Giving your kitchen cabinets a makeover can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen without the high cost of a full remodel. With some clever DIY solutions, you can update worn or dated cabinets on a budget. Here are 24 DIY ideas to inspire your next kitchen cabinet makeover.
Sand and Paint the Cabinets
Sanding down the existing cabinets and applying a fresh coat of paint is one of the most popular DIY makeover options. Be sure to prep the cabinets properly before painting and use a high-quality primer and paint designed for cabinets. Consider painting the lower cabinets a different color than the uppers for a two-tone look.
Add New Hardware
Replacing old hardware with new knobs, pulls, and hinges is an easy upgrade that can give cabinets a more modern or stylish look. Opt for hardware in an on-trend color like black, brass, or bronze. Matching all the hardware gives the kitchen a more cohesive feel.
Install Glass Cabinet Doors
Swapping out solid cabinet doors for ones with glass panels opens up the look of the kitchen and makes it feel brighter and more spacious. For upper cabinets, glass doors also make items inside more visible and accessible. Frosted, etched, or colored glass options add privacy.
Apply Self-Adhesive Film
Self-adhesive cabinet films, wraps, and veneers provide an easy shortcut to refacing cabinets. Choose wood grain, colorful patterns, or modern textures to completely change the look. Remove and replace the cabinet hardware for a coordinated finish.
Create Open Shelves
Removing upper cabinet doors and installing shelves is an affordable way to give the kitchen a more rustic, cottage, or industrial vibe. Use brackets or corbels to support the shelves. Style open shelves with pretty dishes, cookbooks, and decorative objects.
Add Trim Molding
Molding and trim serves both form and function in a kitchen. Adding crown molding across the tops of cabinets creates a built-in look. Vertical trim pieces on cabinet fronts can conceal uneven edges or gaps. Molding adds architectural detail.
Install New Cabinet Fronts
Replacing existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts provides one of the most dramatic facelifts. New shaker, flat panel, or glass-front cabinet fronts overlay directly onto the boxes. This update leaves the cabinet interiors intact.
Build Pull-Out Shelving
Maximize cabinet storage space by adding pull-out shelves and trays. They make items in back more accessible. Pull-outs can also accommodate small appliances, cutting boards, pans, and other kitchen tools. Install them in base cabinets and blind corner cabinets.
Add Interior Lighting
LED lighting installed inside cabinets shines a helpful spotlight on the contents. Battery-operated puck lights attach with adhesive. Hardwired lighting requires professional installation but provides superior illumination. Lighting makes organizing easier.
Install Glass Shelves
Glass shelves have an airy, transparent look in cabinets. The glass allows you to see items stored on the back of the shelf. Glass is also very easy to wipe down and keep clean. Choose smoked or frosted glass for more privacy.
Refinish With Chalk Paint
Chalk paint adheres well to surfaces like wood, laminate, and melamine without extra prep. It dries into a matte, slightly chalky finish. Top coat with wax for protection. Distress chalk paint finishes for a vintage, worn look.
Apply Faux Finishes
Faux finishes like glazing, staining, and textured paint effects give DIYers the look of custom cabinets without the cost. Glazing adds a rub-through effect over painted cabinets in a contrasting color. Experiment on cabinet door samples before a full DIY faux finish.
Add Interior Organizers
Take advantage of wasted interior cabinet space with organizational products like shelf risers, stackable containers, drawer dividers, and pan and lid racks. Organizers make finding what you need easier while minimizing cluttered cabinets.
Install Ladder Spice Racks
Bring spices and seasonings out of the cabinets by installing simple ladder-style spice racks on the inside of cabinet doors or the walls between cabinets. Keep everyday spices within arm’s reach.
Apply Contact Paper
Apply removable contact paper with patterns or faux finishes to cabinet surfaces for an easy update. Try marble, wood grain, geometric or graphic prints. Contact paper adheres well and removes easily when ready for a change.
Add Cove Molding
For cabinets with visible dust shelves, attach cove molding to the edge of the shelf to conceal the dusty ledge behind a piece of trim. The cove molding transforms it into a decorative design feature.
Refresh Cabinet Interiors
Don’t forget the insides of the cabinets when planning updates. Fresh paint, new liner paper, tension rods for storing bakeware, under-cabinet lighting and more can make working in the kitchen more pleasant.
Install Open Shelving
Swap out a few upper cabinets for open shelves to lighten up the look of the kitchen. Floating shelves or wall-mounted rail systems work in small kitchens. Bookshelves present an affordable open shelving option.
Swap Out Countertops
Replacing heavy stone or dated laminate countertops with new lightweight options like quartz, wood, or laminate instantly modernizes dated kitchen cabinets. Lighter countertops make small kitchens feel more spacious.
Use Removable Wallpaper
removable, peel-and-stick wallpaper allows you to refresh your backsplash as often as you like. Choose patterns like brick, marble, stone, or floral prints. Cut around sockets and switches for seamless application.
Replace Countertop Overhang
If your existing cabinets have a modest countertop overhang, ask your countertop installer to increase the overhang space. The visual effect makes the cabinets appear larger and roomier.
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the easiest budget-friendly DIY cabinet makeover?
A: The easiest and most budget-friendly DIY cabinet makeover is painting the cabinets. With proper prep and the right paint, you can paint laminate or wood cabinets to give them an updated, cohesive look. This affordable makeover makes a big visual impact.
Q: What’s the best way to paint kitchen cabinets?
A: Proper prep is key for a successful painted cabinet makeover. Clean cabinets thoroughly and sand to rough up the surface. Prime first with a bonding primer before painting. Apply cabinet paint in thin, even coats, sanding lightly between coats. High quality cabinet paint in a semi-gloss or satin finish works best.
Q: Should I paint the inside of cabinets too?
A: Yes, it’s best to paint the inside of cabinets to match the exterior for a cohesive, finished look. Use the same primer and paint for interior surfaces. If desired, use high gloss paint inside for an easier-to-clean surface.
Q: How do I update cabinets without removing them?
A: Options for updating cabinets without removing them including painting, adding new hardware and molding, installing glass doors, applying cabinet wraps and films, adding pulls-outs and organizational products, replacing doors and fronts, and adding interior lighting.
Q: Should I reface or replace kitchen cabinets?
A: If cabinet boxes are structurally sound, refacing is generally more affordable than full replacement. Refacing options include new veneer, doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. Replacement makes sense for severely damaged, out-of-date cabinets.
Q: What are the latest kitchen cabinet trends?
A: Some top kitchen cabinet trends include two-tone coloring, Shaker-style cabinets, white painted cabinets, integrated hardware, mix-and-match finishes, glass doors, open shelving, and matte black hardware and fixtures.
Conclusion
With some creativity and DIY determination, you can give your kitchen an amazing makeover without remodeling. Options like painting, adding molding and trim, installing new cabinet fronts and updating hardware and lighting make it possible to transform your cabinets affordably. The key is proper preparation, using high-quality paints, finishes and materials, and taking your time to do the job right. With these DIY cabinet makeover ideas, you can renew your kitchen and make it look fresh and up-to-date on a budget.
