Oak cabinets have a repudiation for being old-fashioned and out of date, but there are ways to make them work in a modern kitchen. When you work with NH kitchen remodeling companies to redo your kitchen, you can start from scratch or upgrade your existing elements. Oak cabinets are usually high quality, so working around them is a simple way to save time and money on your kitchen remodel.
Here are four ways kitchen remodeling companies in NH can modernize your kitchen while keeping your oak cabinets.
Restain, Repaint, Reface
Because oak cabinets are usually solid, high-quality wood, it is preferable to keep them in your kitchen. However, many older oak cabinets have yellow or orange tones that didn’t age well. If you want to keep the natural grain of the wood, you can sand off the old finish and restain it in a darker color. If solid colors are more your style, repaint them in whatever color matches your kitchen decor. You can also go a step further and reface your cabinets. Refacing involves replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts but keeping the cabinet boxes.
Change the Surroundings
Sometimes the cabinets aren’t the problem, it’s what’s around them. If your kitchen has a lot of open wall space, repainting the room can completely change how you feel about it and your cabinets. Warm, bright colors that complement or contrast the cabinetry can make the design choices look more modern and deliberate rather than dated. If your kitchen doesn’t have a lot of open wall space, consider updating the backsplash. Colorful mosaics or bright white subway tile can create a focal point that draws the eye away from your cabinets.
Replace the Hardware
Never overlook the little things. Something as simple as swapping out the hardware can make all the difference. Replace knobs with long handles for an elegant look, or opt for black hardware for an edgier feel.
Upgrade the Lighting
What’s the lighting like in your kitchen? Pendant fixtures, sconces, and under-cabinet lighting are all options to modernize and brighten up your kitchen. By simply adjusting the angle or intensity of the light, you can transform your kitchen and see your cabinets in, well, a whole new light.
