

Oak can be neutralized a bit by using colors around it that are on the opposite side of the color wheel. Here are the two directions to transform your honey oak trim, doors, or cabinets with wall color:ġ.

Either way, we are going to pay attention to those subtle undertones so that the oak looks it’s best. To achieve this with paint, either we are going to create a harmonious palette that is similar to the oak, or we are going to create a contrasting palette that incorporates some opposite colors. It needs to be downplayed, neutralized and camouflaged. What we are going to focus on is the idea that oak, which just boils down to an overwhelming amount of a yellow-orange color and lots of texture, needs the rest of the room to balance it out. There are two main ways of working with any existing element in a home: it can either be enhanced (used as a focal point) or downplayed (neutralized and camouflaged). When it comes to updating a house, you better believe the oak can absolutely be toned down & styled to look good with a fresh wall color. Can you choose a gorgeous paint color that makes your home beautiful updated and lovely, without touching the oak? Yes! Paint is the easiest and least expensive things you can do in a home and the best part is that it is one of the biggest game changers. The good news is that yes, it is possible to do and I can show you how. All you want is a simple update, without a major renovation. Any photos you can find seem to be mostly really ugly and, well, depressing stock photos. The more a person searches, the worse you start to feel about your house.

This isn’t always practical or even what everyone wants. Standard advice is to either rip it out or paint over it. I get it: try searching online for ‘oak kitchen’ or ‘oak trim updates’ and the inspiration and advice is pretty dismal. All they want is a house that makes them feel happy when they walk in the front door, oak and all, starting with the paint color. If you are surrounded by honey oak in your home, you are in the right place for design help!Īre you living in a home that is filled with outdated oak and it’s just not feeling like you? Most of my clients that approach me with this problem are feeling a little stuck: they are awesome people that have great taste and style but for a whole bunch of reasons, they are having to create a beautiful home around the oak that exists there.
