How to Update Kitchen Cabinets without Replacing Them

The first thing that comes to mind when updating a kitchen is usually – how can I update my cabinets?  There are so many ways to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them and with a little DIY instruction, it can be easy.  It is such a huge cost to replace cabinets.  Whatever is trending at the moment may be desirable now, but you have to balance that with what you will desire years down the road.  Smaller do it yourself updates to your cabinets such as a makeover with reputable diy paint kits or simply beautiful new cabinet hardware can make a huge difference at a much smaller cost.  Our best cabinet paint kits article details some of the best paint kits available.

Cabinet Finish

The first thing that may come to mind when updating kitchen cabinets is the finish.  Should I paint my cabinets?  If you can’t live without painted cabinets, go for it!  Paint out your stained cabinets in a beautiful white or gray finish for a fresh updated look.  If your painted cabinets need a touch up, soto touch up paint works great to go over the glaring marks.

Paint can change a darker kitchen into a lighter more airy space.  When you are choosing your paint color, maintenance should be considered.  Light color paint is going to be more maintenance than a stained cabinet in a busy kitchen. Finishing your cabinets is an ambitious DIY project, but it is definitely doable.  Just be prepared to be without your kitchen for a little while.  Take your time and do not skip any steps or rush.  It is definitely not a weekend job.  Painted cabinets do look great and make a huge impact, but when making your decision to finish your cabinets:

• Can you tackle a DIY project of this size?
• Will the grain show through your new finish?  Is that okay with you?

If you are comfortable with the answer to these questions, then you are a good candidate for cabinet painting!  Two great choices are below.  The Nuvo Cabinet Paint Kit is an Amazon’s top choice product.

Painting your cabinets is one of the bigger DIY projects that you can tackle in the kitchen.  The effort will be worth it when the job is finished, but there are many other ways to update your cabinets that do not require as much effort.  Just keep reading!

Cabinet Hardware

New hardware for your cabinets is a super easy way to give you kitchen an updated look.  Replacing the kitchen cabinet hardware can achieve dramatic updated results.  Replace old, dated hardware with new hardware that matches your new updated kitchen look.  From modern, to country, to basic and simple, there is an array of different hardware styles to choose from.  You can pick chrome, pewter, brushed nickel, oiled bronze,  black, brushed satin copper/bronze, glass, vintage or gold hardware.  You can choose knobs, handle, pulls or all three.  Mix and match or go with all the same hardware.  Amazon has some great choices below.

Measure your drawer and cabinet slots to make it even easier.  Just unscrew the old and screw in the new hardware.  Try a couple of styles that you might like before choosing a style.  From brick and mortar stores to online sellers, there are many resources for finding the perfect cabinet hardware.  New hardware really does make a difference!  …and such an easy change!  Almost instant style!

Cabinet Crown Molding

Crown molding on kitchen cabinets is a striking detail that can rejuvenate your kitchen.  Crown molding can really provide that finish to the tops of kitchen cabinets that your kitchen needs. Crown molding can give your kitchen cabinets a custom look and make your cabinets appear larger.  It can fill the space between your cabinets and the ceiling.  There are many choices of crown molding out there to choose from and tooling like the Crown-Pro Crown Molding Tool to make the job easier.   From traditional to stacked molding, you can personalize your kitchen with your choice of molding.

Cabinet Glass Doors

Builder grade cabinets can be transformed into custom looking cabinets with glass door inserts. Glass cabinet doors will immediately change the look of your kitchen.  Upgrading everything in back of the glass is easy and will add to the charm and character of your kitchen.  Adding glass to even just one set of cabinets in your kitchen can have a big impact.  If you are really looking to save money, you could even use plexiglass.

Cabinet Lighting

Under cabinet lighting can provide a dramatic update to your kitchen.  Even or patterned illumination along your counters creates a warm environment.  I prefer the look of incandescent lights but they have the shortest life and use the most energy.  LED lights last the longest, but can sometimes be too bright or white.  Newer types of LED lights have a warmer glow, but you might want to test an LED light before you install it to make sure that you like the color.  Under cabinet lighting is an easy upgrade that will not only upgrade your kitchen, but increase your property value.

Interior Cabinet Accessories

Updating your kitchen cabinets is not limited to the outside of the cabinets.  Interior cabinet accessories not only make the inside of your cabinets more aesthetically pleasing, but make life easier for you!  Any of the cabinet accessories below would be an extremely helpful addition to your kitchen.  How nice would it be to have a more efficient, organized kitchen and find everything right where you thought it would be?

Some options for interior cabinet accessories include:

• Lazy susan
• Drawer divider

• Trash can
• Pantry system
• Towel rack
• Pan rack

• • Spice rack

Extend the Cabinets to the Ceiling

It might seem like an odd renovation, but the space above your cabinets can serve as a great place for a cabinet update.  The space above your cabinets can hold another set of cabinets that extend the vertical space and make everything look bigger.  You can even put open shelves in the open space above the cabinets and top it with crown molding.  You could display plates, pitchers or anything that coordinates with your kitchen.  The extra cabinets add extra storage space.  In closed high cabinets, you could store anything that you don’t use often – holiday meal dishes, candles, cake pans, etc.  The high cabinets also provide a beautiful, custom look to your kitchen.  Your kitchen itself will look taller.

Reface the Cabinets

What is cabinet refacing?  Cabinet refacing is when you remove your cabinet doors and replace them with new doors.  You can also install veneer to your old cabinet doors if you have flat doors.  Then, you must install the wood or laminate veneer that matches the new cabinet doors over all of the exposed portions of the frame.  Refacing results is what looks like a completely new set of cabinets for a fraction of the cost.  If what you are really looking for is new cabinets, refacing could be the option for you.  The cabinet refacing options are numerous and you will be sure to find something that suits your needs.  Refacing is a fairly hefty do it yourself project, but it can definitely be done if you are meticulous in your work.  The hardest part is cutting and lining up the veneer.  The results are very rewarding.  As long as you are fairly handy, cabinet refacing reaps huge rewards and beautiful results.

Replace Only the Cabinet Center Panels

Cabinet door panel centers can be replaced with many different types of materials.  You can get really creative here.  You can replace wood panel centers with tin, tile, sheet metal, fabric, chalk board or cork.

All of your panels can be replaced or just a few panels to provide a feature for your kitchen.  Installing new panels can really dress up a kitchen and provide a focal point.

Open Shelves Instead of Cabinets

Open shelving in your kitchen can provide an area to store decorative or functional items.  A few or many of your cabinets can be swapped out for open shelving.  Items displayed in the open shelving can always be up to date and keep your kitchen looking current.  You can showcase your dishware and bring a little personality to your kitchen.

Just be sure when you consider open shelving that you think about what is going to be on the shelves. You just have to be careful not to let clutter build up.

Natural, black, metal, open shelving can be a striking update to any kitchen.

Corbels Underneath Kitchen Cabinets

Adding corbels underneath your kitchen cabinets can be that detail that really makes your kitchen look custom.  Corbels can be a small detail or a large focal point.

Corbels can be expensive if they are handcrafted of wood, but if you dig a little bit you could find some options at local antique shops or foam casted models that are meant to be painted that are much less expensive.  The foam version can not be stained to match your cabinets, only painted.  The added detail of a corbel can really help refresh your kitchen.

Cabinet Hinges

New or newly painted cabinet door hinges can provide more of an update to your kitchen than you think.  If you have exposed cabinet hinges, updating your kitchen cabinet hinges is a great professional detail.  New hinges in different colors and finishes are available from many different vendors.

Another option to revamp your hinges is to paint them.  Less costly than replacing them all together, painting your hinges can give the hinges a professional looking finish.

Replace or Add Trim on the Exterior of Cabinets

The outside of your cabinets can be updated by replacing or adding exterior trim.  Basic flat cabinets can be enhanced with trim for architectural detail. You can add traditional trim with blocks and wood.  You can add shaker trim with flat clean lines. From basic shaker to elaborate, new, fresh trim can rejuvenate your kitchen.