Improve Your Kitchen Design By Updating Your Kitchen Cabinets
The cost of replacing kitchen cabinets can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousands of dollars, depending on the types of materials chosen. For a lot of us, that is simply too much to spend. Instead of ditching the old, if your kitchen cabinets are still workable, you have a lot of options to get at least a few more years out of them.
Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets
The most common way to update kitchen cabinets is by painting them. This can work well – if you use the right kind of paint and the right technique. Here are a few pro tips to make sure the job turns out right.
- Sand the cabinets. The old finish has to be removed or the paint won’t adhere properly.
- Prime them first. Even if your paint can says it is paint and primer in one, prime the kitchen cabinets anyway. This will make the end result look better and you’ll get a truer application of color.
- Use oil based paint. This type of paint will penetrate wood and provide a much better finished look.
Kitchen Design Idea – Stenciled Cabinet Fronts
Once you’re done painting the cabinets (and they’re dry!), step your kitchen design up a notch by adding a stenciled design to the fronts. Tape up a stencil and use acrylic paint and an art brush to apply the design.
Refinishing Your Kitchen Cabinets
If painted wood makes you cringe, you can restain the cabinets to a new color. This isn’t a project for the work averse, it will take some time and effort.
- Sand down the old finish. Save time by using an electric hand sander. This will reveal the wood faster and help you get into kitchen cabinet edges.
- Use tack cloths to get up stubborn sanding dust. This keeps the finish looking great.
- Stain once, poly coat twice. Don’t forget to sand in between coats! This little pro tip is what separates good from the truly excellent kitchen cabinets.
Kitchen Design Idea – Two-Toned Cabinets
Kitchen Cabinets
Want an entirely new look? Stain the frame of the cabinetry with a light maple finish and the doors with a rich mahogany finish.
Refacing Your Kitchen Cabinets
You can update plain cabinets by refacing them with new cabinet doors. This allows you to retain the expensive part – the cabinet frame, while still giving you a truly new look at a lesser expense. Keep in mind you will most likely need to purchase new door hardware and this can be pricey.
Kitchen Design Idea – Glass Front Cabinets
Give your kitchen a modern update with glass front kitchen cabinets. This kitchen design idea is ideal for those who have decorative china or glassware. You won’t need a china hutch if you’ve got these cabinets in your kitchen.
The downside is having to keep your cabinets ordered, but in the long run, this pays off too. These are just a few kitchen design ideas to get you started. Let your own creativity guide you and see what you can come up with!