Some décor trends are truly surprising when they make a comeback, especially those that marked the 1980s and 1990s. One of them is honey oak, a finish that was very popular in the past and is now making its way back into interiors.
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According to Homes & Gardens, this décor trend, which many still viewed with skepticism, gained momentum after a detail from actress Reese Witherspoon’s home.
The star recently shared a photo of her staircase in light wood combined with white details. The cozy and timeless look showed that honey oak can indeed be a sophisticated and modern finish — a perfect inspiration for 2025.
Why has honey oak come back into style?
According to Homes & Gardens, one of the biggest appeals of this finish is its versatility. It can appear in both laminate flooring and vinyl flooring, both strongly associated with 1990s trends, but now revamped in more modern versions.
Laminate: affordable and durable
According to experts interviewed by Homes & Gardens, laminate flooring is a practical and economical solution to recreate the effect of honey oak. It is resistant to heavy traffic, ideal for stairs and entryways, and realistically imitates natural wood.
Neel Bradham, CEO of PARADOR, explains that laminate combines affordability, durability, and design versatility. “It’s ideal for busy households as it resists scratches, is easy to clean, and still manages to faithfully mimic the look of wood or stone,” he says.
Vinyl: luxury and resistance
Another trending alternative is vinyl flooring, which has evolved greatly in both aesthetics and technology. According to Homes & Gardens, it is made of multiple layers of PVC, often with a rigid core for stability and a realistic printed surface.
“Waterproof and incredibly durable, vinyl is perfect for wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. It’s also an excellent choice for homes with children and pets,” adds Neel Bradham.
Engineered wood: authenticity and warmth
Despite the modernization of laminates and vinyl, nothing surpasses the beauty of engineered wood. This material maintains the natural and sophisticated look of honey oak but with much greater stability.
Neel explains that engineered wood combines the beauty of fine wood with the strength of multilayer plywood, preventing warping caused by temperature or humidity changes. The result is a durable, cozy, and extremely elegant floor.
The return of honey oak shows how 1990s trends can gain new versions and once again conquer contemporary interiors. Whether in affordable laminate, luxurious vinyl, or engineered wood, this choice brings warmth, versatility, and sophistication to any environment.
And as Homes & Gardens highlighted, just look at Reese Witherspoon’s staircase to understand why honey oak is a safe bet for 2025.
Source: Homes & Gardens. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
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