Your kitchen cabinets set the mood and vibe of the entire room, so having them perfectly match your desired lifestyle is crucial if you want to feel comfortable and be fully efficient in your kitchen.
But when your cabinets are slowly becoming dated and you don’t have the budget to buy new semi-custom or custom cabinets, what’s left for you to do?
In this article, we’ll explore 17 inexpensive yet fully functional ways of updating kitchen cabinets so you can enjoy a space that matches both your needs and your style.
Let’s begin.
1. Paint Your Cabinets
Although refinishing kitchen cabinets will still cost you some money, it’s definitely a more affordable option than buying completely new ones.
Refinishing cabinets means sanding them down and reapplying a coat of stain or paint to make them look like new again. This won’t do much to their functionality, but it’ll definitely make your cabinets look better.
If you have hardwood cabinets, you’ll be able to refinish them for several times without risking any damage. If the doors and faces are made of hardwood, you’ll want a fresh coat of stain on the cabinet instead of fresh paint. Painting cabinets works better if the cabinetry is made of MDF.
![kitchen remodeling sparks guide](https://highsierraremodel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/kitchen-remodeling-sparks-guide.webp)
2. Resurfacing Kitchen Cabinets
Resurfacing kitchen cabinets is a process that can give your old cabinets a brand new look (like refinishing) but also improve their functionality without having to replace them altogether.
Resurfacing means replacing the cabinet faces (cabinet doors and drawer fronts) while keeping the cabinet box intact. This method is great if you want to give a new vibe to your cabinets, change the style of your kitchen, or make them more spacious.
Resurfacing brings more ROI than replacing cabinets, but less ROI than refinishing kitchen cabinets. In other words, if you’re not happy with how your cabinets look, it’s best to refinish them. If, on the other hand, you want to change the style of your kitchen and the existing cabinets are an obstacle, replace cabinet doors only.
3. Replacing Cabinet Hardware
Let’s move down to even more affordable ways of updating kitchen cabinets.
One of the quickest and easiest ways of updating kitchen cabinets is by replacing their hardware. This includes knobs, pulls, and hinges.
Replacing cabinet hardware is a great way to add a new look to your kitchen without spending too much money. You can find hardware in all different styles and colors, so it’s easy to find something that will match your existing cabinets.
![Installing cabinet pulls](https://highsierraremodel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/installing-cabinet-hardware.webp)
![Installing hinges](https://highsierraremodel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/door-hinges.webp)
4. Led Strip Lights
Adding LED strip lights under your cabinets improves task lighting and adds a modern touch to your kitchen. These lights are easy to install and can be found in various colors and brightness levels. They enhance the ambiance of your kitchen, making it feel more welcoming and functional.
5. Add Corner Solutions
If you’re having kitchen cabinets around your kitchen, you know the issues with corner cabinets. These spaces are hard to reach, inefficient, and a lot of the times they end up being under-used or not used at all.
Corner solutions are upgrades like a Lazy Susan that allows you more accessibility in these tight spaces. They work better than having doors knobs or handles hit the other cabinet door, and far better than not using the cabinet itself.
![Corner solution on modern cabinets](https://highsierraremodel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/corner-solution.webp)
6. Add Open Shelving
Removing some cabinet doors to create open shelving can give your kitchen a more open and airy feel. Use these shelves to display attractive dishware, cookbooks, or decorative items. This update not only modernizes your kitchen but also makes it easier to access frequently used items.
7. Pull-out Shelves
Pull-out shelves are a great way to make your kitchen more accessible and efficient. They allow you to easily access the items that are stored in the back of your cabinets, which can be really helpful when you’re cooking.
Pull-out shelves are also a great way to organize your kitchen. Instead of having to search through all of your cabinets to find the item you’re looking for, everything will be right in front of you. Another great use of pull-out shelves is to store larger pans, bowls, and utensils, but also the recycling or the trash bin.
![Pull out shelves](https://highsierraremodel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/pull-out-shelves.webp)
7. Use Wallpaper or Contact Paper
Line the inside of your cabinets with wallpaper or contact paper for a surprising pop of color and pattern whenever you open them. This is a quick and affordable way to personalize your kitchen. Choose a design that complements your kitchen’s color scheme for a cohesive look.
8. Install New Backsplash
A new backsplash can refresh the overall look of your kitchen and complement your cabinets. Consider peel-and-stick tiles for an easy, budget-friendly option, or go for classic subway tiles for a timeless appearance. The right backsplash can add texture and visual interest to your kitchen.
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9. Add Cabinet Crown Molding
Crown molding at the top of your cabinets can give them a more polished and expensive look. This small detail can make a big difference, adding a touch of elegance to your kitchen. Choose a style that matches your cabinets and overall kitchen decor for a seamless integration.
10. Refinish or Re-stain the Wood
Crown molding at the top of your cabinets can give them a more polished and expensive look. This small detail can make a big difference, adding a touch of elegance to your kitchen. Choose a style that matches your cabinets and overall kitchen decor for a seamless integration.
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11. Decorative Trim
Adding trim to your cabinet doors can give them a custom look. This can be as simple as attaching a strip of molding around the edges. Painted in a contrasting color, trim can add depth and interest to plain cabinet doors, making them look more stylish and unique.
12. Replace Cabinet Glass Inserts
Swapping out plain glass for decorative glass inserts can add character to your cabinets. Choose from frosted, textured, or stained glass options to create a focal point in your kitchen. Decorative glass can make your cabinets look more elegant and sophisticated while allowing you to display attractive dishware.
13. Install Roll-Out Trash Cans
Hide your trash cans by installing roll-out bins inside your cabinets. This keeps your kitchen looking clean and uncluttered. Roll-out bins are convenient and can be easily accessed when needed, making your kitchen more functional and visually appealing.
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14. Add Decorative Corbels
Place decorative corbels under your cabinets or kitchen island for a touch of elegance. Corbels come in various styles, from ornate to minimalist, and can enhance the architectural detail of your kitchen. This small addition can make your cabinets look more custom and refined.
15. Use Chalkboard Paint
Painting a section of your cabinet with chalkboard paint provides a fun and practical space for notes, recipes, or doodles. This is a great way to personalize your kitchen and keep track of your shopping list or weekly menu. Chalkboard paint is easy to apply and can be a creative outlet for your family.
Conclusion
There are several ways of updating kitchen cabinets, and each of them will bring something new to the table. While refinishing cabinets will improve their looks, replacing the hardware will greatly impact their functionality.
Your kitchen cabinet makeover will greatly depend on the rest of your kitchen as well. You’ll want to match dark cabinets with a complementary color, make the upper cabinets tall and wide enough, and even consider a glass panel to greatly improve their functionality.
High Sierra Remodeling & Construction offers professional bathroom remodeling services for homeowners in Reno, Sparks, Sun Valley, and more of Washoe County, NV!
Call us today at (775) 242-6405 to find the best ways to update your cabinetry, or request a quote and we’ll reach back to you as soon as possible!
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