Honey Oak is making a major comeback. Alright, perhaps not the exact same honey oak—referring to the golden wood hue that graced countless kitchens during the ’80s and ’90s. The latest iteration has undergone a significant transformation. The days of the overly yellow and orange shades, along with the glossy finishes, are gone. The material now boasts a more refined elegance, featuring a more natural, subdued finish with matte to low-sheen luster that highlights the wood grain’s subtle hues. So, if you’re eager for a brief, nostalgic journey down this contentious memory lane, here are some creative ways to incorporate this material into your home.
The simplest approach is through furniture. Dabble in the honey oak resurgence by introducing a few bold pieces crafted from the material. Sarah Sherman Samuel’s line for Lulu & Georgia is brimming with elegant curves and inviting wood, infusing a touch of organic charm into any space. For those on a budget, the Better Homes & Gardens collection at Walmart offers a variety of honey oak pieces, including coffee tables, benches, cabinets, and shelves. To successfully integrate these items into your home, seek furniture that combines this type of warm oak with distinctive shapes or a blend of materials. This way, the piece exudes a sense of novelty and intrigue, rather than a throwback to your childhood bedroom—yes, it’s still here. (But of course, we’re always fond of a well-executed retro piece.)
The key to successfully incorporating honey oak into modern settings is to pair it with contemporary elements. This approach makes it feel less like a period piece and more like a cozy, thoughtful addition to your space. And don’t hesitate to invest in warm oak; it seems to be here to stay. Current design trends emphasize warmth, sustainability, and the enduring appeal of organic textures—qualities that define the classic, almost timeless, honey oak.
Pairing honey oak with a sleek, modern color palette of black and white is a stunning way to update the look. Contemporary finishes such as matte black lighting fixtures, waterfall countertops, and crisp white flat-panel cabinetry complement the warm, honeyed cabinets in this contemporary kitchen. Streamlined hardware ties the entire look together.
Conversely, this shade of oak pairs beautifully with the cozy Spanish style. In Sapna Aggarwal’s kitchen design, natural oak cabinet doors are encased within white plaster frames; the emerald zellige tiles enhance the Spanish aesthetic. Together, the timeless yet trendy finishes like plaster and zellige tiles create a look that’s both modern and inviting. While honey oak isn’t typically a staple in Spanish-style design, it brings undeniable warmth to the cooler color scheme.
Celebrated interior designer Emily Henderson embraced warm oak for her brother’s home project, using it to clad the floors, walls, and ceiling with exquisite oak plank flooring. Imagine this home as a stark contrast to the millennial gray trend, where cold, minimalist tones dominated. The bold application of all-over oak exudes warmth and nostalgia without overwhelming orange tones. Pair it with modern accents and silhouettes—such as a bold wall sconce, a sculptural pedestal table, or a sleek emerald green rug—and the space instantly feels modern.
