If you are looking to do a kitchen makeover on a budget and without a lot of fuss, an update to your kitchen cabinets without replacing them is an excellent place to start! Regardless if they are wood or laminate, there are several things that you can do to make them look and feel more modern. While the classic approach of just painting them will be discussed, there are several other tips and tricks that you can do by yourself and for a fair price at the local hardware store to give your kitchen cabinets the right feel!

What is the Best Way to Update Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Them?

While we would love for there to be one answer to the question, the truth is that it depends on what you are going for! For those who are looking for a drastic change, then you’ll want to update all the elements of the kitchen cabinets. Others, well they might just want to spruce up the kitchen with minimal touches. 

The key to finding the best plan is to think of the style of your cabinets that you want. Think about what you want the cabinet doors to look like, the fixtures, all of it. Make a plan for the entire space with a central color in mind or a theme like post-century modern. With that in mind, you can make a plan for what needs to be done to bring about the new look without a complete kitchen remodel.

How Do I Make Old Cabinets Look Modern?

In addition to the question of which is the best method, we often get asked this one as well. Most of the time, people think that they have to get rid of their existing cabinets and replace them to make them feel new and modern. The truth of the matter is that most of the time, your cabinets are strong and sturdy and don’t need to be replaced. Really the only time you should be replacing your cabinets is if you are thinking of changing the layout of your kitchen or your existing cabinetry is not structurally sound. 

Before you go about deciding how to refresh your cabinets, make sure to check them for any damage or loss of structural integrity. Once that has been done, you can start thinking of a game plan to change those cabinet doors or drawers. Speaking of, there are three main things that can be done to your current cabinet doors and other aspects of the kitchen to modernize the space: 

• Paint: Choose a contemporary color like soft gray, navy, or even a matte black to add a modern touch to your cabinets.

• Change the Hardware: Replace old knobs and pulls with sleek, modern designs in materials like brushed nickel or stainless steel.

• Accessories: Add under-cabinet lighting or glass panels to doors to brighten the space and add a high-end feel.

If this is not enough or you have other ideas in mind, we’ve got you covered.

Ways to Update Your Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Them

While there are several ways to update the cabinets, our team has discovered the top nine ways to do so. All of these are beginner-friendly, like staining or adding new hardware, but if you are ever feeling overwhelmed by your first DIY home project, fear not! Know that our team at Southwest Kitchen and Bath is here to help you! But, we will talk more about that later. For now, let’s take a look at the top nine ways to update your existing kitchen cabinets without replacing them.

1. Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Giving your cabinets a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to brighten up your kitchen. Start by cleaning the cabinets thoroughly to remove any grease and dirt. Next, sand them lightly to help the primer adhere better, then apply a good-quality primer. Once the primer is dry, paint your cabinets in the color of your choice. Choose a semi-gloss or gloss finish for durability and easy cleaning.

Another great way to change the color of them is to stain the existing wood (unless you have laminate cabinets of course). You’ll just need to remove the existing paint with a paint remover by following the directions of the product. Once that is done, give it a good sanding and then gently apply the desired stain. Make sure to test out the color on a spot no one will really see to make sure that it is the right color.

2. Distress the Cabinets

For a rustic or vintage look, consider distressing your painted cabinets. This technique involves sanding the edges and areas of the cabinet that would naturally wear over time to create an aged look. It’s perfect for adding character and charm to your kitchen without having to add new doors.

3. Whitewash

Whitewashing your cabinets can give them a soft, washed-out look that is especially great for kitchens with a light, beachy feel. This technique involves diluting white paint with water and applying it over the wood, allowing some of the grain to show through for a gentle, airy feel. With this method, your cabinets will take on a life on their own as well adding a ton of personality to the space.

4. Two-Tone

The two-tone trend involves painting the upper cabinets in one color and the lower cabinets in another. This style adds visual interest and depth to your kitchen, allowing you to play with different color combinations that reflect your personal style.

5. Change the Cabinet Handles

Switching out old cabinet handles for new ones is an easy and cost-effective way to update your kitchen’s style. Choose from modern pulls, traditional handles, or unique knobs to add new life to your cabinets.

6. Add Molding

Adding molding to your cabinets can transform plain doors into works of art. Crown molding at the top of the cabinets or decorative molding on cabinet fronts can add elegance, personality, and a custom look to the kitchen.

7. Change the Kitchen Door Fronts

If your cabinet boxes are in good condition, consider replacing just the door fronts. This is less expensive than a full cabinet replacement and can dramatically change the appearance of your kitchen.

8. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting

Under-cabinet lighting not only enhances the aesthetics of your kitchen but also improves functionality by providing better illumination for cooking and food preparation. You can find LED light strips at most stores and they are very easy to install. You’ll just want to be mindful of those that are battery-operated versus plugged in. Both function the same, just depends on the look and layout of the space.

9. Texture Them Up

Adding texture to your cabinets can give them a unique look. Consider using finishes that mimic the look of wood, stone, or even metal. Decorative panels can also be added to cabinet fronts to introduce texture and visual interest.

Why do a Kitchen Cabinet Makeover Instead of a Replacement?

The main reason for this is money. Refacing kitchen cabinets is a lot cheaper than doing a complete replacement. With one, you are spending a couple hundred dollars, the other a few thousand. Of course, costs vary on several factors like material, supply, demand, etc. but, on the whole, the makeover route is going to be much cheaper. 

Another added benefit is that if you want to have a DIY kitchen, this is a great starting point! Wood cabinets are pretty forgiving which means that you can tackle this refresher with ease knowing that there is room for error. Plus, with these skills under your belt, you can start looking at the rest of your house and going about your next project! 

But, let’s say you begin replacing the doors or simply redoing the kitchen and begin to get nervous or make too many costly mistakes. If this is the case, then you might want to look at hiring a professional service. Or, you could just be a very busy person who simply doesn’t have the time for DIY. Whatever your reason may be, know that our team at Southwest Kitchen & Bath can help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams!

How Southwest Kitchen & Bath Make Your Kitchen The Stuff of Dreams

As discussed, updating the look of your cabinets without replacing them entirely is a smart and cost-effective way to enhance the look of your kitchen but it can be a timely endeavor. Southwest Kitchen & Bath specializes in services that can transform your kitchen cabinets and give your space a fresh, new appearance. For example, one of our most popular services is that of refacing.

The process of cabinet refacing involves replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts with a new lawyer of veneer while keeping the existing structures. Our team of experts offers a wide range of styles and finishes, allowing you to completely change your kitchen’s look without the expense of a full remodel. Refacing is not only more affordable but also less disruptive to your daily life, as it takes less time than installing new cabinets.

To learn more about how Southwest Kitchen & Bath can help you update your kitchen cabinets, call us at (520) 531-9187. Our team is ready to provide you with a consultation and help you explore all the options available to make your kitchen look its best. Don’t wait to give your kitchen a makeover. Contact Southwest Kitchen & Bath today and let us help you bring your vision to life!