8 Ways to Update Oak Kitchen Cabinets Without Breaking the Bank

Replace the Hardware

Just as swapping out an accessory or two can transform the look of an outfit, replacing knobs and drawer pulls with new hardware can upgrade your oak cabinets.

Black hardware is in, which can give an edgy new look, especially those light oak cabinets with the classic white knobs. If you like round knobs, you might consider replacing yours with jewel-like ones, or you could swap out knobs for long handles instead.

Repaint or Restain Them

If you’re cringing at the thought of any type of varnish coming near your cabinets, rest assured that yes, you can give a fresh coat of paint or stain to your cabinets with positive results. 

Painting kitchen cabinets is an interior design sacrilege for some because it means covering up all or most of the beautiful grain of the oak. But it’s your kitchen, your rules, and if you want smooth, grain-free cabinets in a neutral or bright color, paint is the way to go.

However, if you want to keep the rich grain of the oak but change up the color—some older oaks are tinged with yellow or even orange tones—then a darker stain is the way to go. 

Reface Them

If you want more than a new cabinet color but can’t commit to the time or budget for replacing cabinets, consider refacing them.

This is a heftier project that might be better off left to a pro, but here’s the gist: Everything gets swapped out except the cabinet boxes. This means cabinet doors, drawer fronts and boxes, and hardware are replaced with new materials in the veneer of your choice. This is certainly more expensive than staining or painting them, but it’s still saving time and money by not replacing the “bones” of your cabinets.

Remove the Doors

Want a completely different look for your oak cabinets without picking up a drop of paint or stain? Grab a drill and unscrew the hinges on the doors—now you’ve got a “new” open storage space.

You’ll (probably) have to reorganize your cabinets neatly now that the contents are completely on display. But even if you decide you simply must buy a whole new set of dishes and glasses, it’ll be far less than what you would’ve paid to have your cabinets replaced. 

Paint the Kitchen Walls

Assuming there is ample wall space visible around your old oak cabinets, then go ahead and paint the kitchen a new color. A fresh coat of paint can revive the look of any room, even if not a single other thing is changed.

Choose a warmer or brighter color that complements or tastefully contrasts with your current cabinetry to draw attention away from the more dated elements.

Redo the Backsplash

Whether you like a vibrant mosaic or classic subway tile, changing out your kitchen backsplash is a game-changer for your kitchen. You’ve got some options depending on what’s currently there.

If it’s a plain wall, you could paint it a new color or install tile that’s as attractive as it is easy to clean. If you’re tired of the tile that’s already there, you might simply paint over the backsplash.

You can also experiment with tile stickers or other removable kitchen backsplash options, especially if you think that a larger kitchen renovation might be happening in the near(ish) future. 

Replace the Appliances

There’s something about a shiny new kitchen appliance that steals your attention from everything else. If you’ve got aging oak cabinets, use this to your advantage. We’re not suggesting that you swap out a two-year-old refrigerator on a whim, of course. But if your oven, dishwasher, or other large kitchen appliance is showing and acting its age, consider replacing it. 

Stainless steel is always a good option for new appliances, but it’s not the only one. If you really want to bring your oak kitchen up to date, you might try a retro panel fridge that brings a colorful design to your kitchen.

Swap Out Lighting

As with replacing appliances, swapping out your current lighting with new, more modern fixtures could be the update your kitchen has been craving.

With so many lighting options ranging from pendant fixtures to sconces to under-cabinet lighting, you don’t have to sacrifice form for function when it comes to illuminating surfaces in your kitchen. And now that things are literally in a new light, your cabinets might not be looking so outdated anymore.