The honey oak revival is a trend we’re surprisingly here for.

There are certain design features that immediately transport us back to the ‘90s—carpeting everywhere, dated wallpaper, and clunky furniture. Although perhaps the most recognizable fixture of the era is one particular wood stain hue: honey oak.

Even if you don’t know the shade by name, you’ve almost certainly encountered it before. The orange-yellow stained wood was ever present throughout homes in the 1900s, from baseboard trim and cabinets to floors and railings. It created a golden appearance, taking cues from warm Tuscan designs.

The dated look became a playground for millennials in the 2010s, transforming the stained wood into cool-toned grey slats. Now, the hue is back.

Unlike the glossy honey oak tones of yesteryear, designers are opting for more natural versions of the stain. We’re seeing lighter hued matte finishes, sleeker styles, and more modern hardware.

Complementing the wood with the right fixtures and decor is also key to bringing it into the present. Offset the warm tones with black and white fixtures. Light countertops in the kitchen and bathroom, in particular, helps ground the wood. 

How to use honey oak wood in the home

Photography by Julia Bewcyk

Your ‘90s-era home may already have honey oak bones, whether in your kitchen cabinetry or in the flooring. To modernize the wood, consider incorporating contemporary hardware or refinishing it with a more natural stain.

If you’re looking to welcome the stain into your home for the first time, start small. Pick wood furniture that complements the colour, mixing it with pieces that match your existing aesthetic. 

Alternatively, incorporate it into more unexpected places, such as on the walls or floors. This warm cabin-esque style is a stark departure from the cool-toned design choices of the 2010s and promotes an inviting atmosphere. 
 

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