Easy Kitchen Cabinet Makeovers

Are you looking to refresh your kitchen without spending too much money? Kitchen cabinet makeovers offer a cost-effective way to breathe new life into your space. With a few simple upgrades, you can transform dated or uninspiring cabinets into a stylish focal point over a weekend.

High-Impact Kitchen Cabinet Upgrades

Kitchen cabinet makeovers don’t have to be complicated or expensive to make a big difference. By focusing on high-impact upgrades, you can achieve a dramatic transformation with minimal effort and cost. 

1. Open Shelving

Open shelving is a popular trend that instantly updates your kitchen. By removing cabinet doors, you create a more open and airy feel. This modernizes your kitchen and allows you to display your favorite dishes, cookbooks, or decorative items. It also makes a small kitchen appear larger and more inviting.

To create open shelving, do the following:

1. Remove the cabinet doors, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
2. Fill any screw holes with wood filler.
3. Once dry, sand the filled areas until smooth.
4. Prime and paint the exposed areas to match the rest of the cabinet or choose a contrasting color for added visual interest.

Remember to keep your newly exposed shelves organized and clutter-free to maintain a clean, stylish look. Consider using baskets or decorative boxes to keep smaller items tidy.

2. Interior Curtains

For a charming look inspired by cafe windows, consider adding curtains to glass-front cabinets. This simple addition can soften your kitchen’s appearance and add a touch of whimsy. Interior curtains are particularly good for hiding less attractive items while still maintaining an open feel. 

To create interior curtains, choose a fabric that complements your kitchen’s color scheme and style and follow these steps.

1. Measure the interior of your cabinet doors.
2. Cut the fabric to size, allowing extra for pleats and hems.
3. Fold the fabric in 1-inch pleats.
4. Staple the top and bottom of the pleated fabric to the inside of the cabinet door.
5. Create fabric straps to cinch the curtains in the middle.

This easy upgrade allows you to change the look of your cabinets seasonally or whenever you want a quick refresh. For an added touch, try using different patterns or colors to match holidays or special occasions.

3. Painted Borders

Adding painted borders can make plain slab doors look more detailed or emphasize the existing rails and stiles on panel doors. A pop of bold color can add interest to your cabinets. Adding painted borders can help tie your cabinetry into the overall color scheme of your kitchen, ensuring a cohesive look.

To create painted borders:

1. Choose a contrasting color that complements your kitchen’s color scheme.
2. Use painter’s tape to mask off a 1- to 2-inch border around the edges of your cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
3. Paint the exposed areas with your chosen color.
4. Remove the tape carefully once the paint is tacky but not fully dry to reveal crisp, clean lines.

For added impact, consider painting your cabinets’ interior in the same accent color. This not only coordinates with the exterior but also creates a pleasant surprise every time you open the cabinet doors.

4. Door Cutouts

Delicate cutouts can add a touch of handcrafted charm to your kitchen cabinets. This technique works particularly well with solid wood doors and can be customized to suit various design styles, from traditional to modern. Cutouts can also allow for better ventilation in cupboards that store produce or other items needing airflow.

To create door cutouts:

1. Choose a design that complements your kitchen’s style.
2. Trace the design onto your cabinet doors.
3. Use a drill to create starter holes for your jigsaw.
4. Carefully cut out the design using a jigsaw.
5. Sand the edges of the cutout until smooth.
6. Prime and paint the door, including the cutout area.

If you prefer a less permanent option or don’t have a jigsaw, you can achieve a similar look using paint and a stencil. This method allows you to change the design more easily in the future, giving you the flexibility to experiment with different patterns and shapes.

Additional Cabinet Makeover Ideas

In addition to the techniques mentioned above, there are several other ways to give your kitchen cabinets a fresh look.

Hardware Update

One of the quickest and easiest ways to update your cabinets is by replacing the hardware. New knobs, pulls, and hinges can dramatically change your kitchen’s look. Choose hardware that complements your kitchen’s style and color scheme. Whether you prefer sleek metal handles or vintage-inspired glass knobs, selecting new hardware can significantly enhance your cabinetry’s appearance.

Glass Inserts

Open shelving isn’t the only way to increase the appearance of space. Glass inserts look interesting and create openness. You can use clear glass for a traditional look or opt for frosted or textured glass for a more modern feel. Glass inserts also allow you to showcase your favorite dishware or decorative items.

Two-Tone Paint

Create a striking look by painting your upper and lower cabinets in different colors. This technique can add depth and flair to your kitchen. Choose colors that complement each other and your overall kitchen design for the best results. For instance, you might opt for a neutral color on the base cabinets and a bolder hue on the top, creating a balanced yet eye-catching effect.