White kitchen cabinets are a timeless and elegant choice for any home. But over time, even the whitest of whites can start to look dull, dingy and dated. Don’t despair! With a little TLC and some simple upgrades, you can give your white kitchen cabinets a fresh new look. Here’s how to make your white kitchen cabinets look their absolute best.
Clean and Prepare the Cabinets
The first step is a deep clean. Remove everything from the cabinets and thoroughly wash the interior and exterior surfaces with a degreasing cleaner. Pay special attention to handles and knobs where kitchen grime tends to accumulate. Once dry, lightly sand any areas where the white paint has chipped or worn away. Wipe down with a tack cloth to remove dust. Now your cabinets are ready for sprucing up!
Fresh Coat of White Paint
Painting is one of the easiest ways to revive tired white cabinets. For best results, use a high-quality primer followed by two coats of cabinet-grade enamel paint in a semi-gloss or glossy finish, which stands up well to moisture and grease. Opt for an ultra white shade without yellow or cream undertones for a crisp, bright look. Use a small paintbrush to neatly paint the cabinet frames, then use a mini roller for quick coverage on the sides and fronts.
Add New Hardware
Replacing outdated hardware is a simple upgrade that can give white cabinets a whole new look. Swapping out old knobs and pulls for newer styles gives an instant facelift. Go for brushed nickel or chrome for a contemporary vibe or antique brass or bronze for a traditional feel. Make sure the new hardware fits the existing holes or be prepared to fill and redrill. For a coordinated look, choose the same style hardware for drawers, doors and even appliances.
Replace Countertops
Nothing updates a white kitchen faster than new countertops. Granite, quartz and solid surface materials like Corian come in lots of white and whitish designs like white marble or white quartz to match white cabinetry. Or opt for contrast with dark countertops like black granite. Just be sure to match the undertone of the cabinets—warm white tones look great with beige, cream and tan counters while cool whites pair better with gray.
Add Interest with Accessories
Don’t overlook the power of accessories to give white cabinets a fresh look. Replace outdated plastic laminate with white subway tile backsplashes. Add crown molding trim work at the top of the cabinets for architectural detail. Install interior lighting on top of upper cabinets to brighten up the space. Hang a pot rack or open shelving above the kitchen island for display space. Even just updating cabinet hardware can make a noticeable difference.
Repaint Kitchen Walls
Along with bright white cabinets, nothing makes a kitchen look newer than a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Go for a crisp shade like bright white, pale gray, light blue or sage green to enhance the clean look of white cabinets. For a two-tone effect, paint the upper cabinets a lighter color than lower ones. Just take care to pick a color within the same color family to keep a cohesive look.
With a few simple upgrades and fixes, it’s easy to make your white kitchen cabinets look like new again. A thorough cleaning combined with fresh paint, new hardware and stylish accessories lets you update your white kitchen without the expense of a full remodel. So breathe new life into your white kitchen cabinets with these easy DIY tips.
Frequently Asked Questions about Revitalizing White Kitchen Cabinets
Here are some common questions about refreshing and updating white kitchen cabinets:
How do I get my white cabinets really white again?
Thoroughly clean the cabinets and sand away any yellowed paint or grime buildup. Prime and repaint using a high-quality cabinet paint like Benjamin Moore Advance in a true bright white.
What white paint finish should I use on kitchen cabinets?
Choose a durable satin, semi-gloss or high-gloss finish for kitchen cabinets. Avoid flat paints which stain easily.Semi-gloss gives a smooth finish that’s easy to clean.
What color hardware looks best with white cabinets?
Nickel and chrome have a modern vibe, while brass finishes are traditional. Avoid matching pure whites exactly—a contrasting finish looks more stylish.
Should I replace or reface my old white cabinets?
If cabinets are structurally sound, refacing by replacing doors and drawer fronts can save thousands over new cabinets. But replacing may be better choice for severely damaged or outdated cabinets.
Should I paint the inside of my cabinets too?
Yes, painting cabinet interiors white maximizes brightness and visibility and gives a finished look. Use special cabinet enamel paint for durability.
What colors make white kitchen cabinets pop?
Bold hues like navy blue, black, and crimson look striking against white. So do paler chic shades like light gray, sage green, sky blue and soft yellow.
How do I give plain flat-front cabinets more style?
Add molding trims, switch to shaker-style doors, replace knobs with bold pulls or experiment with fun colors on the bottom cabinets only to add character.
Conclusion
White kitchen cabinets have a timeless, classic appeal. But without proper care and updating, they can start to look dingy and dated over time. Thankfully a few simple improvements can restore your white cabinets to their original pristine glory. Thorough cleaning, sanding, priming and painting gives cabinets a like-new sheen. Swapping out hardware introduces style, while new countertops and backsplashes provide contrast. Don’t be afraid to infuse personality with colored lower cabinets or bold wall paint too. Just a few strategic tweaks makes it easy to fall in love with your white kitchen cabinets all over again!
