Cherry cabinets have been a popular choice for kitchens for many years. While they are timeless and provide a warm, rich look to any kitchen, there are ways to update them and give your space a more modern feel. In this guide, we will go through some simple steps on how to modernize cherry cabinets.
What are Cherry Cabinets?
Cherry cabinets are made from the wood of a cherry tree. This type of wood is known for its beautiful grain, which ranges in color from light reddish-brown to deep red. Cherry cabinets often have a smooth and glossy finish, giving them an elegant and refined look.
10 Ways on How to Modernize Cherry Cabinets (Without Replacing Them!)
Cherry cabinets are a timeless kitchen staple, but sometimes they need a little update to keep up with modern design trends. Here are ten easy ways to give your cherry cabinets a fresh, contemporary look without the hassle and expense of a full replacement:
1. Swap Out the Hardware
Changing your cabinet pulls and knobs to sleek, modern options can instantly update the look of your cabinets. Consider materials like brushed nickel, stainless steel, or even matte black for a more contemporary feel. The shape and style of the hardware can significantly affect your kitchen’s overall aesthetic, so opt for simple, clean lines to achieve a modern look.
2. Add Some Glass
Replace some of your solid cabinet doors with glass inserts to create a more open, airy feel. Glass doors not only modernize the appearance but also allow you to display beautiful dishware or decorative items, adding a touch of personal style to the kitchen. Choose clear glass for a traditional look, or consider frosted or textured glass for added privacy and a contemporary twist.
3. Lighten Up the Color
If your cherry cabinets are looking a bit too dark and heavy, consider lightening them up with a coat of whitewash or a lighter stain. This can be a game-changer in refreshing the look of your kitchen while maintaining the natural beauty of the wood. Whitewashing adds a rustic, yet contemporary charm, by allowing the wood grain to show through a soft, translucent finish.
Lighter stains, on the other hand, can modernize the cabinets by brightening the overall appearance and highlighting the unique character of cherry wood. When choosing the right finish, consider the amount of natural light your kitchen receives as well as the color scheme of walls and countertops to ensure a harmonious look.
4. Create Contrast
Painting the lower cabinets a dark color and leaving the upper cabinets cherry can create a striking, modern contrast. This design technique, often referred to as “tuxedo cabinetry,” adds depth and visual interest to your kitchen. The darker lower cabinets ground the space, while the lighter, natural cherry wood of the upper cabinets keeps the area feeling open and airy.
This contrast not only enhances the modern aesthetic but also creates a focal point that draws the eye. Opt for deep hues like charcoal, navy, or black for the lower cabinets to achieve the maximum effect. This approach can be seamlessly integrated into various kitchen styles, from minimalist to contemporary, making it a versatile option for those looking to modernize their cherry cabinets.
5. Install Under-cabinet Lighting
Adding under-cabinet lighting is a simple yet effective way to highlight your cherry cabinets and give your kitchen a modern, high-end look. This lighting not only accentuates the beauty of the cherry wood but also provides additional illumination for food preparation and cooking tasks. Installing LED strip lights or puck lights under the cabinets creates a soft, ambient glow that enhances the overall ambiance of the kitchen.
It’s an affordable upgrade that can significantly impact the aesthetic appeal of your space, making it look brighter, larger, and more inviting. Plus, with the variety of lighting options available, you can easily customize the intensity and color to match your kitchen’s design, further modernizing the look of your cherry cabinets.
6. Mix in Some Open Shelving
Removing some cabinet doors to create open shelving can break up the monotony of a wall of cherry cabinets and add visual interest. Open shelves offer a place to showcase stylish dishes, glassware, or unique kitchen items, adding personality to your space. This approach encourages a decluttered look and pushes you to keep only the most beautiful and functional pieces on display.
Open shelving also makes your kitchen feel more open and accessible, a hallmark of modern design. For a cohesive look, consider painting the interior of these shelves in a contrasting color or the same shade as the walls to blend seamlessly with the rest of your kitchen. This simple modification does not only modernize your cabinets but also enhances the overall openness and brightness of your kitchen space.
7. Add a Kitchen Island
If you have the space, incorporating a contrasting kitchen island can significantly enhance the modern appeal of your kitchen with cherry cabinets. Choose a kitchen island with a bold color or a unique material that stands out against the classic cherry wood. This not only creates a focal point in the room but also adds valuable counter space and storage. For instance, a sleek, white marble island can offer a striking contrast to warm cherry cabinets, introducing a contemporary element to the space.
Similarly, an island featuring cool, dark granite or quartz countertops against the rich tones of cherry wood can establish a sophisticated and modern vibe. An island is not just a functional addition; it’s an opportunity to introduce new textures, colors, and materials that can complement and contrast with your existing cabinetry, thereby modernizing your kitchen while maximizing usability.
8. Upgrade Your Appliances
Sleek, stainless steel appliances can give your cherry cabinets an instant modern upgrade. The reflective quality of stainless steel will add a touch of modern elegance to your kitchen, contrasting beautifully with the warm tones of cherry wood. Whether it’s a refrigerator, dishwasher, or oven, the clean lines and contemporary feel of stainless steel appliances can transform the overall aesthetics of your space.
This update not only brings a modern vibe but also complements the natural beauty of cherry cabinets by creating a harmonious blend of traditional warmth and contemporary chic. Additionally, stainless steel appliances are known for their durability and ease of maintenance, making them a practical choice for a busy kitchen.
9. Embrace Minimalism
Remove some of the clutter from your countertops and let your cherry cabinets take center stage for a clean, modern look. A minimalist approach not only highlights the beauty and craftsmanship of your cherry wood cabinets but also contributes to a more spacious and organized kitchen environment. By keeping the countertops clear, you create a sense of order and serenity, allowing the rich tones and textures of the cherry wood to shine through.
Minimalism in kitchen design promotes efficiency and functionality, encouraging you to maintain only essential items within reach. This approach can be further enhanced by integrating smart storage solutions within your cherry cabinets to neatly store appliances and utensils, ensuring a clutter-free and visually appealing space that embraces modern simplicity.
10. Accessorize Strategically
Adding some modern accessories (think: a sleek coffee maker or a set of bold canisters) can help bring your cherry cabinets into the 21st century. Consider incorporating technology in the form of smart kitchen gadgets and appliances to elevate functionality alongside style. A high-tech touch screen refrigerator or an advanced voice-activated assistant can offer both convenience and a futuristic edge.
These technological upgrades not only streamline kitchen tasks but also integrate seamlessly with modern design, complementing the timeless appeal of cherry cabinets. The juxtaposition of cutting-edge technology with the natural beauty of cherry wood creates a dynamic and inviting kitchen environment, perfectly suited for the modern homeowner. By carefully selecting accessories and technology that complement the color and design of your cherry cabinets, you can achieve a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation, making your kitchen a standout in terms of both aesthetics and utility.
With these simple updates, your cherry cabinets will be looking modern and fresh in no time – no renovation required!
Additional Tips and Considerations:
- Experiment with different hardware options such as sleek metal handles or minimalistic knobs for a modern touch.
- Incorporate pops of color through decorative items like vibrant artwork or colorful kitchen linens to liven up the space.
- Use light-colored countertops and backsplashes to contrast against the warm tones of cherry wood for a more contemporary look.
- Consider adding under-cabinet lighting for a dramatic effect and to highlight the beauty of your cherry cabinets.
- When selecting flooring, opt for materials such as polished concrete or large-format tiles in muted colors to complement the modern feel of your kitchen. Additionally, avoid using busy patterns or dark colors that can overwhelm the space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Color Goes Best With Cherry Cabinets?
Cherry cabinets pair well with warm and neutral colors like creamy whites, light grays, and muted greens or blues. These shades help to accentuate the rich tones of cherry wood while providing a modern touch.
Can You Reface Cherry Cabinets?
Yes, cherry cabinets can be refaced to update their appearance. Refacing involves replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts while leaving the existing cabinetry framework intact. This is a cost-effective way to give your kitchen a fresh look without completely replacing your cabinets.
Are Cherry Cabinets Durable?
Cherry wood is known for its strength and durability, making it a popular choice for kitchen cabinets. With proper care and maintenance, cherry cabinets can last for decades and maintain their beauty over time.
Conclusion
In this guide, we have explored various ways on how to modernize cherry cabinets without the need for a full kitchen renovation. By incorporating elements such as contrasting materials, sleek appliances, and minimalistic design, you can achieve a contemporary look while still highlighting the natural beauty of cherry wood.
Remember to choose colors and accessories that complement the warm tones of cherry wood, and consider integrating technology for a high-tech and functional touch. With these simple updates, your cherry cabinets can be transformed into a modern and stylish focal point of your kitchen. So don’t wait any longer, start implementing these tips and give your kitchen a fresh new look today! Happy renovating!