How to Update Your Oak Cabinets & Trim

Have you ever fallen victim to a short-lived home design trend? Maybe…tile countertops in the kitchen? Did that grout ever really feel clean? Sponge-painted bedroom walls? Yikes! It has happened to the best of us.

One outdated trend that many of us are all too familiar with is golden oak. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, this honey-toned wood finish was all the rage, and people put it evvverywhere. Flooring, railings, doors, trim, baseboards, cabinets… you name it.

Here in the 21st century, golden oak is no longer in demand, and it can immediately make a home feel tired and dated. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to refinish or replace your oak features. Try a few, and I guarantee it’ll bring a giant breath of fresh, modern-day air to your space. Yes, please!

How to Refresh Oak Cabinets

Option 1: Refinish and Paint. If you have quality cabinets that are still in good shape, avoid the guilt that might come with ripping them out and paint them instead. Not only will the quality of your cabinets be maintained, but the kitchen will be quickly transformed. Bonus tip: Replace the cabinet hardware, too!

Important Note: Don’t try to do this yourself. Painting cabinets isn’t as easy as slapping on a coat of paint and calling it done. There’s a lot of tedious prep work involved to preserve the integrity of the wood, like sanding and priming. Trust me, you’ll want to hire a professional for this job!

In our Platwood Remodel, we refinished the cherry cabinets in this sea-inspired blue to bring a fresh new look to the kitchen.

Option 2: Reface the Doors. Don’t like the door style on your cabinets? (Maybe they feel too traditional?) Consider swapping out the door and drawer fronts for a more modern look. Then, sand and paint the cabinet boxes to match. You’ll get a fresh new look and style without the additional work. Smarter, not harder, am I right?

Option 3: Replace the Cabinets. When you’re frustrated with more than just the oak of your cabinets — maybe their function or layout isn’t working for you — it’s sometimes simpler to start over. Translation: New cabinets. With a totally fresh start, you can choose whatever you want for color, style, and type of wood.

How to Update Oak Floors

Option 1: Refinish The Oak Floors. If your oak floors are in good shape, refinishing them is a great option. Once they’re sanded, rather than that golden yellow-orangish tint, opt for a lighter or darker shade of stain to instantly bring your floors up to date.

Option 2: Replace The Floor. No surprises here. If you have fallen out of love with your oak floors, or maybe you have been coveting another option (Luxury Vinyl Tile to keep up with those rascally kids?), replacing is always an option.

What to Do with Oak Baseboards

Best Option: Replace Them. Oak baseboards can be sanded and painted, but in some cases, it’s better to replace them instead. In older homes, we often see very short baseboards that can look cheap and dated. Although it’s a small change, replacing these with new, taller baseboards will make a big difference in the appearance of your space. Bonus? You’ll be able to select any color or stain you’d li

How to Update Oak Doors

Option 1: Paint the Doors. If your interior doors are heavy and of good quality, they can usually be sanded down and refinished or painted. You’ll instantly get extended life out of them, and with new door hardware you’ll have an updated look you’ll love. Yep, I’m giving you permission to go ahead and toss those old shiny yellow brass knobs and hinges.

Option 2: Replace the Doors. If your doors are an inexpensive hollow core, you’re better off replacing them with something solid. Not only can you choose any color or stain that will complement the aesthetic of your home, but you’ll have doors that hold up to daily wear and reduce noise transmission. Simply close the door for a phone conversation without loud kiddos in the background. Ahhh…

How to Freshen Up Oak Trim

Best Option: Paint the Trim. I constantly tell my clients that painting trim (and baseboards and interior doors) is the single most impactful way you can update your home. This project can be an investment, but if done right, it will last the next 30 years and be less expensive than completely starting over. Take a look at the incredible change that freshly painted trim made in our Platwood Remodel’s den below:

This space went from dark, dim, and dated to bright, fresh, and sophisticated with the magic of paint.

Pro Tip: Use enamel paint. Baseboards and trim are constantly getting bumped and banged. To keep them hard-wearing and beautiful, use a hard and durable finish like enamel.

Your Home, New & Refreshed

It’s official — saying goodbye to your golden oak will give you a brand-new reason to love your home. The best part? It’s well within reach. If you’re unsure about what steps to take, we’re here to help. Reach out to us, and let’s start the conversation!