Kitchen cabinets do more than just store dishes; they can affect the overall look of your kitchen. If your cabinets are looking dull or outdated, they may need an update. Replacing kitchen cabinets can be costly and time-consuming, so it's best left to the professionals, but consider a more subtle update. “If the majority of your cabinets are in good condition and you're happy with your current layout, a cabinet remodel is a great way to quickly give your kitchen a new look,” says Victoria Yang, associate merchant at The Home Depot Cabinet Makeover.
If you're looking to update your cabinets yourself, there are plenty of projects to consider. Perfect for the amateur DIYer, simple cosmetic updates like installing under-cabinet lighting and replacing hardware can make a big difference. If you're more handy, you might want to try your hand at more advanced remodeling techniques like painting and trim work.
Here are 12 kitchen cabinet projects to consider, from updates you can complete in a day to more thorough weekend efforts.
1. Install under-cabinet lighting.
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Under-cabinet lighting is an easy way to update your cabinets, says Brian Schoenfield, store manager at Lowe's. He recommends considering puck lights, tape lights or rope lights. “Plug-in or battery lights are easy to install DIY and provide instant gratification,” he says. “However, wired lights require installation by a skilled electrician.”
2. Replace the hardware.
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Replacing old or outdated hardware can make a big difference in the overall look of your cabinets. Shonfield points out that new hardware is also an excellent option if you're on a budget. Today's cabinet hardware options are endless and can suit almost any style preference, from modern brushed gold to traditional options in antique bronze. “When updating your cabinet hardware, you want to make sure that the new hardware matches the style of your decor and the rest of your home,” advises Shonfield.
3. Update the interior.
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When choosing the best kitchen cabinets, the inside is also important. Consider updating your interior by adding a decorative liner or wallpaper to the inside back of your cabinets. This works especially well with glass-front cabinets. Shaunfield recommends storage and organization features, which are relatively easy ways to add functionality to your kitchen.
4. Add frame or trim details.
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For those looking to add visual interest to their flat-panel slab doors, consider adding trim to achieve a Shaker style. Blogger Jaclyn Quinones of Crazy Life With Littles took on this DIY project to revamp her plain laminate cabinets. Follow her tutorial to get started.
5. Replace some of your cabinets with open shelving.
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Replacing some or all of your upper cabinets with open shelving is a great option for anyone looking to achieve a new look on a budget. The majority of the work in this kitchen renovation project is removing the old cabinets and repairing the walls. To avoid this drywall repair work, consider eliminating the doors and updating the existing boxes so they can be used as open shelves. This project is perfect for homes that don't have a lot of clutter that needs to be hidden.
6. Add a decorative touch to the center panel
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An easy way to update a framed cabinet is to renovate the center panel. Ways to do this include stencils, chalkboard paint, and wood applique. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is also a great option. To apply, first peel an edge from the adhesive and line it up with the corner of the panel. Peel the remaining portion off and smooth it out as you adhere it to the surface.
7. Install the center panel.
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Many Shaker-style doors have a floating center panel that can be easily removed by someone experienced with a router. Once removed, there are many replacement options to remodel your cabinets. Plexiglass is a cheap and easy way to get the look of a glass front panel. Or, for those who prefer the real thing, a glass shop can cut a panel to the right size. Other great options include rattan webbing (behind the glass) or beadboard panels.
8. Try a decorative toe piece.
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Sometimes the biggest impact comes from the tiniest details. Decorative toe risers can give stock kitchen cabinets the perfect finishing touch. Blogger Jenna Sue of Jenna Sue Design Co. updated her kitchen cabinets with furniture legs for a custom, upscale look. Follow her DIY tutorial to achieve this update.
9. Replace cabinet doors.
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If your cabinet boxes are in good condition, simply replacing your kitchen cabinet doors can give your kitchen a new look without buying new cabinets. Schoenfield says this project is best tackled by an intermediate DIYer. “This project can be completed in one weekend and will save you money compared to completely replacing your cabinets,” he says. The project may also require additional refinishing or painting for a seamless look. Refinishing or refinishing doors is another way to achieve a new look without buying new cabinets.
10. Replace the cabinet hinges.
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According to Schoenfield, installing or replacing cabinet hinges is an easy DIY project, whether you need them for a new door or to repair a cabinet that won't close all the way or is bent. “If you're replacing cabinet hinges, you want to make sure you have hardware that's compatible with the ones currently used on your cabinets,” he says, adding, “Once you know the style of hardware, it's as simple as removing the existing hardware, installing the new hinges, and adjusting them to fit your door correctly.”
11. Paint your cabinets.
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Painting or repainting cabinets may seem like a simple task, but it's actually a fairly labor-intensive job that's best left to experienced DIYers or professionals, as there are a lot of factors to consider before getting started. Schoenfield says you should start by assessing the condition of your cabinets to determine if you need to strip the paint or if the cabinets need repairs. He recommends using a paint stripper to easily remove the old paint.
After emptying your cabinets and cleaning the surfaces, he says, “The next step is to sand them down so they're smooth, so the paint can go on easily.” Next, you'll need to prime your cabinets. Shawnfield suggests choosing a quality paint, specifically a cabinet paint, that will give you a high-quality, smooth finish. He says, “Make sure the paint is acrylic-based, not vinyl, because it's more durable and easier to clean.”
12. Hire a pro.
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If these projects feel unmanageable or inadequate, it may be time to call in the pros. Consider a contractor or a local service like Home Depot's Cabinet Makeover program. “Home Depot Home Services offers a huge variety of kitchen cabinet and organization services to fit every home and budget,” says Yang. Services are often completed in less than a week and include replacing doors, drawers, hinges, glides, knobs and pulls.