How to Update Kitchen Cabinets without Replacing Them

Updating kitchen cabinets without replacement doesn't require the skills of a professional. It's easy to achieve a new look with different finishes, on-trend handles, and smart lighting. We have a few tips for your kitchen refurbishment without a major overhaul.

Here are 9 ways you can do this with standard tools, straightforward installations, pre-made kits, and more. 

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9 Ways to Update Kitchen Cabinets without Replacing Them

1.    Paint Kitchen Cabinets

One of the quickest and easiest kitchen makeovers is done by changing your plain cabinet door with some good paint. You can use the same colour for both, or go with two completely different shades when painting cabinets. Once the paint is dry, finish by adding new hardware in a style that complements the look.

2.    Distress the Cabinets

This is an easy finish to achieve and one that looks good on just about any style of cabinet door. You can distress cabinets with paint, too. The key is in the application—and in knowing when to stop to create the perfect custom cabinets.

Start by painting the cabinet doors with a light basecoat colour. When it’s dry, apply a second coat of a slightly darker shade. Once that coat is dry, use sandpaper to lightly distress the edges and surfaces of the doors.

3.    Whitewash

This finish is perfect for those who want to add a little bit of texture to your oak cabinets without turning them into dark cabinets. It’s also an easy finish to achieve, even for beginners.

You can use any type of fresh paint for this project, but we recommend using a latex paint for ease of cleanup. Start by painting the cabinets with a white basecoat. Once that’s dry, apply a second coat of white paint mixed with water.

The ratio should be about three parts paint to one part water. Use a brush to apply the mixture evenly, then allow it to sit for 15 minutes before wiping away the excess with a clean cloth. Finish by sealing the cabinets with a clear topcoat.

4.    Two-Tone

A great way to add some interest to your kitchen cabinets without going overboard is adding two-toned fresh coat of paint. It’s also an easy project to do, even for beginners. Start by painting the upper cabinets one colour and the lower cabinets another.

You can use the same colour for both, or go with two completely different shades. Once the paint is dry, finish by adding new hardware in a style that complements the look.

5.    Change the Cabinet Handles

One of the easiest ways for a kitchen makeover is to simply change the handles. This is a quick and easy project that anyone can do in an afternoon. Just make sure to measure the existing holes before you go shopping for new hardware. Get the new cabinets within a budget!

You can go about updating kitchen cabinets without replacing them if you don't have access to a skilled professional. But it can be the perfect investment, and we do it for less than you think!

6.    Add Molding

If your kitchen cabinets are looking a little bit lackluster, try adding some molding to them. This is a quick and easy way to change the look of your cabinets, and it doesn’t require any special tools or skills.

Just choose a molding that you like and that complements the style of your cabinets, then use a glue or caulk to attach it. You can even add molding to the inside of your cabinets for a more finished look.

7.    Change the Kitchen Door Fronts

If you’re really looking for a change, you can replace the cabinet doors. This is a more involved project, but it’s still something that most people can do themselves. Just be sure to measure the existing doors before you go shopping for new ones.

Keep in mind that you might need to make some adjustments to the cabinets themselves to get the doors to fit properly. You can also change the door style without actually replacing the doors by adding new hardware or trim.

8.    Install Under-Cabinet Lighting

Under-cabinet lighting is a great way to add some extra light to your kitchen. It’s also a relatively easy project to do, even for beginners. Just choose the location for your lights, then install them according to the instructions that come with them. You may need to drill some holes and run wires, but most cabinet lighting comes with everything you need to get the job done.

9. Texture Them Up

One way to add some interest to your kitchen cabinets is to texture them. This can be a quick and easy project, or it can be more involved, depending on the look you’re going for. You can use a variety of techniques to texture your base cabinets, including sanding, painting, staining, and even decoupage.

If you’re finding it difficult to choose a technique that you’re comfortable with and that will complement the existing style of your cabinets.

Kitchen Cabinet Makeover vs Replacement

It is undoubtedly cheaper to update kitchen cabinets than to replace them. And, it is also less time-consuming. You can give a spectacular kitchen makeover brightens up the home in a weekend.

If it feels too daunting to do it on your own, especially considering how much of a mess it would be if it doesn’t turn out like you wanted it to. Which is why, it’s better to bring in professionals who can take care of it for you.

A lot of people think that updating or refreshing their kitchen cabinets would entail a lot of work. And, most of the time, they are right. It does require some hard work.

But it is not as difficult as it seems. You can easily update your kitchen cabinets without spending a lot of money or taking too much time out of your busy schedule. Or, take a look at our kitchen refurbishment before and afters.

FAQs

How do I make old cabinets look modern?

No matter what type of kitchen cabinets you have, there are plenty of ways to give them a makeover. One way to change the look of your kitchen cabinets is to paint them. You can use a variety of colours to create a new look for your kitchen.

If you’re not sure what colour to choose, ask for help at your local hardware store. They can give you advice on what colours will work best with your cabinets and your kitchen. If you want a more drastic change, you can replace your cabinet doors.

Another way to modernize your kitchen cabinets is to change the hardware. This is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to give your cabinets a new look.

How can I update my laminate cabinets without replacing them?

One of the easiest ways to give your laminate cabinets an updated look is by painting them. You can use a paintbrush or a roller to apply the paint evenly to the surface of the cabinets.

If you want a more durable finish, you can use a paint sprayer. Be sure to sand the surface of the cabinets before painting them to ensure that the paint will adhere properly.

How can I paint my kitchen cabinets without replacing them?

You can use paint to give your kitchen cabinets a new look. You don’t need to replace them, which can be expensive. You can choose from a variety of colours and finishes to give your kitchen cabinets a new look.

You can also add hardware to give them a new look. If you want to paint your kitchen cabinets, you should first clean them and then sand them down.

Make sure to prime them before you paint them. You can use a variety of painting techniques to give your kitchen cabinets a new look. You can also distress them or add glaze to them.

Check out our kitchen makeovers and request a quote or a brochure with our team.