12 Colors to Paint Kitchen With Honey Oak Cabinets

So you’ve got honey oak cabinets and you’re staring at your kitchen walls wondering what the heck to paint them? Trust me, I’ve been there. You’re not alone in this dilemma—honey oak cabinets have stumped more homeowners than IKEA assembly instructions.

Here’s the thing: honey oak gets a bad rap, but it’s actually incredibly versatile when you know how to work with it. I’ve spent years helping people transform their kitchens, and I can tell you that the right paint color can make those golden-toned cabinets look absolutely stunning.

Ready to fall in love with your kitchen again? Let’s explore 12 paint colors that’ll make your honey oak cabinets shine like the stars they were meant to be.

Understanding Honey Oak’s Personality

Before we jump into colors, let’s talk about what makes honey oak tick. These cabinets have warm golden undertones with hints of amber and yellow. They’re like that friend who’s always cheerful—sometimes you love the energy, other times you need to balance it out.

The key to success? Working with the warmth, not against it. I learned this the hard way when I painted a client’s kitchen in a cool gray that made their beautiful cabinets look like they belonged in different decades. Oops 🙂

Warm Paint Colors That Embrace the Golden Glow

#1. Creamy Whites

Creamy Whites - what color to paint kitchen with honey oak cabinets

Benjamin Moore Cloud White is my go-to for honey oak kitchens. It’s got just enough warmth to complement those golden tones without competing for attention. This isn’t your stark, hospital-white situation—it’s more like a cozy cashmere sweater.

I painted my own kitchen in this color, and every morning I’m reminded why it works so well. The honey oak cabinets look rich and sophisticated, not outdated.

#2. Soft Sage Green

Soft Sage Green-what color to paint kitchen with honey oak cabinets

Ever notice how nature pairs golden leaves with soft greens? Sherwin Williams Clary Sage does exactly that for your kitchen. This muted green has enough gray to keep it sophisticated while the green undertones create a beautiful contrast with honey oak.

One client told me her kitchen finally felt like a breath of fresh air after we painted it sage green. The honey oak cabinets suddenly looked intentional and elegant.

#3. Warm Beige

Warm Beige-what color to paint kitchen with honey oak cabinets

Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige is like a warm hug for your kitchen walls. It’s got those subtle taupe undertones that make honey oak cabinets look expensive and well-coordinated.

This color works especially well if you’re going for that cozy, farmhouse vibe without the rustic overload.

#4. Buttery Yellow

Buttery Yellow - what color to paint kitchen with honey oak cabinets

Feeling brave? Benjamin Moore Hawthorne Yellow amplifies the warmth of honey oak in the most beautiful way. It’s like sunshine decided to move into your kitchen permanently.

I’ll admit, yellow can be tricky. But when you get it right with honey oak, it creates this incredibly inviting space that makes everyone want to linger over coffee.

Cool Colors That Create Beautiful Contrast

#5. Soft Gray-Blue

Soft Gray-Blue-what color to paint kitchen with honey oak cabinets

Sherwin Williams Misty is that perfect gray-blue that makes honey oak cabinets pop without creating a color clash. It’s cool enough to provide contrast but warm enough to feel cohesive.

This color works magic in kitchens with lots of natural light. The honey oak becomes the warm focal point against the serene blue-gray walls.

#6. Mushroom Gray

Mushroom Gray - what color to paint kitchen with honey oak cabinets

Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter is practically famous for good reason. This greige (gray + beige) has enough warmth to complement honey oak while providing that modern, sophisticated look everyone’s after.

FYI, this color changes throughout the day with the light, which keeps your kitchen looking dynamic and interesting.

#7. Dusty Blue

Dusty Blue-what color to paint kitchen with honey oak cabinets

Sherwin Williams Distance brings a calming, spa-like quality to kitchens with honey oak cabinets. The soft blue creates a gorgeous contrast that makes both the walls and cabinets look intentional and designed.

I’ve used this color in several kitchens, and it never fails to make people say “wow” when they walk in.

Bold Choices for the Adventurous

#8. Deep Navy

Deep Navy - what color to paint kitchen with honey oak cabinets

Want to make a statement? Sherwin Williams Naval creates serious drama with honey oak cabinets. The deep blue makes the golden tones absolutely glow, creating a rich, luxurious feel.

This combination works best in kitchens with good lighting—natural or artificial. Trust me on this one.

#9. Forest Green

Forest Green-what color to paint kitchen with honey oak cabinets

Benjamin Moore Hunter Green might sound intimidating, but it’s absolutely stunning with honey oak. Think cozy English countryside meets modern sophistication.

This color works particularly well if you have white countertops and backsplash to break up the intensity.

#10. Charcoal Gray

Charcoal Gray - what color to paint kitchen with honey oak cabinets

Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze is technically a brown, but it reads as a sophisticated charcoal. It makes honey oak cabinets look rich and expensive while creating a modern, dramatic backdrop.

This is definitely a bold choice, but when done right, it’s absolutely stunning.

Neutral Champions

#11. Warm White

Warm White-what color to paint kitchen with honey oak cabinets

Benjamin Moore Simply White is cleaner than Cloud White but still has enough warmth to work beautifully with honey oak. It’s perfect if you want a fresh, clean look without going too stark.

This color makes small kitchens feel larger and gives honey oak cabinets a chance to be the star of the show.

#12. Greige Perfection

Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s got enough beige to complement honey oak’s warmth and enough gray to feel current and sophisticated.

I’ve probably used this color in more honey oak kitchens than any other, and it never disappoints.

Making Your Choice Work

Here’s something I learned after years of kitchen makeovers: the perfect paint color depends on your specific space. Lighting, cabinet hardware, countertops, and backsplash all play a role in how colors look together.

Want my advice? Get sample sizes of your top three choices and paint large swatches on different walls. Live with them for a few days and see how they look in morning light, afternoon sun, and evening artificial light.

Hardware and Styling Tips

Once you’ve chosen your paint color, don’t forget about the details that tie everything together:

Brushed gold or brass hardware looks amazing with honey oak and warm wall colors
Matte black hardware creates stunning contrast with cooler wall colors
Stainless steel works well with grays and blues

The right hardware can make your honey oak cabinets look completely updated and intentional.

Why Honey Oak Deserves Another Chance

I know honey oak gets a lot of hate, but honestly? It’s just been paired with the wrong colors for too long. These cabinets have beautiful wood grain and warm, inviting tones that can make a kitchen feel like home.

The problem isn’t the cabinets—it’s that they’ve been surrounded by outdated color choices that don’t complement their natural beauty.

FAQs

How can I make honey oak cabinets look more modern?

To modernize honey oak cabinets, consider updating the surrounding colors and finishes. Use cool tones like soft grays, whites, or blues on walls and backsplashes to balance the warm tones of the wood. Additionally, swapping out outdated hardware for modern matte black or brushed nickel pieces can make a significant difference.

What type of countertops pair well with honey oak cabinets?

Neutral countertops, such as white quartz or light granite, work wonderfully with honey oak cabinets. They create a clean and timeless look while letting the natural warmth of the wood stand out. Avoid overly busy patterns to keep the space looking modern.

Should I paint my honey oak cabinets?

Painting your cabinets is a personal choice. If you love the wood grain but want a change, consider refinishing or staining them in a different tone instead of painting. However, if you’re set on painting, opt for a neutral or bold color that complements the rest of your kitchen.

What flooring works best with honey oak cabinets?

Flooring that’s slightly darker or lighter than your cabinets can create a nice contrast. Options like light hardwood, medium gray laminate, or neutral tiles (like beige or stone-gray) pair effectively without overwhelming the space.

Can honey oak cabinets work with modern kitchen designs?

Absolutely! With the right updates to surrounding elements like countertops, hardware, lighting, and wall colors, honey oak cabinets can feel intentional and stylish even in modern kitchen designs.

Transform Your Kitchen Today

Your honey oak cabinets aren’t the problem—they’re just waiting for the right paint color to make them shine. Whether you go with a soft sage green, a dramatic navy, or a classic warm white, the key is choosing a color that works with the golden warmth instead of fighting against it.

Remember, the best kitchen is one that makes you smile every time you walk into it. So pick the color that speaks to you, grab that paintbrush, and get ready to fall in love with your kitchen all over again.

IMO, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a perfectly painted kitchen that finally feels like home 🙂

Mindy Medford

I am Mindy Medford, a home décor, paint, and design specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience transforming ordinary spaces into cozy, personality-packed havens. Since 2013, I have been helping homeowners discover the art of beautiful yet practical design. I share my love for color, texture, and layout—making stylish interiors & exteriors feel achievable for everyone. Whether it’s picking the perfect paint shade or reimagining a small space, I’m here to guide and inspire.