Whether you just purchased a new home and hate the kitchen cabinets it came with, or you realized your existing kitchen could use a bit of sprucing up, there are a few different ways you can entirely change up the looks of your kitchen cabinets.
Before you get started on a remodeling project, or start calling around for contractors to hire, you need to decide which route you want to take. You can either go for kitchen cabinet replacement, cabinet resurfacing, or cabinet refinishing.
Each of these options will have their pros and cons, and one option may work better for you than the other two. Let’s take a closer look at these three options and see how they differ.
1. Paint Cabinets a New Color
Painting cabinets a new color is a simple and cost-effective way to update the look of a kitchen. A fresh coat of paint can completely transform the appearance of cabinets and give them a modern or classic look, depending on the color chosen. When selecting a color, it’s important to consider the overall style of the kitchen and the color of other elements such as walls and countertops. Lighter colors like white, cream, or pale gray can make a kitchen feel brighter and more spacious, while darker colors like navy or charcoal can add drama and sophistication. Before painting, it’s important to properly prepare the cabinets by cleaning, sanding, and priming them to ensure the paint adheres well. With a little time and effort, painting cabinets can be a DIY project that can dramatically improve the look of a kitchen.
2. Install New Cabinet Hardware
Installing new cabinet hardware is a quick and easy way to update the look of kitchen cabinets. Cabinet hardware includes knobs, pulls, and hinges, and can come in a wide variety of styles, materials, and finishes. When selecting new hardware, it’s important to consider the overall style of the kitchen and choose hardware that complements it. For example, if the kitchen has a modern or minimalist style, sleek and simple hardware with a brushed nickel or chrome finish might be a good choice. On the other hand, if the kitchen has a more traditional or rustic style, hardware with a wrought iron or antique brass finish might be more appropriate. Installing new hardware is usually a simple DIY project that requires only a screwdriver, and can be done in just a few hours. By updating the cabinet hardware, homeowners can give their kitchen a fresh new look without having to replace the cabinets entirely.
3. Add Under-Cabinet Lighting
Adding under-cabinet lighting is an excellent way to transform the look and functionality of a kitchen. Not only does it provide additional lighting for cooking and meal preparation, but it can also highlight the beauty of the cabinets themselves. There are several types of under-cabinet lighting options available, including LED strips, puck lights, and tape lights. LED strips are a popular choice as they are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and provide bright and even lighting. Puck lights are another option that can be placed in specific areas to provide targeted lighting. Tape lights are flexible and can be cut to the desired length, making them a great option for uneven or curved surfaces. Installing under-cabinet lighting is usually a simple DIY project that can be done with just a few tools and some basic electrical knowledge. Not only will the addition of under-cabinet lighting enhance the overall look of a kitchen, but it will also make cooking and meal preparation easier and more enjoyable.
4. Replace Cabinet Doors
The best approach to entirely transform the appearance of a kitchen without replacing the entire cabinet is by replacing the cabinet doors. Your kitchen’s design can be greatly altered by the sort of cabinet doors you select. For instance, you might choose raised panel doors with elaborate decorations if your cabinets are traditional. You might pick plain, flat-panel doors with clean lines if your kitchen is contemporary. Additionally, you have a variety of options, including wood, glass, and metal. You might think about adding glass panels to some of the doors in your kitchen if you want to give it more personality. Glass cabinet doors can assist provide the appearance of more room, and they also let you showcase some of your favorite kitchen items.
5. Install Glass Cabinet Doors
A terrific approach to add visual appeal to a kitchen while also offering a useful and practical storage solution is to install glass cabinet doors. Glass cabinet doors can be used to display your favorite foods or cookbooks and are available in a range of styles, from clear to frosted. They can also increase the feeling of openness and space in a kitchen by letting light in. Glass cabinet doors have the advantage of being able to be tailored to match the overall design of your kitchen. You may choose clear glass doors with metal hardware for a contemporary and streamlined appearance. As an alternative, you might go on a traditional design with wooden frames and frosted glass. Glass cabinet doors can be installed in a a relatively easy project that can be done by a professional or as a DIY project. It can involve replacing existing cabinet doors or retrofitting new doors to existing cabinets. Overall, installing glass cabinet doors can be a great way to update the look of your kitchen while also providing a practical and stylish storage solution.
6. Add Crown Molding
Adding crown molding to kitchen cabinets is an excellent way to enhance the look of a kitchen and give it a more polished and finished appearance. Crown molding is a decorative trim that is installed at the top of the cabinets where they meet the ceiling. It can come in a variety of styles and materials, from traditional wood moldings to more modern and sleek metal options. One of the benefits of adding crown molding is that it can help to create a seamless transition between the cabinets and the ceiling, making the space feel more cohesive and unified. Crown molding can also add height and depth to the cabinets, making them appear larger and more grandiose. Adding crown molding is a relatively easy DIY project that can be done with just a few tools and some basic carpentry skills. By adding this simple decorative touch, homeowners can elevate the overall look of their kitchen and give it a more high-end and luxurious feel.
7. Line Cabinets With Contact Paper
Contact paper can be used to line kitchen cabinets, which is a quick and low-cost option to update a kitchen’s appearance. You can easily locate contact paper that matches the design of your kitchen because it is available in a huge variety of hues, patterns, and textures. Marble, wood grain, and solid colors are a few popular choices. Contact paper lining cabinets not only adds a beautiful touch but also shields the cabinets from moisture, stains, and scratches. If you later decide to modify the appearance of your kitchen, it is also simple to remove and replace. Another advantage of utilizing contact paper is that it’s a quick and easy DIY project that anyone can complete. Simply measure and cut the contact paper to fit the interior of your cabinets and peel and stick it in place. Lining kitchen cabinets with contact paper is an excellent way to add a personal touch to your kitchen and make it feel more like home.
8. Install Pull-out Shelves
Installing pull-out shelves is a great way to increase the functionality of your kitchen cabinets and make accessing your items more convenient. Pull-out shelves are also known as slide-out shelves or roll-out shelves and are designed to slide out of the cabinet like a drawer. This allows you to easily reach items at the back of the cabinet without having to awkwardly reach or move things around. Installing pull-out shelves is a straightforward process that can be done as a DIY project or by a professional. Most pull-out shelves come with hardware that attaches to the existing cabinet shelf and slides in and out on rollers. You can also choose from different materials such as wood, metal, or wire, depending on your personal preference. Pull-out shelves can be especially useful in deep cabinets, where it can be challenging to reach items at the back. They can also be a great way to organize your items and make them more accessible. Overall, installing pull-out shelves is a practical and easy way to update your kitchen cabinets and make them more user-friendly.
9. Add Decorative Accents
A quick approach to give your area personality and charm is by adding ornamental touches to kitchen cabinets. There are numerous ways to accomplish this, like utilizing adhesive decals or stencils or adding decorative molding and trim to the cabinets. Using wallpaper or fabric to line the back of open shelves or glass-front cabinets is a common technique to add decorative touches. This enhances the cabinets’ color and texture and is simple to replace when you want to alter up your appearance. Installing decorative hardware, such as knobs or pulls in a distinctive shape or finish, is another option to add decorative elements. This is a quick and inexpensive way to give your cabinets aesthetic flair without spending a lot of money. You can also use decorative objects such as vases, bowls, or small sculptures to add personality and style to your cabinets. These objects can be easily swapped out depending on the season or your personal taste. Overall, adding decorative accents to kitchen cabinets is a simple and affordable way to update your space and make it feel more personalized and unique.
10. Organize the Insight of Cabinets
Organizing the inside of kitchen cabinets can be a game-changer in terms of making your kitchen more functional and efficient. Cluttered and disorganized cabinets can make it difficult to find what you need, leading to frustration and wasted time. One way to organize the inside of cabinets is by using pull-out drawers or baskets. These can be installed on the existing shelves and provide easy access to items stored in the back of the cabinet. Another way to organize cabinets is by using stackable or tiered shelves to make use of vertical space and maximize storage. This is especially useful for storing items such as plates, bowls, and glasses. You can also use drawer dividers or organizers to keep utensils, pots, and pans, and other kitchen items neatly arranged. Adding hooks or racks to the inside of cabinet doors can also provide additional storage space for items such as cutting boards or dish towels. Overall, organizing the inside of kitchen cabinets is an excellent way to make your kitchen more functional and efficient, saving you time and hassle in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Finally, changing your kitchen cabinets is a great method to give your kitchen a new look without having to spend the money and hassle on a whole overhaul. There are several quick and inexpensive ways to update kitchen cabinets, like repainting, installing pull-out shelves, changing the hardware, and lining the cabinets with contact paper. Other suggestions, like installing glass cabinet doors or decorative embellishments, can give your room personality and flare. Additionally, organizing the interior of your cabinets can improve the efficiency and use of your kitchen. Updating your kitchen cabinets is a terrific way to enhance your room and give it a more comfortable, homey feel because there are so many options available.
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