7 tips for transforming kitchen cabinets
Transforming kitchen cabinets is the ideal way to refresh your kitchen without having to go through all the trouble of complete renovations. Even better, instead of replacing cabinets, you can upgrade them with low-budget stuff.
Photo credit: Marie-Christine Lapointe
1. Cover cabinets with wood veneer
Dress your kitchen cabinets by covering the front of the doors with wood veneer . Start by removing the doors with their parts (hinges, screws, handles). Then cut the veneer sheets using a utility knife and glue them to the front of the doors. Complete each door by fixing the edges, and apply a coat of varnish for a clean finish. Covering your cabinets with wood panels is an easy project that can have a big impact!
Photo credit: Hometown Homes
2. Painting the kitchen cabinets
Another quick and inexpensive way to refresh your kitchen cabinets without replacing them is to paint them with interior paint , in the color of your choice. You can paint almost any kind of cabinet surface, including wood, melamine and laminate. Wood cabinets are the easiest to recoat, but melamine and laminate can also absorb paint well if they are de-glossed and sanded first.
Save yourself time and effort with the RUST-OLEUM Cabinet Transformation System . The all-inclusive system includes delustrer, exfoliating sponges, base coat, top coat, polish cloths, and stir sticks. Use the following instructions to complete your cabinets.
Photo credit: Laura Pigeon
3. Replace upper cabinets with shelves
If you have enough closed storage space in your kitchen, replace your upper kitchen cabinets with shelves . You will have more open space and a more airy atmosphere. An open shelf is easy to install, and it’s an inexpensive way to transform the look of your kitchen. This option also provides a place to store your favorite dishes and pots. You need to start by removing the old cabinets and painting the walls. Then install your new tablets. This is an easy project that shouldn’t take more than a few days to undertake.
Photo credit: Stephanie Farley
4. Mount cabinets closer to the ceiling
Many homes have more space above kitchen cabinets. You can create a more functional and modern kitchen space and mount your cabinets closer to the ceiling. Start by removing the cabinets, then raise them higher on the wall and screw them back on. Use a level to make sure the cabinets are straight. Leave a small gap between the ceiling and the cabinets to add decorative moldings .
By mounting your cabinets, you will have more space between the kitchen counter and the cabinets. You can keep this space freed up or install a shelf for additional storage.
Photo credit: Fanny Yockell
5. Add glass doors
If your cabinet doors have a frame with an interior center panel, you can give them a sophisticated look by replacing the panel with glass. You will need to remove the doors and cut the center panel using a round saw . Measure the opening and cut the glass to the size needed. Finally, apply silicone to the inside edge of the cabinet door and weight the glass to hold it securely in place. Add glass to your cabinet for an inexpensive way to create a unique look in your kitchen.
6. Change cabinet handles
In addition to making the changes described above, you can transform your kitchen cabinets with accessories like new handles and knobs. If you already like the look of the cabinets, just change the accessories. Cabinet pulls and knobs are available in several different styles to accommodate your desires. Choose between classic and modern with finishes in black, white, chrome, nickel, bronze and gold.
7. Install cabinet organizers
To modify your lower cabinets and make them more functional, install sliding shelves . These shelf units can be pulled completely out of the cabinet. They will make your job easier so that you don’t have to bend over, and will allow you to store your things all the way to the bottom. These cabinets allow for more organized storage and they are easy to install, as they already come with the necessary tools to do so.