Honey oak cabinets are having their moment again—and honestly, it’s about time.
Once seen as outdated, these warm, golden-toned beauties are now being embraced for their natural charm and cozy appeal.
Honey Oak Kitchen Cabinets
Whether you inherited them or chose them intentionally, honey oak brings a richness to kitchens that’s hard to replicate.
The key is styling them right. With the right colors, textures, and design choices, honey oak can feel modern, inviting, and perfectly at home in today’s spaces.
Let’s explore 11 ways to make honey oak cabinets shine in your kitchen.
Quick Ideas
- Pair honey oak with warm whites and creamy tones for a soft, cohesive look
- Use black or navy accents to ground the warmth and add modern contrast
- Incorporate natural textures like stone, wood, and woven materials
- Choose matte finishes and simple hardware to keep the focus on the wood
- Balance the orange undertones with cool grays or sage greens
- Layer in vintage or farmhouse elements for an authentic, timeless feel
- Let natural light enhance the golden glow of the wood grain
1. Warm White Walls with Honey Oak Cabinets
Soft, creamy white walls create a gentle backdrop that lets honey oak cabinets take center stage without overwhelming the space.
The warmth of the wood pairs beautifully with ivory or off-white paint, creating a kitchen that feels cozy and light at the same time. Natural light bounces off the walls and highlights the grain of the oak.
This combination works because it doesn’t fight the natural warmth of the wood—it embraces it. Choose whites with yellow or beige undertones rather than stark, cool whites.
Add in brass or bronze hardware to tie everything together. A white subway tile backsplash keeps things classic and clean.
Get the Look: Paint walls in a warm white like Benjamin Moore Simply White or Sherwin Williams Alabaster. Swap out dated hardware for brushed brass pulls. Keep countertops light—quartz or butcher block both work beautifully.
2. Black Accents for Modern Contrast
Black countertops, matte black fixtures, and dark hardware create a bold, grounded look that makes honey oak feel sophisticated and current.
The contrast between the golden wood and deep black tones adds drama and visual interest. This pairing feels intentional and modern, not dated.
Black absorbs the warmth of the oak and balances out any orange undertones. Think black granite or soapstone counters, a black faucet, and simple black knobs or handles.
Even a black light fixture or bar stools can shift the entire mood of the space. It’s a small change with a big impact.
Style Tip: Start with black hardware—it’s the easiest swap. Add a black faucet and consider painting an island base black for even more contrast. Keep the backsplash neutral so the black and oak remain the stars.
3. Sage Green Walls for a Soft, Earthy Vibe
Sage green walls bring a calm, nature-inspired feel that complements the organic warmth of honey oak.
The cool green tones balance the warmth of the wood without clashing, creating a kitchen that feels grounded and peaceful. It’s a color pairing that feels fresh yet timeless.
This look works especially well in kitchens with good natural light. The green softens the space while the oak adds richness.
Add in natural textures—linen towels, terracotta pots, woven baskets—to enhance the earthy feel. It’s a palette that feels collected and intentional.
Recreate the Vibe: Choose a muted sage like Sherwin Williams Clary Sage or Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage. Bring in plants, wood cutting boards, and cream-colored ceramics. Swap out plastic for natural materials wherever you can.
4. Navy Blue Island with Honey Oak Perimeter Cabinets
A navy blue island creates a stunning focal point while the honey oak perimeter cabinets provide warmth around the edges.
This two-tone approach feels modern and intentional, breaking up the wood while keeping the kitchen cohesive. The deep blue absorbs some of the warmth and adds a layer of sophistication.
Navy works because it’s rich without being harsh. It pairs beautifully with brass or gold hardware and complements the natural wood tones.
Keep the countertops consistent across both the island and perimeter for a unified look. Add in white or cream accents to keep things balanced.
How to Achieve This Look: Paint or reface just the island in a navy like Sherwin Williams Naval or Benjamin Moore Hale Navy.
Use the same hardware on both the island and oak cabinets. Choose a neutral backsplash and light countertops to let the wood and navy shine.
5. Natural Stone Backsplash with Honey Oak
A natural stone backsplash in warm taupe, beige, or cream tones brings texture and depth while complementing the organic feel of honey oak.
Stone tiles—whether travertine, limestone, or textured ceramic—add a layer of sophistication without competing with the wood. The result is a kitchen that feels earthy and refined.
Stone introduces variation in color and texture, which makes the space feel more layered and collected. Choose stones with warm undertones to harmonize with the oak.
Keep grout lines subtle and neutral. The backsplash becomes a beautiful backdrop that ties the whole space together.
Make It Yours: Choose tumbled travertine, stacked stone, or textured ceramic tiles in warm neutral tones.
Pair with a neutral countertop—quartz or granite in cream or light brown. Add open shelving with natural wood or woven baskets for extra warmth.
6. Butcher Block Countertops with Honey Oak Cabinets
Butcher block countertops lean fully into the warmth and create a kitchen that’s cozy, inviting, and full of natural texture.
The wood-on-wood combination might sound like too much, but when done right, it feels intentional and layered. Choose a butcher block that’s slightly lighter or darker than the oak to create subtle contrast.
This look works best when you add in other materials—white or cream walls, a simple tile backsplash, and matte black or brass hardware.
The wood tones should feel complementary, not matchy. It’s a warm, rustic style that feels collected over time.
Try This at Home: Choose a butcher block that’s slightly lighter (like maple) or darker (like walnut) than your honey oak.
Seal it properly to protect against moisture. Add white or cream walls and a simple subway tile backsplash. Use brass or black hardware for contrast.
7. Cream-Colored Quartz Countertops
Cream or beige quartz countertops provide a clean, durable surface that blends beautifully with honey oak cabinets.
The soft neutral tones don’t compete with the wood—they support it. Quartz offers a subtle pattern that adds interest without being busy, and it’s low-maintenance and long-lasting.
This pairing feels timeless and easy to live with. The cream tones bridge the gap between the warmth of the wood and any cooler elements in the space. It’s a safe choice that always looks good and never feels dated.
Design It Yourself: Choose a quartz in a warm cream or beige with subtle veining—brands like Cambria and Caesarstone have great options.
Pair with white or off-white walls and a neutral backsplash. Add brushed brass or bronze hardware to tie the warmth together.
8. Brass and Gold Hardware on Honey Oak
Brass and gold hardware bring out the natural warmth of honey oak and make the cabinets feel more luxurious and intentional.
The golden tones in the hardware echo the golden tones in the wood, creating a cohesive, harmonious look. It’s a simple swap that instantly elevates the space.
Choose brushed or antique brass for a more modern, less shiny finish. The hardware should feel substantial and well-made.
This works especially well when paired with warm whites, creams, or soft grays. It’s a classic pairing that feels both timeless and current.
Put the Look Together: Replace all cabinet knobs and pulls with brushed brass or unlacquered brass. Add a brass faucet if possible.
Keep the rest of the space neutral—warm whites, cream countertops, and simple tile. Let the brass and oak be the focal points.
9. Open Shelving Mixed with Honey Oak Cabinets
Replacing a few upper cabinets with open shelving breaks up the oak and introduces new textures and colors.
Shelves can display white dishes, glassware, plants, or cookbooks, creating visual interest and making the kitchen feel less heavy. The mix of closed and open storage feels modern and collected.
Open shelving also gives you the chance to bring in other materials—white ceramics, woven baskets, glass jars.
It lightens the look without losing the warmth of the oak. Just keep the shelves edited and intentional—clutter defeats the purpose.
How to Style This Scene: Remove one or two upper cabinets and install simple wood or metal shelves. Display a mix of white dishes, small plants, and a few decorative items.
Keep the shelves organized and not overly full. Paint the wall behind the shelves in a contrasting color if you want extra impact.
10. Gray Walls with Honey Oak for a Balanced Look
Gray walls—specifically warm grays with beige undertones—provide a neutral backdrop that balances the warmth of honey oak without clashing.
The cool gray tones calm down any orange in the wood, making the cabinets feel more modern and less dated. It’s a sophisticated pairing that feels grown-up and polished.
Avoid cool, blue-toned grays—they can make the oak look too orange. Instead, choose greige tones that have warmth mixed in.
Add in white trim, neutral countertops, and simple hardware. The gray creates a calm, cohesive backdrop that lets the wood be a feature, not a problem.
Bring This Style Home: Paint walls in a warm gray like Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray or Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter.
Keep trim and backsplash white or cream. Add brushed nickel or matte black hardware. Bring in textiles and plants to soften the look.
11. Farmhouse Style with Honey Oak Cabinets
Honey oak fits beautifully into a farmhouse aesthetic—think vintage charm, natural materials, and cozy layers. Pair the cabinets with shiplap walls, a farmhouse sink, open shelving, and vintage-inspired accessories.
The wood feels right at home in this style, where warmth and authenticity are celebrated.
Add in woven baskets, ceramic pitchers, linen towels, and wood cutting boards. Choose a simple tile backsplash and warm-toned countertops.
The key is to layer textures and keep things feeling collected rather than overly coordinated. It’s a style that embraces imperfection and warmth.
Create the Look: Install a white farmhouse sink if possible. Add open shelving or plate racks. Use vintage-inspired hardware in brass or black. Bring in woven baskets, linen textiles, and wood accessories. Paint walls in a soft white or cream. Display fresh flowers or herbs in simple vases.
Final Thoughts
Honey oak cabinets have been misunderstood for too long. They’re not outdated—they’re just waiting for the right styling.
With the right paint colors, hardware, and design choices, these cabinets can feel warm, modern, and completely at home in your kitchen.
Whether you go bold with black accents or soft with sage walls, the key is embracing the natural warmth of the wood instead of fighting it.
Your honey oak kitchen has more potential than you think—it just needs a little love and the right approach. Let these ideas inspire you to see your cabinets in a whole new light.