Kitchen cabinetry plays a huge role in the look and feel of your kitchen. While cabinet replacement can be costly, there are many affordable ways to refresh and update the style of your existing cabinetry. Here are 9 great ways to spice up your kitchen cabinetry without breaking the bank.

1. Add New Hardware

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to update your kitchen cabinetry is to replace the hardware. Swapping out dated or boring knobs and pulls for newer, more stylish versions can make a dramatic impact.

When selecting new hardware, opt for finishes and styles that complement your kitchen’s overall design aesthetic. For example, hardware with an antique brass or matte black finish pairs nicely with traditional kitchens, while sleek, modern stainless steel or chrome pulls look great in contemporary spaces.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match designs either – using the same knobs but different styles of pulls on upper and lower cabinets adds visual interest. Install the new hardware using a drill or screwdriver, and be sure to fill any existing hardware holes with wood filler before installing the new pieces.

2. Paint or Stain Them

Giving your cabinets a fresh coat of paint or stain completely transforms their look. Painting is a budget-friendly option for dramatically changing the color of your cabinets, while staining allows you to revise their shade while keeping the wood grain visible.

When painting, make sure to properly prep the cabinets by cleaning, sanding, and priming them before applying paint. Opt for a high-quality cabinet paint to ensure long-lasting results. Consider colors like navy blue, sage green, or neutral tones for a updated yet timeless look.

For staining, select a gel stain for easier application and workability compared to traditional stains. Test out stain colors on cabinet interior surfaces first to ensure you achieve the desired effect before applying it to exposed areas. Rich walnut and espresso stains are stylish options for contemporary kitchens.

3. Add Trim and Molding

Adding trim and molding to your existing cabinet frames is an easy upgrade. Trim pieces like beadboard panels, crowns, and accent molding help provide depth and architectural detail.

Crown molding installed across the top of wall cabinets can make your kitchen feel more spacious. For a built-in look, attach beadboard cabinet fronts using wood glue and nails. Use decorative trim like fluted columns or corbels on island ends for a furniture-like appeal.

When selecting molding, choose wider, more ornate pieces for a truly high-end custom look. Exposed trim looks best painted white for a fresh, light aesthetic.

4. Install New Doors

Replacing old or outdated cabinet doors provides one of the most dramatic facelifts for your kitchen. Swapping original cabinet doors for new recessed panel doors immediately upgrades the overall style.

Opt for solid wood doors over veneers for a quality appearance and feel. Shaker-style doors with clean, simple lines work well for achieving a contemporary yet timeless look. Go for wider planks or incorporate glass cabinet inserts for a more modern or eclectic style.

Be sure to accurately measure existing cabinet openings, and order replacement doors specifically sized to fit. Most home improvement stores also offer custom door sizing. Installing new doors yourself is a simple DIY project.

5. Add Shelves and Drawers

Maximize unused interior cabinet space by incorporating extra storage elements like shelves, drawers, and organizers. Take advantage of the area above the refrigerator or range by adding a shelf or cabinet specifically sized to fit the gap.

Installing rollout trays or tilt-out bins makes items in deep lower cabinets easily accessible. Drawers with built-in dividers keep contents neatly organized. For a unified look, select storage accessories that match the color and finish of existing cabinetry.

Getting creative with storage additions allows you to both increase functionality and achieve a more custom, built-in appearance. Consult a contractor if structural changes are needed to add substantial storage elements.

6. Install New Cabinet Interiors

A quick and affordable way to refresh your cabinets is to replace their interiors. Simply installing new cabinet boxes with shelving, dividers, and other organizational elements leaves the existing cabinet frames intact while allowing you to customize the storage design.

Visit home improvement centers to explore the many options available for cabinet interiors including pull-out shelves, spinning lazy susans, and cutlery dividers. Opt for interiors with modern features like soft-close hinges and full extension slides for maximum functionality.

Choose interiors in a complementary neutral tone or a fun, bold color to add a pop of color when cabinets are open. Updating interiors is a great way to optimize storage in your existing layout.

7. Add Under Cabinet Lighting

Under cabinet lighting instantly makes your kitchen feel brighter and more modern. LED strip lighting is easy to install using adhesive backing or small screws. Select lighting strips designed for kitchen use that are moisture-resistant and provide the right brightness.

For best results, opt for lighting with color temperature options to achieve the desired ambiance in your kitchen space. Placing lights under upper cabinets illuminates countertop workspaces, while also highlighting your new cabinet style. Dimming capabilities allow you to adjust brightness as needed.

If possible, connect new lighting to an existing plug under your upper cabinets for quick installation. Hardwiring may be required depending on your kitchen’s setup.

8. Refinish or Restain Wood Cabinets

Refinishing the existing wood surfaces of your cabinets rejuvenates their appearance. Lightly sanding stained cabinets allows you to apply a rich new stain color while showcasing the wood grain.

For oak, hickory, or maple cabinetry, consider gel stains which penetrate wood deeper for amplified color effects. Follow up with a coat of polyurethane for the best stain protection.

Alternatively, stripping cabinets down to the bare wood and applying a natural wood finish like linseed oil enhances wood characteristics. Matte finishes like buttermilk or whey glaze give a worn, antique look when applied over stripped wood.

Take proper safety precautions when refinishing cabinets. Ventilate the area to avoid inhaling chemical fumes. Refinishing your existing wood cabinets allows you to change their finish or color while retaining their quality.

9. Add Glass Cabinet Doors

Incorporating glass cabinet doors is a gorgeous way to spice up your existing cabinetry. Glass doors lend a much more open, spacious feel and allow you to showcase attractive dishware or collectibles.

For a clean, seamless look, opt for frameless glass doors secured by hinges and magnetic closures. Tempered glass is safest and most durable. Install interior lighting to fully illuminate and draw attention to items inside glass cabinetry.

Upgrading just a couple of upper cabinets to glass doors creates brilliant focal points without requiring replacement of all your cabinetry. Take proper measurements to find glass doors that fit properly within existing cabinet fronts.

FAQ About Updating Kitchen Cabinets

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about refreshing and updating kitchen cabinetry:

How much does it cost to update kitchen cabinets?

The cost to update kitchen cabinets ranges widely depending on the scope of the project. Simple upgrades like adding new hardware or painting may cost $50-200. Installing new doors or interiors ranges from $100-500 per cabinet. Completely refacing or replacing cabinets starts at $5,000+, with higher costs for larger kitchens.

What are the easiest cabinet updates?

The easiest cabinet updates are small-scale projects like switching out hardware, adding new molding or trim, painting, adding under cabinet lighting, or incorporating glass doors. These simple upgrades make a noticeable impact with minimal time and labor involved.

How long does it take to refinish cabinets?

The time to refinish cabinets depends on the size of your kitchen and scope of the refinishing process. Light sanding and staining existing cabinets can take 2-3 days. Fully stripping and refinishing cabinets typically takes 5-7 days.

Can I paint over stained cabinets?

Yes, you can paint over stained cabinets to change their color or finish. Proper preparation is key – you must thoroughly clean, sand, and prime existing cabinet surfaces before painting for best adhesion and smooth results.

What are the most popular cabinet colors in 2023?

Trending cabinet colors in 2023 include light toned neutrals like white, light gray, beige, and cream as well as bolder hues like navy blue, dark green, and black for more dramatic elements.

Should I replace or refinish my cabinets?

If your current cabinets are structurally sound with no signs of damage, refinishing is often the more economical option over full replacement. Refinishing preserves the cabinets while altering their finish or color. However, replacing severely damaged or outdated cabinets fully upgrades their appearance and functionality.

Conclusion

Revamping your kitchen cabinetry can breathe new life into your entire kitchen space. From easy DIY improvements like adding hardware and lighting to bigger upgrades like new doors and refinishing, there are many budget-friendly ways to customize your existing cabinets. Use these tips and tricks to spice up your cabinetry to match your desired style. With strategic upgrades in all the right places, you can transform the look of your kitchen without a full remodel.