange and pink going on here – and check out that wood grain!

But before we get into the guts n’ glory of this blog post, you need to figure out what style of cabinets you have…

CABINET DOOR PROFILES

Figuring out which door profile you have can help you make the best choices moving forward.

I know the top right isn’t oak, but it’s the best example of a flat panel with a shaker-style frame

TOP LEFT: shaker style with raised panel

TOP RIGHT: shaker style with flat panel

BOTTOM LEFT: double cathedral

BOTTOM RIGHT: single arch

Are your kitchen cabinets cathedral, arched or shaker style? Shaker style is great as the look transitions to modern styles quite easily. On the other hand, a cathedral or arched style is difficult. Even if you decide to restain your cabinets a lovely finish, they might STILL look outdated as it’s the style that’s dated.

Now let’s talk about some solutions…

1. OAK CABINET UPDATE IDEA – RESTAINING

This article is about ‘updating’ your oak cabinets, not about ‘returning them to their former glory’ – or lack thereof. Therefore, when I mention stain, it’s with the idea of changing and updating – not resurrecting.

RESURRECT: keep the old golden oak and refresh it with a fresh coat of golden oak stain and lacquer

UPDATE: add value to your home with cabinets that are modern and updated

While these next cabinets are GORGEOUS, the red stain isn’t an updated look…

With their muted, more natural stain, these next cabinets are PERFECT as they are…

These cabinets add HUGE value as they look totally updated and are suited to the home!

If you want to update your home, restain with a darker, more modern stain colour OR sand things down completely and opt for a lighter, more natural stain (no strong orange/yellow/red hues). Most home buyers (if you have resale in mind) are looking for the more subtle approach offered by a neutral wood tone, OR they want painted cabinets (usually white).

Sherwin Williams Iron Ore feature wall

5 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU RESTAIN YOUR WOOD CABINETS

Are you thinking of staining them a lighter colour than they currently are? Lots of blood, sweat and beers.
Or maybe you want to stain them a darker colour? Still takes lots of work, but it’s easier than going lighter.
Stay away from the strong yellow, orange and red hues as they will not look updated unless you still live in 1990 (helloooo sponge paint!).
Choose a stain depth that best suits the surrounding finishes and potential target market (if selling is in your future).
If you want to refinish your cabinets properly, you’ll need to sand them down entirely. You can play around with Gel Stain, which ‘can’ go over existing stains. However, even professionals have a hard time getting a consistent and quality look that doesn’t wear off (it’s not penetrating, it’s sitting on top of the old finish).

2. OAK CABINET UPDATE IDEA – UPDATE YOUR HARDWARE

More often than not, cabinets from the 80s and 90s don’t have hardware (handles or knobs). While functionally it’s not a big deal as you can still open them, decoratively it’s like you’re missing the last piece of the puzzle.

Transitional style hardware is great and works ESPECIALLY well with cabinets with a shaker door profile. For cathedral-style doors, you’ll want to choose hardware with slightly softer lines (#9, 10,12), nothing too tubular or sleek.

To view/purchase the above hardware, please visit the links in this blog post here: The Best BUDGET FRIENDLY Hardware to Update Oak or Wood Cabinets

And of course, there are always knobs…

To view/purchase the above hardware, please visit the links in this blog post here: The Best BUDGET FRIENDLY Hardware to Update Oak or Wood Cabinets

3.

OAK CABINET UPDATE IDEA – ADD CROWN & A VALANCE

Crown moulding isn’t just for ceilings!

Crown moulding is the ‘crown’ that sits on top of your cabinets – not to be confused with the crown moulding that attaches to your ceiling line. The valance is the strip of wood (approx. two-three inches) that’s attached to the bottom part of your upper cabinets. It increases the visual height of your cabinets, gives them a custom profile, and allows them to hide under-cabinet lighting.

These two features take your cabinets from looking like builder basic – to custom-made.

While adding crown moulding and a valance isn’t easy-peasy to do, ESPECIALLY with older wood stains, it’s manageable for the average homeowner or a semi-capable handyman.

Click HERE or on the above image to view available packages

4. OAK CABINET UPDATE IDEA – FILL IN THE BULKHEAD

NOTHING makes basic cabinets look more custom than a filled-in bulkhead. And while you can do it with proper cabinets (ideally), you can also save a LOT of money and even DIY it with some well-placed MDF and decorative moulding.

My client (below) did just as described above, giving her arched oak cabinets a whole new look…

My next client did the same, although the look is a BIT more natural as the space between the cabinet/ceiling isn’t as tall…

As for this next kitchen, believe it or not, my client updated it for LESS than $3500 – bulkhead and all. She even handpainted her Zellige-look tiles!

A Budget-Friendly FULL KITCHEN Makeover!

5. OAK CABINET UPDATE IDEA – PAINT

You had to see this one coming.

Why?

For wood cabinets that have seen better days, paint is a GREAT way to update and modernize them. Many men (and some women) will say, ‘but it’s wood; YOU CAN’T PAINT WOOD!’ and this is where I hand them a scotch on the rocks and calmly repeat my previously mentioned mantra…

‘just because it’s wood, doesn’t mean it’s good. ’

And they will still BE wood – they will just be painted wood.

These next cabinets didn’t have any redeeming features…

the stain is too dark and red and clashes with the flooring
the door profile is dated

And while my client opted for new doors, she saved money by keeping the cabinet boxes and having them all painted the same beautiful white…

See the FULL REMODEL HERE

And HUGE thanks to all of my E-Design clients who send in their after photos. I rely 99.9% on these and couldn’t do this blog without you!

You can also consider a happy medium by leaving some areas wood while painting others, as shown in this next beautiful kitchen…

Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze on cabinets, Graystone walls

WHY IS IT GOOD TO PAINT WOOD?

Well, it’s good for resale. Generally speaking, traditional golden oak cabinets appeal to those 70 and older. If that’s your target market, then keep them stained and call it a day. However, if you’re looking to appeal to a younger and more modern crowd (69 years and younger), you’ll want to consider painting them.

I know your hubby is cursing my name right now and polishing his darts – and you’re checking the birth date on your driver’s license and yelling, ‘HONEY, SHE JUST CALLED ME YOUNG AND MODERN! But seriously, if you have resale in mind, you might want to put paint at the top of your to-do list.

The kitchen of my LOVELY and talented client – Jenna Christian

Undoubtedly, this next kitchen has MUCH more personality than it used to. And while this might not appeal to the masses, if you’re staying in your home, don’t be afraid to embrace a bit of COLOUR!

The Best Green Paint Colours

Still not sure whether to stain or paint your wood cabinets? Take the QUESTIONNAIRE!

A FEW CONSIDERATIONS WHEN UPDATING OAK OR WOOD CABINETS

SHEEN LEVEL

While you want your finish to be wipeable, you also want to avoid seeing your reflection in it. If you have cabinets with little to no grain, then sheen isn’t as much of an issue, but I’d still do satin/pearl regardless (read more HERE).

EXPOSED HINGES

If you have exposed hinges make sure the finish of them matches your handles/knobs – no mix-and-match hardware finishes allowed!

HARDWARE FINISH

Polished nickel and black are the most popular hardware finish, hands down (read more HERE).

CONSIDER KNOBS ON THE DOORS, PULLS ON THE DRAWERS

If you currently have handles on your cabinet doors, consider filling in that hole and installing knobs instead. Using two different types of hardware on your cabinets creates a custom look (see hardware HERE).

THE GRAIN OF YOUR WOOD (OAK IN PARTICULAR)

The shinier your paint finish is – the more the grain of your oak will show. If you can have them professionally sprayed, go for it. This will give you the best chance to reduce the amount of grain you see. While you CAN take the time to fill in the grain to get a more seamless approach, it’s a biiiig project.

APPLIANCE COLOUR

If you have white or black appliances, you’ll need to figure out which colour makes the most sense regarding contrasting with the appliances (black appliances with white cabinets) or blending them in (white appliances with white cabinets). I can help! Black appliance owners HERE. White appliance owners HERE

THESE are some gorgeous wood cabinets!

Want more?

5 MORE Ideas: How to Update Oak Without a Drop of Paint (PART 2)

Budget-Friendly Hardware to Update Wood Cabinets (PART 3)

The 16 Best Paint Colours to Update Oak or Wood Cabinets or Trim (PART 4)

READ MORE

The 15 Best Paint Colours to go with Oak / Wood

Are Gray Cabinets, Walls & Exteriors Still Trendy?

How to Pick the BEST Paint Colour for Your Kitchen Cabinets

The Best Gray and Greige Paint Colours for Cabinets

Not sure what to do with your kitchen?

Check out my Online Decorating and Colour Services

Originally written in 2016, awesomely updated in 2022

*This post may contain affiliate links that I have carefully selected, meaning if you purchase an item or sign up for a service through a link in this post I may receive a commission. These programs are a big help to me to be able to maintain this blog. Thank you in advance if you find something you are interested in and choose to purchase with these providers.

How to Update Oak or Wood Cabinets WITHOUT a Drop of Paint (PART 2)

Update Kitchen Cabinets with Hardware, Backsplash, Glass Doors & More!

You might be surprised to hear this, but I’m a huge fan of wood cabinets (especially oak). Why? Well, unlike melamine, thermofoil and veneers, wood cabinets are almost always SOLID wood. And with real solid wood comes real potential.

Potential for what you might ask?

Firstly, the potential for many many ‘hardwood’ jokes (always a personal fave). Secondly, there’s a lot of updating potential, regardless of the century your cabinets were installed in. For example…

an updated look via paint (which you can learn about HERE)

a fresh finish with a more modern stain

a facelift with hardware, decor and wall paint colours that suit your wood stain

And while I’m sure you’ve heard me talk about painting/staining oak cabinets to update and add value, today we’re going to talk about everything BUT that.

Are you ready Betty?

1. UPDATE HARDWARE & LIGHT FIXTURES

I talked about hardware in this blog post, and today, I want to expand on those ideas with a few quick case studies…

BLACK HARDWARE ON WOOD CABINETS

Black is HANDS-DOWN the top choice for updating wood cabinets. However, if you have black hinges that are on FULL-exposure (in other words, it’s not just the little edge showing), it’s a hard no from this cowgirl. Exposed hinges, especially ones that are in high contrast to your wood finish, can look harsh and show the age of the cabinets (as modern cabinets have hidden hinges).

For the scale of these cabinet doors (below), I would love to see handles with a bit more thickness and fewer curves…

In the above photo, notice how the new white subway tile backsplash and updated countertop give NEW life to the original oak cabinets – MAD LOVE!

While this next kitchen has all the original features (likely late 80s), the coordinated hardware and light fixtures help the space feel pulled together and purposefully designed. To REALLY update this space, here are a few ideas…

Paint the island a colour that complements the countertop and surrounding wood finishes – the red stain is a bit off.
If the pendants are staying, choose a chandelier with fewer curves. While the look suits the pendants, fewer curly cues would be better.
Even better, I’d love to see black hardware, modern pendants in a black finish and a coordinating chandelier.
Brighten the walls with a modern beige paint colour.
Budget allowing, I’d LOVE to see a subway tile backsplash, which is one of the BEST ways to update a kitchen with oak cabinets and granite countertops.

POLISHED NICKEL HARDWARE ON WOOD CABINETS

Polished nickel is in HOT second place to black; especially if you want a slightly more modern approach that coordinates with stainless appliances.

These next cabinets are gorgeous in their orange-red glory, but if it were MY home, here’s what I would do…

I’d paint the cabinets (sorry #notsorry). HOWEVER, it would hurt me as the wood IS so darn pretty (it’s just overwhelming with the floor).
But because painting wasn’t an option with this client, I’d put a rug on the floor (a washable one) to get a bit of a visual breather between the wood floor and the cabinets.
try black hardware and see which is better (I don’t mind the polished nickel, but am curious to see black).
Paint the walls so that they’re not competing with the cabinets as much.
Add a subway tile backsplash.
Remove the single pendant.
Add a striking, larger piece of artwork on the wall beside the back door; something that creates a focal point.

ANTIQUE BRASS HARDWARE ON WOOD CABINETS

If you’re looking for a low-contrast look, antique brass is a beautiful finish with oak cabinets, but definitely tougher to pull off unless you have mad style (think Studio McGee) and the right cabinets (shaker style). The bonus is that most oak cabinets (if they have their original hardware) have hinges in this finish, so that’s one less thing to worry about.

OIL-RUBBED BRONZE HARDWARE ON WOOD CABINETS

ORB is another beautiful finish with wood cabinets but is usually better with oak than cherry or maple (depending on the stain colour).

However, of the four finishes, it’s the LEAST modern looking.

To UPDATE this next kitchen without painting the cabinets, I would change the light fixtures for sure; going down to two slightly larger ones and capping off the middle one. I would also update the backsplash with a creamy-beige subway tile.

GOLD OR BRASS HARDWARE ON WOOD CABINETS

While gold is a POPULAR finish these days, it isn’t always a hit with wood cabinets. Why? Well, gold/brass is usually a yellow-toned metal finish, and some cabinets are too orange/red-toned for this yellow-gold look. Doing aged brass (antique brass) is often a better fit, but both can be considerably more expensive than black or polished nickel.

2. ADD GLASS TO FEATURE CABINETS DOORS

Adding glass to a few key doors will relieve some of the visual weight of the wood and add reflective value to your kitchen (which is great if you have a dark kitchen and keep tidy cupboards). And of course, you could hire a cabinet company to do this for you, but with a bottle of wine and a saw you might be AMAZED at what you can accomplish (it’s how I trim my toenails).

Seriously though, want to know how? Confessions of a Serial DIY’er has a great ‘how-to’ as does my gal Tamara over at Provident Home Design.

3. ADD A NEW BACKSPLASH

Whether you have an outdated backsplash or none at all, adding a well-chosen tile will do WONDERS for your wood cabinets!

The most popular, timeless choice would be subway tile with either white grout or grout that coordinates to your wall colour/countertop. This works well when partnered with a neutral white, gray or black countertop.

My client took this photo mid-project, so excuse a few funny spots

As shown in this next photo, you could also consider travertine. While travertine gets a bad rap, I’m a huge fan, and with the coming warm trends, you just might see it coming back! I also love the polished nickel hardware – a simple complement to the warm wood tones, whereas black would’ve created more contrast and been a bit harsh with the organic look of the travertine.

This next photo shows how adding hardware, a modern countertop and a new subway tile backsplash can lighten, brighten and update wood cabinets. I know a LOT of you would paint these bad boys, but other than the exposed hinges, LOOK a the bone structure of these cabinets – gorgeous!

To finish this up, I would replace the yellowed phone jack and put something pretty in the open cabinet

6 Budget-Friendly Ideas to Update Your HOME

How to Create a Timeless Home – 4-Part Series

This next kitchen is a great example…

white quartz countertops
modern marble tile backsplash
new black hardware

And all of this was done without changing the cabinets or the original tile floor!

If I were to suggest one BIG thing, it would be to remove the wood valance over the sink. Valances like this cut back on the quality of light and date a space to the 80s.

4. USE THE RIGHT HOME DECOR

Using unified home decor with a consistent colour palette can help update a kitchen or bathroom with oak cabinets. The more colours and metal finishes you add, the more cluttered it can make a room look.

BLACK, WHITE, CREAM, BROWN & GRAY HOME DECOR

Neutrals and simple classic colours are a great way to update wood cabinets. Rather than contrasting the wood with a colour like blue or green, neutrals keep things simple and modern while still adding visual interest.

COPPER-COLOURED HOME DECOR IN KITCHENS

Copper is a beautiful complement to oak cabinets with its earthy rich metal finish. Whether it’s canisters or small decorative pieces, adding copper can help to simplify and unify your cabinets and decor as copper tends to have the same warm undertone as some oak finishes.

GREENERY IN KITCHENS

Generally speaking, too much colour isn’t great for wood cabinets. However, adding some greenery and keeping things simple is a GREAT way to add some energy to the room without overwhelming it.

While I might add a bit more decorative love to this next kitchen, the right bones are in place, and the photo shows how even a wink of green adds LIFE (this home was getting ready for staging, so it was kept simple)!

I also believe that CLEARING THE CLUTTER is a great way to update wood cabinets. Simplify your space and let the products do the visual work for you. Wood cabinets (especially oak) have a grain which can add visual interest/clutter to a space.

Let’s look at this next photo…

Although the simplicity is alright for home staging, I have a few suggestions that would respect the owner’s need for simplicity, while adding a decorative touch…

put simple, repetitive decor pieces in those upper glass cabinets (ie: coordinating bowls/vases/stacks of plates)

remove the knife holders as they’re hangry looking

add a plant or two to complement the warm tones and add some energy! Even just one in the corner with the blender would make a BIG difference

use a nicer utensil holder with some stainless utensils

add a decorative soap dispenser

4 Tips for Picking the Best Subway Tile for Your Backsplash

In this next photo, while the diamond pattern of the backsplash isn’t terribly modern, the cabinets have great bones and a totally workable stain colour on them. If the countertops were cluttered, this space would have WAY less appeal. The use of greenery keeps the accessories in this room well-connected and complementary to the maple cabinets.

How to Update a 1990s Home

If the above owner wanted to take things a step further, they could consider the following:

add a soft, warm creamy white subway tile. White would be too stark with the flooring and countertop. I would do a soft light beige-ish grout to define the tile layout

replace the pendant lights with clear glass ones that are slightly larger and more updated. I’d probably take it down to three lights and cap one

find upholstered stools to break up the wood a bit and add some softness and texture

Click HERE or on the above image to see available packages

5. PAINT…JUST A LITTLE

Okay, so I’m a big fat liar, I know – slap me with a wet noodle. However, this idea doesn’t involve painting ALL of your cabinets – just some of them, and it’s too good of an idea not to share!

By choosing a few key places to paint you can give your kitchen an updated look and give the oak something to play off of.

The 6 Best Paint Colours for Bathroom Vanities that are ALSO GREAT for Kitchen Islands!

I’m in LOVE with this next kitchen with its cherry wood cabinets. And while this approach isn’t for the faint of heart, remember, sometimes wood needs something to PLAY with to come into its full glory!

Not sure if you should even CONSIDER painting your cabinets? Take my fun QUESTIONNAIRE to see what your kitchen says!

Of course, there are MANY different kitchen layouts, so it can be challenging to say ‘always paint these cabinets and leave these ones wood’, but here are some ideas to get you going…

paint only the upper cabinets

paint only the lower cabinets

if you have a pantry-style cabinet in the kitchen, paint it as well as the uppers OR lowers

paint the island

if you have a unique range hood or desk area, paint it

Want more?

5 Ideas to Update Oak Cabinets – (PART 1 in series)

Budget-Friendly Hardware to Update Wood Cabinets (PART 3)

The 16 Best Paint Colours to Update Oak or Wood Cabinets or Trim (PART 4)

Need HELP?

Check out my E-Design and Online Color Consulting Packages

READ MORE

The 16 Best Paint Colours to Coordinate with Wood

Should I Paint My Cabinets or Leave Them Stained? A Questionnaire

The 12 Best WHOLE HOME Gray & Greige Paint Colours

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN 2018, FULLY UPDATED IN 2022

styles of kitchen interiors, range of solid oak kitchen furniture

Oak wood is considered the most demanded material in furniture production. It is characterized by high strength and wear resistance, and thanks to the unique rich color, any product acquires a chic look.

Types of solid oak kitchen furniture
Advantages and disadvantages of solid oak kitchen
Interior styles
- Classic style kitchen
- Modern style
- Provence style

Solid oak is most often used by for the manufacture of expensive luxury kitchens and other furniture, which is considered a sign of wealth. Before choosing such a set, you need to know how such a material will be combined with other furniture, different interior styles and other types of wood.

Types of solid oak kitchen furniture

This material is considered an excellent raw material for the manufacture of the following furniture items:

Kitchen fronts . This is an ideal option for those who prefer eco-style in the interior. Elite wood is used to decorate cabinet doors, side walls and drawers. The front part of the facade is decorated with a pattern made in the classical style. In order to emphasize the naturalness of the furniture, a range of natural shades is used.
Worktops . Considered a great addition to modern cuisine. They are made from a thick board with a width of 5 - 8 cm, which is treated with an oil or wax composition or varnish. This prevents the appearance of fungus and decay. Sometimes color tinting of the tree is used. The solid oak top has a beautiful tawny hue that is a great addition to any set of furniture.
Oak kitchen tables and chairs . Such pieces of furniture are not affected by moisture and are almost impossible to scratch. The table and chairs are usually placed in the middle of the kitchen, so their decor should be very elegant. To this end, designers paint such furniture in a deep dark brown color, decorate it with beautiful carvings and curly legs.

Advantages and disadvantages of solid oak kitchen

Craftsmen have been making wooden furniture for a very long time. Such material is processed in a variety of ways , it looks very beautiful and noble. In addition, no one doubts that the oak is very reliable. The furniture made of such a tree gives the kitchen a special sophistication.

The main advantages of an oak kitchen:

solid appearance, and even the simplest models of sets can look like this;
material can be processed with special means that exclude wood deformation from moisture and high temperatures;
environmental friendliness and safety;
a large selection of colors, ranging from light to almost black;
preservation of aesthetic appeal with a long service life, and this is achieved due to the resistance of oak to mechanical stress;
nobility of wood;
creating an atmosphere of antiquity.

There are also disadvantages of such furniture, but they are usually associated with the care of such material and its safety. Oak is a very strong breed, but only if it is properly processed. If the wood is poorly impregnated, covered with a very thin layer of varnish or not dried, then it may not withstand exposure to high temperatures or humidity. Oak surfaces must be properly cared for as they are sensitive to chemicals.

The use of conventional cleaners intended for plastics and tiles is prohibited. Acids and soda have a strong destructive effect, so it is best to use dishwashing detergents.

Another disadvantage that the solid oak kitchen has, has the aesthetic character of , because the color schemes, although varied, all have shades of wood. It is not recommended to paint this material, but varnishes are usually used, which only shade the existing color, making it darker or lighter. Even if the surface of oak furniture is processed correctly and covered with high-quality varnish, hot pans or pots should not be placed on it, because high temperature can damage it.

Interior styles

The most suitable interior styles for solid oak furniture:

modern;
classic;
Provence.

Kitchen in classic style

Such a kitchen will look especially charming if you decorate the furniture with carvings , gilding, beautiful elements made of natural materials. For a classic design, very dark or light shades of oak are preferred, because they blend beautifully with the marsh, beige and olive textile colors that are part of the classic interior. For dark wood, it is advisable to choose textiles in brighter colors, since oak can get lost in such a room.

Art Nouveau style

This modern style is rather bold and extravagant , it contains various ornaments, patterns, jagged lines, which gives it a special flavor. The modern oak kitchen design looks very elegant in combination with glass, stone and metal elements. For more daring solutions, colored glass inserts and lattice oak facades are used.

Provence style

Solid oak furniture is indispensable when designing a kitchen in Provence style, because wooden elements and aged furniture are considered an integral part of it. Such a room is performed in light colors, and the colors should be muted. If floral ornaments are made on the facades, then the kitchen acquires sophistication and aristocracy.

The wardrobe cabinets are usually left open, because it is part of this style, and the dishes and jars standing on the shelves perfectly complement the interior. If the kitchen is rather small, then the shelves are usually made closed. In this case, terracotta and olive shades of facades are suitable.

Thus, oak wood is in great demand in furniture production. Kitchens made using such furniture look chic. At the same time, you can create various styles, striking guests with sophistication and nobility. No artificial material can compete with the beauty of natural wood.

solid wood kitchen ideas

Kitchen painting

If there is no need to restore facades and some individual elements, then after careful preparation (cleaning, puttying, priming), you can start painting.

In this process, the main thing is to avoid gaps and distribute the paint evenly over the surface. This can be achieved by using spray cans and applying 2-3 coats with each coat completely dry

When using 2 or more colors in painting, it is very important to draw a “border” with masking tape for clear lines

Gleezal can add expressiveness and gloss to the color. This composition is applied after painting with light movements, and after the final drying, the facades can be installed in place. True, the product has a strong smell, and it can only be used in well-ventilated areas.

Advantages and disadvantages of wooden facades

Wooden kitchen facades have a lot of advantages and a few very dubious disadvantages. With a proper understanding of the advantages of high-quality wooden furniture, the disadvantages can be rephrased as a more careful attitude towards it.

Benefits

Environmentally friendly material. Living in an era of technological progress and chemical developments, smart people are trying with all their might to preserve or acquire the pure and natural that is left in such a small amount. A living tree, the facade of which is used as a kitchen wooden section, will allow the hostess and her household not only to enjoy delicious dishes, but also to feed on the life-giving energy of wooden products. This advantage is difficult to overestimate, because. everyone who can afford to buy natural wooden furniture should certainly do so. Breathing fresh air without toxic fumes means forgetting about doctors. And what can be more precious than health, only the one who has lost it knows.
Durability. Facades made of wood for the kitchen, with proper care, have practically no service life. There are many examples when furniture from expensive breeds was passed down from generation to generation, increasing in price and turning into antiques. A more economical wood façade can also last a long time, provided it is well made and cared for. Now we are talking about centuries-old terms for furniture, and as for decades, here we can say with confidence about the guaranteed durability of these items. It is also worth noting that wooden furniture can be repeatedly restored, each time extending its life.
Uniqueness. Furniture fronts made of wood, made to order, can be absolutely unique. Photos of the best samples can be viewed in large numbers on the site. Carved facades of wooden furniture can be made by craftsmen according to an individual drawing or composition, with the addition of unusual ornaments, hieroglyphs, in any style and manufacturing method. Such a kitchen will be one and only of its kind, as the carving will give it individuality. The color range is quite wide, so it can satisfy the most sophisticated requirements of the customer, striking with its style and originality of all guests who come to the house.

Disadvantages

Custom-made furniture for the kitchen made of wood, usually has a rather high price. The cost of materials is significantly different from the price of lower quality raw materials. Considering that you will have to buy such wooden furniture once every few decades, there is a reason to pay more and win at the expense of significant advantages. After all, taking care of your health and aesthetic pleasure requires certain costs.
The kitchen is a place of constant temperature changes and high air humidity, so the wooden facade can be deformed and lose its aesthetic appeal

When buying, you should pay special attention to the quality of the goods and the requirements for the buyer to care for wooden furniture of this class. Having provided the headset with proper care, there is no doubt that no external influences can worsen its functional and aesthetic functions.
Another unpleasant moment is the susceptibility of varnished wooden facades to fading from sunlight. Given this circumstance, it is necessary to carefully consider the layout of the furniture set.

If it is not possible to place wooden furniture not on the sunny side, you should opt for lighter colors, reminiscent of the gentle touch of the sun and not subject to fading. Also, this circumstance is recommended to be taken into account when choosing a style that will help present the property of burnout in the effect of antiquity and antiquity.

Given this circumstance, it is necessary to carefully consider the layout of the furniture set. If it is not possible to place wooden furniture not on the sunny side, you should opt for lighter colors, reminiscent of the gentle touch of the sun and not subject to fading. Also, this circumstance is recommended to be taken into account when choosing a style that will help present the property of burnout in the effect of antiquity and antiquity.

Wood-look kitchen design: ideas and photos

Modern manufacturers of kitchen furniture offer many design options for a kitchen set. You can choose the one that suits your interior.

Full wood kitchen

A wood-like kitchen in the interior of a country house looks especially harmonious, regardless of the shade - light, dark or red. This is due to the fact that a completely wooden set looks massive: there should be a lot of air and light in the room so that the furniture does not “press” on the psyche. Therefore, designers advise using wood in large volumes in spacious country kitchens and in apartments with a large area. Another way to balance the intensity of the wood is to paint the walls in a light shade and choose white dining furniture.

Photo: retrouvius.com

Project author: Olesya Tishchenko

Combined set

A great way to fit a wooden kitchen into the interior is to combine different textures, highlight only some parts of the set with wood.

Wood-look lower cabinets “ground” the kitchen, making the lower part of the kitchen more massive and reliable. An interior in which the bottom of the kitchen and the dining area are made of wood of the same shade. But with the choice of flooring in this case, you need to be more careful: if you want to use a wooden floor and wood-like lower cabinets, the shades of the two materials should be harmonious. Before buying, be sure to put the floor board and the facade sample side by side. If you don't want to make a mistake, choose a neutral tile.

Design: Arca Design

Design: Enjoy Home

Project author: Marina Izmailova

The wood top is less common and mostly combined with darker colored lower cabinets. However, modern designers have found a way to stylishly integrate wood into the top of the suite - they use wooden fronts in modular kitchens with several rows of cabinets of different sizes. The wooden "insert" turns out to be a little recessed into the headset and does not look bulky.

Design: Cartelle Design

Photo: Instagram @allanborgez

Project authors: Svetlana Yurkova and Lena Nikitina

Project author: Irina Krasheninnikova

The bar counter and the wood-like kitchen island look very organic and stylish. They can be made of both light and dark wood, against the background of a snow-white or even black headset.

Design: Chado

Project author: Anastasia Dolgina

Project authors: Sofja Vyganovska and Agata Melerska

Project authors: Oleg Klodt, Anna Agapova

Tall cabinets with household appliances can be disguised as a wall. Kitchen design with wood panels is spectacular

Or, on the contrary, highlight them against the backdrop of a bright kitchen to emphasize the importance of this functional area.

Design: GM Interior

Design: KRAUZEarchitects

Design: Taupe Home

Project author: Oksana Tsymbalova

Separate elements - part of the doors and drawers, open shelves, shelving, buffet - can be made under wood, while the rest of the set will have a completely different finish.

Design: Line Design studio

Design: VizDiz

Project author: Maria Biryukova

Project author: Natalya Barkovskaya

Kitchen design with a wooden worktop: in the photo and in life, the combination of a solid-color set with an oak or beech worktop looks very impressive. Moreover, even such a small detail will be enough to make the atmosphere more comfortable and authentic.

Project author: Tatyana Shcherbinina

Project authors: Zuzanna and Bohdan Museliak

A wood-look kitchen apron is a rare detail, as it requires careful care. But at the same time it looks stylish and definitely will not go unnoticed.

Project author: Anna Morozova

Wooden facades for kitchen furniture

A wide variety of woods are used in the production of wooden kitchen fronts. Coniferous and deciduous are in business. Wood is divided into hard and soft.

Soft wood. It includes the following trees: poplar, cherry, spruce, chestnut, pine, cedar. They should be handled carefully and delicately.
Hard wood. Acacia, walnut, beech, maple, oak, ash, apple.

The most common facades are made of pine, alder, ash, oak, beech. They have a unique pattern and attractive colors, and oak countertops are renowned for their durability and hardiness. Beautiful ebony and cedar woods are used in the manufacture of luxury furniture.

For the manufacture of the kitchen facade, only high-quality blanks with a moisture index that does not exceed 10% are taken.
The blank is machined, impregnated with an antiseptic (this prevents rotting). Already finished products are varnished for greater attractiveness. In addition, the varnish protects the wood from the sun, high humidity, and temperature.

The better the quality of the wood, the better the result

In addition to natural wood, veneer is used for the manufacture of facades for the kitchen - these are small plates from the raw materials of expensive tree species. It is glued to the base and used to decorate the internal parts of complex facades - panels.

Advantages and disadvantages

We can talk about the advantages for a long time, but it all comes down to the fact that wood is the best material. Advantages of wooden kitchen fronts:

completely safe material, clean. In modern technology, toxic impregnations are completely excluded;
wooden countertops in the kitchen look expensive, they show the status of the owner, his refined taste;
reliability and durability. The kitchen facade made of solid wood will delight the owner for many years. A case in point is furniture in museums;
beautiful facade design includes various decorative elements: arches, pilasters;
The solid wood kitchen is always at the height of fashion.

Despite all the advantages, such a kitchen also has disadvantages:

high cost compared to other materials, especially rare wood species;
increased complexity of manufacturing kitchen modules with curves, arches, waves;
prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may adversely affect the texture of the array;
possible absorption of food odors;
wooden doors most often have standard sizes.

MDF

MDF is a good substitute for wood, especially if the budget is limited

Fine Fraction (MDF) is a board produced by pressing wood chips at elevated temperatures and under high pressure. Only natural raw materials are used in production. MDF board is a homogeneous mass, which allows you to make a variety of products from it.

Pros and cons

MDF kitchen fronts have their pros and cons.

Advantages of MDF facades:

Many people choose MDF kitchens precisely because this material is environmentally friendly and completely safe. An MDF kitchen will not emit harmful and hazardous fumes that food and prepared foods can soak into.
The cost of such a kitchen is much lower than a kitchen facade made of natural wood. For most consumers, price is still a fundamental factor.
Durability. MDF kitchens serve for a long time, they do not change outwardly.
Possibility of fine processing. Doors with drawings and carved cabinets look interesting on kitchen facades

Overview of the best manufacturers

When choosing kitchen sets, you need to act in accordance with the well-known proverb: "Measure seven times and cut one." Furniture is expensive. In addition, the period of its use reaches ten or more years. Therefore, she requires such attention to herself.

The most popular facades of several companies:

IKEA. The furniture of this manufacturer has high-quality fittings, is made of environmentally friendly materials (MDF and chipboard), lasts up to 25 years, and is suitable for any interior. Buyers can independently design the design of facades and kitchens using a special program.
Leroy Merlin. The advantages of the company include value for money, as well as a guarantee for some products - up to 25 years. As in the case of IKEA, a person can draw up a furniture project himself and then bring it to life.
"Maria". This manufacturer has been known for 20 years. Offers to purchase kitchens with German quality and Italian design. The main advantage is an individual approach to the preparation of the project, the use of safe materials and accessories, a wide range.
Stylish Kitchens. Without exception, the company manufactures all parts at its production facilities directly for the customer. There are no dealer margins, so the cost of the kitchen is much lower than that of competitors. The main drawback is that furniture stores are located only in Moscow and the region, as well as in St. Petersburg.
Aran Cucine. These are lineup kitchens. Available in both classic and modern styles. The furniture comes directly from Italy.
Hacker Kuchen. German manufacturer using advanced technologies in its work. In Germany, it is the second most popular and largest brand. Of its merits stand out the quality of components, a variety of style solutions and colors, average prices. The only downside is the long delivery time.

It is difficult to say unequivocally which company's facades and sets are better to choose. In this matter, they are guided by financial capabilities, appearance and their own preferences.

Finishing layer

The latter not only makes the product look better, but in many cases the finishing can improve or detract from the user characteristics of the furniture.

PVC film is the most common because it costs the least. Alas, the quality corresponds to the price: the film is waterproof, as it should be for polyvinyl chloride, but the gluing method itself excludes the “long life” of kitchen facades. It peels off quite easily near sinks and stoves, as the facade does not like temperature changes and dampness. Plus, it fades in the sun.

PVC film imitates any material - wood, stone, acrylic panels. The first option is most often encountered, since the rest in her performance look unconvincing.

Acrylic film - higher in quality, more resistant to moisture and heat. It is glued to facades of any shape, including curved ones. Gloss and mirror shine reproduces no worse than acrylic panel

The disadvantage is low mechanical strength, detergents should be used with caution.

HPL plastic reproduces both the color and texture of natural material, usually wood, stone, but can also imitate fabric and even metal. Exceptionally resistant to any factors in the kitchen and extremely durable

Of course, it has a corresponding cost, so it is attached to MDF facades. Chipboard tends to change dimensions over time, and sheet plastic does not tolerate such deformations.

Lack of material - it can only be fixed on flat facades.

Acrylic panel is a good option for a modern interior. The set is literally eternal: a color, pattern or photo is applied to an MDF board and covered with a transparent acrylic sheet. It is in this material that all the most incredible images, color effects and gloss of any degree of intensity are available - from matte to mother-of-pearl and mirror.

The panel is also a sheet material, therefore it is fixed only on flat facades. This kitchen is very expensive.

Enamel combines the color possibilities of an acrylic panel and the properties of an acrylic film. Enamel is waterproof, insensitive to neither heat nor ultraviolet radiation and has a rather average sensitivity to mechanical damage. However, such a facade can be touched up or simply repainted, and not completely changed, as if the acrylic panel was damaged.

Enamel kitchens are slightly more expensive than acrylics due to their ease of maintenance. You can paint the facade of absolutely any shape - even carved.

Veneer is a cut of natural wood that accurately reproduces the pattern and color. Choosing veneer is worth it for both classic and modern kitchens: this is a great way to add elegance to the headset at no extra cost. But, however, veneer does not have protective properties like a film or sheet plastic - this is a decorative solution.

Variety of finishes

Kitchen fronts are fronts of cabinets with doors and drawers. They can be solid or prefabricated, with opening, sliding, rising structures or folding accordion

When choosing a kitchen set, first of all, they pay attention to the physical characteristics of the material: moisture resistance, fire resistance, strength, etc. However, over time, any product loses its former attractiveness due to long-term operation, fading in the sun, mechanical damage.

Then the question arises, is it possible to update the facade of the kitchen with your own hands? Before starting work, you should understand the features of the material from which the facade is made.

Wooden kitchen furniture attracts with its environmental friendliness and luxury, besides it fits perfectly into classic and modern interiors. In order to preserve the original appearance of the product, special care and periodic restoration are required so that pests do not destroy the wood, and the doors do not deform due to moisture.
Laminated chipboard - an inexpensive option, but completely impractical. Chipboard has a loose structure, due to which swelling of the material occurs in a humid environment.
MDF facades are the most popular and versatile due to the durability of the material and a wide choice of colors. Panels of MDF facades can be either simple, even, or rounded and asymmetrical.
Plastic has the longest life. It is applied to the MDF panel, sometimes chipboard. Such facades are not afraid of moisture, steam, temperature changes and aggressive household chemicals. Their painting is the hardest, because it is difficult to find the right consumables.
Set with glass inserts looks rich and luxurious and never goes out of style. Glass is usually inserted into an aluminum profile or MDF panel, although there are also completely frameless designs, where the entire load falls solely on high-quality and durable fittings. To update the facade, you can use stained glass paint, with which it is possible to create a unique pattern or pattern.

White kitchen with wood - how to decorate it?

A wooden kitchen can be decorated in different styles by combining natural raw materials with white. One of the proposals is the rustic atmosphere, which refers to the idyllic life in the countryside. A characteristic feature of the decor is the use of natural materials, one of which is wood.

A rustic kitchen in wood and white should be characterized by simple furnishings. White cabinets with matt fronts or with fine milling are suitable. Pick a wooden, rather dark countertop with visible knots that will bring out the element's natural character.

Part of the upper cabinets can be glazed. Thanks to them, you can display rustic accessories such as a teapot with flowers or spice containers with the same motif. You can diversify the kitchen island with a wicker bowl in which you can arrange fragrant apples.

If the rustic wood and white kitchen is also to serve as a dining room, don't forget the tablecloths made from natural materials. A linen model would be perfect. Old style copper pieces will also work as add-ons. A rustic wood kitchen will look even more beautiful if you take care of the details, such as a retro-style faucet.

A rustic wooden kitchen would be better enriched with beamed ceilings. Their color should be the same as that of window and door frames. The role of illuminators will be played by unusual lamps with a wooden lampshade.

A light wood kitchen with white appliances can also be Scandinavian. If you like the atmosphere from the north of Europe, use a countertop made from natural raw materials. Combine it with white cabinets with matte fronts and wooden handles. Above the countertop, you can use bright brick tiles.

Kitchen in white with wood - how to furnish it?

You can furnish a rustic wooden kitchen that draws inspiration from rural life,
Use natural materials - not only wood, but also linen from which you can make a tablecloth,
Choose white cabinets with matte fronts and dark wood tops with visible knots,
Glazed hanging cabinets will be good for such a kitchen, in them you can put a teapot with a floral motif, and other similar items,
Also use wicker accessories such as fruit bowl,
The light wood kitchen can also be decorated in a Scandinavian style.

Bleached oak features

Oak is a very popular material in furniture production. Its wood is famous for its high strength. After all, it is not for nothing that varieties of oaks are endowed with the epithets “iron” and “stone”.

Features of bleached oak

Oak wood has a very beautiful saw cut, which is also highly valued in furniture production. There is a variety of oak wood with different effects, depending on the methods of dressing. For example, bleached oak. Initially, this type was obtained by processing wood with lime. Now there are many other ways to achieve this result.

Let's talk about the advantages and disadvantages of bleached oak in the kitchen

A kitchen that uses bleached oak provides a lot of advantages. Let's start with the fact that this is a very environmentally friendly material. To say the least, useful.

That is why oak is almost never rotten. It is wear resistant. So you can forget about dents, scratches, cracks.

Bleached oak in the interior

Solid wood finish has a matte surface with a beautiful and clear texture. Despite the fact that the kitchen is a place prone to the invasion of various kinds of stains, oak lends itself very well to restoration. So it will not be difficult to put such a kitchen in order. On the contrary, over time, such furniture acquires a special charm of the “family nest”.

Bleached oak kitchen chic

Of course, the cost of such a work is impressive, but the kitchen is made for more than one year.

Kitchen design solutions made of wood

Classic style

The most common interior style where wood furniture is used is the classic style. It is characterized by straight, symmetrical lines of facades and often dark wood tones.

At the same time, the classics can be both strict and somewhat pompous due to the presence of cornices, figured carved details and gilding in the furniture.

Classic kitchen with white enamel cabinetry looks elegant and fresh.

The dark wood of the furniture goes well with dark green. Greenery can be added with an artificial stone countertop, an apron trimmed with emerald-colored ceramic tiles and green lampshades.

On the other hand, dark furniture looks very nice in combination with white. A white countertop and light tile on the backsplash create a nice contrast.

For those who love maximum naturalness, a kitchen made of facades that have preserved the entire structure of the tree, including inclusions of knots, is suitable. If such furniture is made of light wood, then a dark countertop and, for example, a kitchen island with a “reverse” color design - a dark base and a light countertop, will suit it.

There will be no contradictions if, in combination with a light classic wood kitchen, light worktops in gray and beige shades are used.

The interior of the kitchen can be made as rich as possible with eco-materials. To do this, add to the kitchen furniture made of natural wood the finish of a kitchen apron made of the same wood, cork floors and walls.

Wood, also in the classic style, goes well with stone or stone-imitating materials. For example, as in the photo below, where in the neighborhood there is a wood set and a stone in the lining of the apron and countertops.

Stone on the floor in the form of porcelain stoneware, stone countertops - all this will also be successfully combined with natural wood furniture.

Steel design appliances blend with solid wood in the most natural way and do not contradict it, but only emphasize the modernity of the classics.

Built-in appliances in black look stylish with light wood.

Country and Provence

These two rustic styles imply a wooden kitchen. The wood can be in these interiors in its natural color or painted in light green or light blue shades.

A signature touch of country, and especially Provence, is the aging of furniture by patting individual parts of the facade. Corners, edges or individual relief elements of furniture are rubbed with a special mixture, which adds the charm of antiquity to the tree.

Contemporary Styles

If you think that a solid wood kitchen can't support modern styles, it's not. Wood can be very laconic on kitchen fronts, due to which it will easily fit into any styles characteristic of modernity. The conciseness of the facades is achieved by the absence of frames and panels, and sometimes even visible fittings.

If you are a fan of all things Japanese, the Japanese minimalist solid wood kitchen is sure to warm your soul.

A steel worktop for a kitchen island, built-in appliances, an extractor hood and fittings made of the same material will create, in combination with wood, a style close to hi-tech or modern.

Three color combinations: white, black and wood will create their own unique minimalist combination of modern design.

Combinations of styles

Very non-standard, but, it should be noted, the combination of modern laminated facades with solid wood facades looks quite consistent.

Adding various elements of rustic style to solid wood furniture adds a special charm.