The Stars Of Good Bones Ditch Dated Oak Cabinets For A More Timeless Alternative

Once upon a time, oak cabinets were the star of kitchen remodels, but that fairytale is over. Flip through any home renovation show, and you'll spot the honey-tone wood only in the before photos. Oak is tied to the traditional era and gives little room for embracing new and trendy aesthetics. That's partly why the stars of HGTV's "Good Bones," Karen Laine and Mina Starsiak, did away with the old oak and swapped it for a timeless kitchen cabinet upgrade — white cabinetry.

Let's be clear — it's not the material that makes oak old-fashioned. We love the rich character of its grains and the strength of its wood. It's truly that orangey-yellow stain, chunky door, and raised paneling of the oak cabinet from the late 20th century that need to enjoy retirement. Those warm-stained cabinets are clunky and don't complement the sleek features or stainless steel appliances that have become a staple in modern kitchens. The contemporary look clashes with the outdated cabinets, and nobody wins. We can see why oak was a hit when white appliances dominated, but now, light, bright, and airy kitchens are the standard. And white cabinetry is a key part of that look.

For this "Good Bones" kitchen remodel (via YouTube), Karen Laine and Mina Starsiak went for sleek white upper and lower shaker cabinets. There's simple detailing with the squared edging, avoiding an overly detailed style that can date the piece and instead keeping with the timeless look. The HGTV stars continue the airy, vibrant design with matching white countertops and a herringbone backsplash that make the room appear open and clean. White cabinets also create the illusion of a larger kitchen, as they reflect light and brighten the space. 

The neutral design lets other elements in the room take center stage. It is easy for the hardware, backsplash, wall paint, countertops, or appliances to be a focal point. You can experiment with fun colors, patterns, and styles in different areas of the room, and they're all guaranteed to match the neutral cabinetry.

But white cabinets don't mean boring and basic. You can incorporate texture with beadboard or glass fronts to up the ante. The mother-daughter duo did just that by choosing glass doors for the section of cabinets that was visible from the home's entryway. If you have dated oak cupboards, consider an upgrade. You may not even need to gut them out. There are ways to update dated honey-toned cabinets on a budget and get the timeless white look instead.

Firstly, you can paint your oak kitchen cabinets white. Opt for acrylic cabinet paint with a sheen or satin gloss so you'll have a smooth finish that is easy to clean. The paint shade also makes a difference. A warm white (which has yellow or red undertones) is best for a cozy, rustic feel, while cool whites (which have blue undertones) are great for an ultramodern look. A professional can handle the paint job for you, but with a few days to spare, this is a suitable project to DIY. 

Instead of stripping, priming, and painting the cabinets, try a vinyl wrap to achieve the timeless look. It's an adhesive peel that applies smoothly to create a new face for your cupboards. You don't have to worry about drying times, priming, or sanding. Just clean and cover the outdated oak.

If you enjoy colorful cabinets or elaborate styles, you might be hesitant to embrace all-white cupboards, but remember, it's never going out of style, whereas what's trendy now will eventually cycle out. But you can always incorporate various designs in another fashion, like how Karen Laine and Mina Starsiak went with decorative knobs and glass-front doors. The kitchen island can also be a great place to add a pop of color. That way, you have a timeless design and an aesthetic you love.