Do your kitchen cabinets need a facelift? Sometimes, a little cabinet refresh is all it takes to breathe new life into your space. From quick fixes like painting to more involved projects like refacing or even adding new cabinets, there are plenty of ways to update your kitchen without the effort of a remodel.
But how do you know where to start? Whether you’re aiming for a simple weekend project or looking to make a statement, we’ve got you covered with 12 creative ways to transform your kitchen cabinets. We’ll also help you figure out when a refresh is enough and when it might be time to consider a full kitchen remodel.
As a top remodeling company in Central Ohio, we have plenty of inspiration to get you started. Let’s dive into some practical, stylish ideas that can work for any home and budget!
12 Ways to Refresh Your Kitchen Cabinets
Wondering if it’s time to update your cabinets? If they’re still in good condition but feel outdated or worn, a refresh might be all you need. A few simple changes can go a long way without the cost of a full replacement.
1. Give Them a Fresh Coat of Paint
This step is the easiest to start with, and one of the cheapest too! A fresh coat of paint can instantly transform your cabinets. You can keep it classic with neutrals or go bold with a pop of color. Either way, painting is one of the most affordable options to refresh your kitchen.
2. Reface Your Cabinets
Don’t want to paint? Refacing involves applying new veneer or laminate to your cabinet doors and drawer fronts. It’s a great way to update your kitchen’s look without replacing the entire structure.
However, refacing can be time-consuming, since you’ll be gluing on the veneer panels one-by-one. We think this quick how-to video from HGTV provides a great idea of the process if you’re interested.
3. Layer Your Lighting with Under Cabinet Lights
Good lighting makes a world of difference. Adding under-cabinet lighting can not only brighten up your space but also highlight your beautiful cabinets.
Also, under cabinet lighting is very simple to apply! You can purchase a length of peel-and-stick LED light strips that come with a remote, able to be either plugged into an outlet or wired in, depending on what you prefer. No need to get professionals involved if you don’t want to – it’s an easy DIY.
4. Dress Them Up with Crown Molding
Adding crown molding to your cabinets can give them a custom, polished look. This simple touch can make even standard cabinets appear high-end. Browse crown molding options like smooth, flat, dentil, and egg-and-dart to see if any appeal to your home’s aesthetic.
5. Replace Your Cabinet Hardware
Sometimes all your cabinets need is new hardware. Swapping out old knobs and pulls for modern, stylish ones can change the whole vibe of your kitchen. It’s one of the easiest fixes, too: all you need is a screwdriver or a drill to get out the existing screws.
6. Try Out Open Shelving
Feeling adventurous? Consider replacing some upper cabinets with open shelving. It’s trendy and adds an airy feel to your kitchen.
This can be done one of two ways:
- You can just remove your kitchen cabinet doors, leaving your cabinets totally intact. You might want to repaint or sand your cabinets to make the exposed interior more palatable, but this is the easiest way to accomplish the look!
- Alternatively, you can take out the cabinets entirely to add new shelving instead. Natural woods can make great open shelving, adding visual interest with their utility.
7. Replace Your Cabinet Doors with Glass
Want to keep your cabinets but add a little more elegance? Glass cabinet doors can give your kitchen a more open and sophisticated look. This works especially well for cabinets with fine china or striking dishware.
8. Install Pull-Out Drawers or Shelving
If you have especially deep cabinets, it can be difficult to reach the back in a useful way. Pull-out drawers or shelving inside your cabinets can greatly increase functionality, making it easier to access items in deep cabinets.
9. Extend Your Cabinets Vertically
If you have space above your cabinets, extending them to the ceiling can give you more storage and make your kitchen look larger.
10. Refresh Your Cabinets’ Interiors
Don’t forget about the inside! Lining your cabinet interiors with new paper, or adding dividers, can make them feel brand new. From adding veneer to patterned contact paper, your cabinets can compliment the rest of your kitchen in exciting ways.
11. Add New Cabinets to Your Existing Kitchen
If you need more storage, consider adding a few extra cabinets to complement your existing layout. It’s a simple way to expand without starting from scratch. This may require professional help, but if you have a stud finder and some handyman skills, it could very well make a good DIY project, too.
12. Get a Professional Replacement
When all else fails, it might be time for a professional cabinet replacement. This option gives you full control over design and material choices to fit your dream kitchen.
You might be thinking, well, the point is not to have to pay somebody else, but hear us out: hiring a remodeling contractor can save you from costly DIY mistakes. They’ll manage your project efficiently, ensuring it’s completed on time and within budget.
Contractors also have access to quality materials, will handle unexpected issues so you don’t have to, and ensure compliance with safety and building codes to deliver a polished, long-lasting result.
When to Replace Your Kitchen Cabinets
Sometimes, refreshing your cabinets just isn’t enough. If your cabinets are showing signs of serious wear, or if they no longer serve your needs, a full replacement might be the better option.
Consider replacing your cabinets if you have:
- Structural damage: If your cabinets are warped, water-damaged, or falling apart, no amount of paint or refacing will fix them – it’s time to call a professional.
- An outdated design: Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint can’t hide how dated your cabinets look. If your cabinets are stuck in a bygone era and just aren’t working for you anymore, a total replacement can bring them into the modern day.
- Limited functionality: Older cabinets often lack the storage innovations of modern designs. If your kitchen cabinets are difficult to organize or access, maybe it’s time to start fresh!
Ultimately, replacing your kitchen cabinets gives you the freedom to start fresh, ensuring your cabinets are not only beautiful but built to meet your functional needs. Interested in a total kitchen remodel? Check out our companion guide to surviving your kitchen renovation.
Columbus Ohio’s Premier Remodeling Company
Looking to renovate your kitchen cabinets in Columbus, Ohio? CORE Renovation is an elite renovation team serving Central Ohio with timeless craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. Our portfolio boasts stunning kitchen makeovers, custom home additions and more.
We’re your team for the perfect kitchen renovation. Our experienced team can help you decide whether a refresh or replacement is best for your space. Contact us today!
