How to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them?
How to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them
You don’t need to be a professional to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them. New doors, a fresh lick of paint, on-trend handles or some smart lighting can all help you achieve a new look. And if you’re not feeling so confident then there are plenty of easy-to-use products that let you complete the job with minimal effort. You can even pick and choose your preferred style; whether it’s rustic, Scandinavian or industrial. So don’t allow tired or dated cabinets to cramp your style – transform them instead!
Painting Kitchen Cabinets
REPAINT OR STAIN THEM:
Painting kitchen cabinets can be a great way of transforming them. Just because your cabinets are wooden, it doesn’t mean they need to be painted in that traditional shade of off-white. If you’re looking to get away from the norm then consider something bolder, like black or dark blue. But if you want a more subtle effect then pick a cream paint colour and decorate with bold accessories. Alternatively, consider staining or varnishing your cabinets instead – think dark browns or dark greys for a cool and contemporary look.
CHANGE CABINET HANDLES:
Replacing your cabinet handles is an easy way to instantly update the look of your kitchen. There are plenty of styles to choose from, from traditional brass and chrome versions to more quirky knobs and handles. And if you want a super-easy option then you can even buy drawer handle stickers that let you change the look in minutes! Alternatively, if you’re feeling crafty then there are plenty of DIY options available; like cutting or drilling out existing handles, then inserting new ones.
REPLACE CABINET DOORS:
It’s actually surprisingly easy to replace your cabinets without replacing them. There are plenty of companies that sell replacement cabinet doors, which you can fix yourself or have fitted by a professional. You just need to be careful not to damage your kitchen walls while taking the old doors off and make sure to use the correct nails and screws during the fitting process. If you’re feeling confident enough then you can even mix and match different color doors, for example, an oak frame with blue glass panels.
ADD MOLDINGS TO OR REFACE FLAT-FRONTED CABINETS:
If you have flat-fronted cabinets then adding moldings can be a quick and easy update. It just means adding a bit of trim in the same color as the cabinets around the edge to give them some character. Alternatively, if you prefer a simpler look then consider getting your cabinets refaced instead. This involves getting new doors and panels fitted, which can range from around £120 to £260 per door, depending on your chosen materials.
INSTALL UNDER-CABINET LIGHTING:
Adding under-cabinet lighting is a great way of lighting up your kitchen without any bulky pendants or chunky lanterns. It’s also a super-easy job that only takes a few minutes to install, with many products requiring no wires or electrician skills at all. You just need to place the lights in place and screw them on, then link up to the mains via an adapter plug. One particularly handy aspect of under-cabinet lighting is its looks natural – you can’t spot the fluorescent tubes in use!
Conclusion:
You don’t need to be a professional to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them. New doors, a fresh lick of paint, on-trend handles or some smart lighting can all help you achieve a new look. And if you’re not feeling so confident then there are plenty of easy-to-use products that let you complete the job with minimal effort. You can even pick and choose your preferred style; whether it’s rustic, Scandinavian or industrial.
