Honey oak cabinets were a staple in homes from the 1980s to 1990s. They feature a warm honey color that tends to turn orange as they age. It’s no secret that honey oak isn’t a popular cabinet color at the moment, but that doesn’t mean you have to rip out your cabinetry and start over.

Two Ways to Make Honey Oak Cabinets Look Better

According to color theory principles, there are two ways to make honey oak cabinets look better.

First, you can tone them down by using an analogous color scheme. Analogous color schemes involve choosing three shades that sit next to each other on the color wheel. 

Alternatively, you can choose a complementary color, which is the color on the opposite side of the wheel. A complementary color will make the cabinets pop.

Tone Honey Oak Cabinets Down with an Analogous Color Scheme

Honey oak cabinets have a very orange tone, so if we looked at the color wheel, we’d want to choose the two colors beside orange to help neutralize and tone down the cabinets. These colors would be yellow-orange and red-orange.

But don’t worry—that doesn’t mean you need to paint your walls red or install a yellow backsplash. Instead, aim for neutral colors with red or yellow undertones.

For example, you can choose white, cream, or even gray paint with warm undertones.

White Paint Colors with Red or Yellow Undertones

White provides a calming, neutral base for your kitchen and can help tone down the orangey color of your cabinetry. But any old white won’t work. You should specifically look for white paints with red or yellow undertones.

Here are a few to choose from:

• Opulence by Benjamin Moore (Reddish pink undertones)
• Acadia White by Benjamin Moore (Creamy white with yellow undertones)
• Creamy by Sherwin Williams (Cream with yellow undertones)
• Moderate White by Sherwin Williams (White with reddish pink undertones)

Beige and Tan Paint Colors that Tone Down Honey Oak

Beige is a blend of white and brown with warm undertones. These warm undertones will help neutralize the orange in honey oak. Any beige with warm red, yellow, or orange undertones will work. Here are a few top contenders:

• Sherwin Williams Warm Beige (Yellow undertones)
• Barley from Benjamin Moore (A sandy brown with yellow undertones)
• Head Over Heels by Benjamin Moore (A very pink-toned beige)
• Sherwin Williams Unfussy Beige (Beige with subtle red undertones)

Make Honey Oak Pop with Complementary Colors

Blue is your best friend if you’d like to make honey oak a standout feature rather than tone it down. Blue sits on the opposite side of the color wheel as orange, making it a complementary color. Blue paint tones also happen to be some of the most popular of the year.

Blue Paint Colors that Coordinate with Honey Oak

Go for a cool blue wall color to complement your honey oak cabinets. Here are the most trending blue shades from Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore:

• Lullaby from Sherwin Williams (A light, soothing blue with a gray undertone for a relaxed color palette)
• Naval from Sherwin Williams (A deep blue best suited for accent walls or color drenching)
• Palladian Blue from Benjamin Moore (A soft, airy blue with a spa-like feel.)
• Schooner from Benjamin Moore (A classic medium to dark blue.)

Neutral Paint Colors with Blue Undertones that Complement Honey Oak

If you still prefer neutrals but would rather make your cabinets pop instead of fading into the background, go for a white with a blue undertone.

• Site White from Sherwin Williams (A bright white with blue undertones)
• Nebulous White from Sherwin Williams (Another bright white that pairs well with SW True White)
• White Ice by Benjamin Moore (The blue undertones make this white appear extra bright.)
• Distant Gray by Benjamin Moore (Classic white with a gray-blue undertone.)

Does Gray Paint Go With Honey Oak Cabinets?

If you’re a fan of gray paint, you can find a shade that will go with your honey oak cabinets —just follow the rules of color theory. If you’d like to tone down your honey oak and make it less of a focal point, choose a warm gray or greige with yellow, pink, or red undertones. 

Choose a gray with blue undertones if you’d like your cabinets to pop.

Also, Consider Contrast

Think of contrast on a spectrum. The darker or brighter your wall color is compared to your honey oak cabinets, the higher the contrast. Using high contrast, like a dark blue wall color, will make your cabinetry stand out, while a lower contrast, like beige, will offer a more subdued look.

The post Help! What Wall Colors Go With Honey Oak Cabinets? appeared first on Homedit.

Why do some people have no problem keeping a clean home 24/7, while others can’t even keep the laundry done when all other things (like work) are equal? While you might think the first group enjoys cleaning, the answer often lies in habit.

People with always-clean homes don’t necessarily spend any more time on upkeep than those who are struggling—their priorities are just different. If you want to adopt this same mindset, here are ten things people with clean homes never do.

Leave the Kitchen Dirty After Using It

Rather than creating a huge mess in the kitchen that sits for hours or days, people with always-clean homes tidy up as they go. They immediately put things back in the cabinet or fridge as they use them, spot-wiping the counters each time they cook. 

Cleaning as they go may take them an extra five minutes total compared to people who don’t do this, but it leaves them with a clean kitchen.

Wash Laundry Once Per Week

Those who maintain their homes’ tidiness level don’t let laundry become an overwhelming task. Instead of a dedicated laundry day, they wash dirty clothes multiple times a week. This approach keeps the laundry manageable, preventing large piles from stacking up and making washing, folding, and putting away clothes a breeze.

Pile Up Bills and Other Paperwork

Paperwork and bills aren’t hard to deal with when addressed as soon as they enter the house. People who have always-clean homes will immediately trash or recycle junk mail and have a system to file unpaid bills or other important papers. The system isn’t fancy either—simple baskets and folders get the job done.

Load Counters with Appliances and Decor

Lots of small appliances and decor on kitchen and bathroom counters create visual clutter and make cleaning hard. Those who value a tidy house make the job easy on themselves, reducing unnecessary clutter from the counters so they’re easy to keep clean.

Let the Floor Pile Up with Shoes and Toys

People who value tidiness don’t kick off their shoes in the hall or the middle of the floor. They create zones. Shoes may be placed alongside a wall, in a basket, or in each member’s bedroom. Toys are picked up after being played with.

Hold Onto Everything

Having a lot of belongings makes it hard to maintain a home. Those with always-clean homes do a good job of letting go of unnecessary items. They toss or donate household goods when they no longer have any use. 

Clean One Room Per Day

Rather than utilizing a cleaning schedule that requires them to clean a specific room on a particular day, those with always-clean homes pick as they go. Waiting to clean a room only one day per week allows chores in that room to pile up, which they prevent by constantly cleaning up after themselves. 

Go to Bed with Dirty Dishes in the Sink

Many live by the rule of putting the kitchen to bed at night. Doing so allows for a peaceful morning in a clean kitchen. At the very least, dishes should be washed, sinks cleaned, and counters wiped before bed. 

Use a Ton of Cleaning Tools

A few key tools, such as a vacuum, mop, all-purpose spray, and microfiber cloths, keep a home clean and are easy to grab. Rather than constantly trying the latest products, those with tidy homes stick to what works and avoid overconsumption.

Make Excuses

If cleaning up takes less than thirty seconds, do it now. Making excuses only prolongs the inevitable and allows messes to pile up, making them harder to deal with later. While everyone has busy schedules from time to time that inhibit their abilities to clean like they want, those with always-clean homes will tackle small everyday tasks rather than make excuses for why they shouldn’t.

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As we look ahead to 2024 and beyond, the world of countertops will embrace innovative yet durable options that reflect the natural and relaxing aesthetic of the moment. The new countertop trends are as diverse as the people who choose them. Homeowners and designers are increasingly looking for materials that can withstand wear and tear in a busy household while remaining visually appealing. Countertop trends are also shifting toward more sustainable designs that reflect a growing awareness of environmental impact, as well as choices with sophisticated textures.

With these shifting preferences, the new countertop trends are poised to offer a captivating blend of classic options and cutting-edge materials, catering to a wide range of design and lifestyle preferences.

The new countertop trends are diverse, but they share some common themes, such as durability, ease of maintenance, and unique style.

Sustainable Materials

Sustainability is a key consideration in all aspects of home design, including countertops. Homeowners are increasingly selecting eco-friendly options with low environmental impact that not only look good but also make them feel good about their decision.

Recycled materials such as glass and composite materials, as well as more sustainably sourced materials such as bamboo or limestone, are becoming increasingly popular. These diverse materials provide a distinct aesthetic and texture that appeals to a wide range of tastes and preferences while also attempting to reduce their carbon footprint.

Natural Stone

Natural stones such as granite, marble, and quartzite will remain popular countertop materials in 2024, with no signs of slowing. These materials introduce natural color and texture into the home, which complements the warm, earthy colors that are so popular today. They provide unique patterns and color variations to make your kitchen one-of-a-kind. Natural stone is more expensive than other popular countertop options, but its strength, durability, and aesthetic longevity ensure that you will have it in your kitchen for many years to come.

Mixed Materials

The trend of combining materials for countertops in a single kitchen design has gained greater popularity in recent years. Mixing countertop materials is extremely useful and allows for greater customization of specific kitchen layouts. Combining various materials, such as wood and stone or concrete and metal, can result in a distinct and personalized appearance. This method can highlight various functional areas within a space, such as a wooden butcher block embedded in a stone countertop, to create a seamless cooking and food prep area.

Textured Surfaces

Textured surfaces help to differentiate the countertop material while also increasing durability and visual interest. Options such as honed, leathered, and flamed finishes provide a tactile experience while also enhancing the natural qualities of stone or concrete for a sophisticated appearance. Textured surfaces, as opposed to smooth finishes, are extremely practical because they hide fingerprints and minor scratches, making them a popular choice for busy households.

Bold Colors and Patterns

Countertops with vibrant colors and eye-catching designs are having a significant impact on contemporary kitchen design. Countertops in vibrant colors, such as deep blues, rich greens, and natural stones with striking veining, are used to create eye-catching focal points in kitchen and bathroom designs. These daring choices can add personality and character to any kitchen, especially when paired with contrasting cabinetry and fixtures.

Non-Standard Countertop Thickness

Non-standard countertop thicknesses have also become popular in recent kitchen designs. Thick countertops, measuring 3cm or more, have become a symbol of luxury and opulence in contemporary kitchen design. These substantial surfaces exude distinction and craftsmanship, making them a popular choice for upscale kitchens.

Ultra-thin countertops have gained popularity in kitchens for their sleek and modern appearance. They create a minimalist aesthetic that is ideal for contemporary kitchens with clean and simple lines. This thin profile adds to the appearance of airy lightness, which can be especially useful in small kitchens. Reduced thickness also contributes to more sustainable material production.

Tiled Countertops

Tiled countertops, which were popular in the mid 20th century, have resurfaced as a popular design choice. This countertop is made up of individual porcelain, ceramic, or natural stone tiles arranged in various patterns and colors. Their popularity stems from their retro appearance, the ability to customize a countertop for a specific kitchen design, and the distinct look they create in a kitchen.

Although the tiles themselves are simple to clean and replace if damaged, the grout lines between them are more difficult to maintain. Dirt and grime can accumulate between the tiles, making them difficult to clean. Thus, it is critical that you use high-quality grout that is sealed and maintained on a regular basis.

Contrasting Dark and Light

Another style that has gained popularity in recent kitchen designs is to contrast the countertop color with the colors of the rest of the kitchen. This option creates a dynamic visual appeal and a unique combination of materials, such as dark wood and light marble like Carrara. A designer, on the other hand, may opt for a dark countertop, such as soapstone, and pair it with light-colored cabinets and walls. This contrast results in a stylish kitchen design that draws the eye and elevates the overall aesthetic.

Quartz

Quartz countertops remain a popular choice in kitchen design at all levels due to their exceptional durability, versatility, and low maintenance. As an engineered material, quartz is composed of ground-up particles of natural stone and recycled industrial waste mixed with resin and pigments. This results in a non-porous surface that resists stains and scratches, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Quartz is available in a variety of colors and patterns that can replicate the appearance of natural stone without the maintenance and high cost. The consistency and dependability of the colors, as well as the material’s appearance, are among the most appealing aspects of using quartz in a kitchen or bathroom.

Sintered Stone

Sintered stone, like quartz, is an engineered stone countertop material. This material is a combination of natural materials that have been bonded together using high heat and pressure. The end result is a material that resembles granite and porcelain but is extremely durable and non-porous. It is also resistant to scratches, heat, stains, and UV rays, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Sintered stone is available in a variety of finishes and colors, making it simple to tailor the look to a specific room design. Its low maintenance requirements make it ideal for busy kitchens and bathrooms, while its sleek appearance adds a touch of sophistication to any space.

Terrazzo

Terrazzo countertops are experiencing a resurgence of popularity because of their whimsical, fun style and durable nature. Terrazzo, which is made up of marble, quartz, glass, and other aggregates mixed together in a cement or resin binder, has a distinct, speckled appearance that can be tailored to any style preference.

Terrazzo countertops are scratch and stain resistant, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. The ability to incorporate a wide range of colors, speck sizes, and materials allows for endless customization and design possibilities, making them popular among those looking for a bold and artistic statement in their kitchen or bathroom design.

The post Guess Which Countertop Trends Are the Most Popular in 2024 and Beyond appeared first on Homedit.