Cherry wood cabinets have rich, warm tones that truly have a timeless appeal. This wood species has been around for centuries but for some reason went viral in the 1990's. And now you might feel stuck with the orange and red tones that everyone wanted 30 years ago. In my area, I see so many clients with these tired, warm toned cabinets. New cabinetry is often out of the budget and the homeowners don't want to paint. So, here are 5 ways I regularly implement to update these dated kitchens.
Change Out Countertops to White or Gray.
Traditional Kitchen with White Quartz Countertops
The above kitchen has dark cherry wood cabinets with a very traditional style. The white countertops and backsplash lighten up this kitchen considerably, compared to what would have been busy and dark granite counters from the 90's. The gold hardware and accessories add to the upscale vibe.
Rustic Cherry Wood Cabinets with Soapstone Countertops
I'm in love with soapstone in almost any situation. In the kitchen above it calms down the very orange tone of the mission style cabinets. The cool tones of the counters and white backsplash show off the beauty of these well built cabinets and the black hardware is the perfect addition to keep the bossy orange tone calm. Imagine this kitchen with nickel or brass hardware and busy granite countertops. Too many bossy tones would be competing for attention. Calm the tones in everything around the rich cabinets, and allow the beautiful wood to be the star of the show.
2. Use the Color Wheel to Add a Contrast
Cherry Wood Cabinets with Green Backsplash and Accessories
Blue Backsplash Tile and Marble Countertops
The opposite of orange and red on the color wheel is blue and green. Using these colors as a tile backsplash makes the cherry cabinetry feel updated and intentional. The trick is finding the right color of blue or green to compliment your cabinetry. Try light or midtones of blue or green to avoid looking like a favorite holiday. Try finding toned down versions of green, such as olive green or sage green. If you love blue, try using a blue with a little gray instead of a bright blue.
You don't have to commit to a contrasting color with a tile backsplash, If you want to stay with white or neutral backsplash, add color in accents. Use a green tea kettle you keep on your stove, or green or blue vases or dishes. Add color with a croc that holds your kitchen utensils or a bowl that holds fruit or decorations. Stick with one color, but you can vary the shades of that color. In the above picture with the green tile backsplash, the bright green tea kettle stands out against the more muted green tile. Slightly varying the tones of an accent color is a great way to keep the eye interested and moving around the room.
3. Take a Break from All the Wood
Glass Door Uppers Cherry Wood Cabinetry
One of the best ways to break up a bossy toned cabinetry is to give the eye a break. Installing glass fronts is a perfect way to lighten things up. You may be able to easily remove center panels in some cabinetry. A craftsman can router out the center panel, leaving a lip for glass installation. If you are worried about showing off what is in your cabinets, just choose one or two cabinets to turn into glass fronts. Also consider using reeded glass. It has a wave that conceals much of what is behind it.
Another way to take a break from the strong tones of cherry wood is to switch out a cabinet or two for open shelving. Yes, there will be a little repair work on the walls. And yes, you have to keep the shelves neater than the cabinetry. But the payoff of a little less bossy wood tone is really big. If you have pretty dishes, why not stack them on open shelving? Many people enjoy having everyday stoneware plates and bowls on shelves with easy access. If this isn't you, the shelves can always be used for cookbooks, mixing bowls and other items you use less frequently, but are still interesting to look at.
4. Hardware and Accessories
Cherry Wood Cabinets with white quarts Countertop and Backsplash
When it comes to accessorizing a cherry wood kitchen, keep it simple. Too many accessories, especially with red, yellow or orange, can look cluttered and dated quickly. Stick to neutrals, or just blues or just greens. Display cutting boards or wood bowls in a light or brown tone and stay away from adding more orange or red wood tones.
When it comes to hardware, black handles and knobs look great in a rustic kitchen. If you already have stainless steel appliances, nickel is always a safe option. Stay away from gold or brass unless you have a definite traditional style and are using more of that metal throughout your kitchen and home.
5. Lighting is Everything!
Daylight and Cherry Wood Cabinets
If you can, add more natural light by removing window treatments and cleaning the windows often. If you need privacy, use a shade that can be completely retracted so that you get all possible natural light while working in your kitchen in the daylight. Once you have maximized daylight, it's time to move on to other lighting solutions.
Under cabinet lighting is a game changer. It will bounce light off of your countertops and help combat the darkness that so many bossy cabinet colors have. Try swapping out the light over your sink with a pendant light. It will add interest and light. If you have an island, pendant lights really bring focus to that area.
The easiest way to change the color of your bossy cabinets is by changing the color of your lightbulbs. Lightbulbs are labeled with the color they emit, usually somewhere between 2700k and 5000k. Bulbs labeled 2700k emit a warm, yellow-orange light the color of the old incandescent bulbs. Many people prefer this warm, inviting light. However, the warm color of light can add to the bossy tone of the color of cherry cabinets. Many lightbulbs today even come with a switch to change the color of the light it emits. I have had several clients change their opinion of their cabinetry just by changing their lightbulbs. Usually somewhere between 3000k and 4000k adds enough white light to make a significant difference. Give it a try - it could change everything! In your kitchen, at least.
By using these five steps, I hope you can find a way to enjoy the beauty of your cherry wood cabinets. If it feels overwhelming, or you need help, let's chat. I would love to help!
Kelley