Revamp Kitchen Cabinets: Quick Tips For An Easy Update

There are many ways to update your kitchen without the hassle of replacing or painting your cabinets. A simple and cost-effective method is to paint or stain your cabinets, which can be done over a weekend. You can also distress your cabinets with paint to add texture. Another option is to reface your cabinets by removing the existing drawers and doors, adding a new paint, stain, veneer, or laminate, and then installing new drawers and doors. If you're not up for a big project, you can make a few small changes with a big impact, such as changing the cabinet handles, adding under-cabinet lighting, or updating your backsplash and lighting fixtures. These simple updates can give your kitchen a fresh, new look without the need for a major overhaul.

Update your kitchen lighting

Updating your kitchen lighting can make a big difference without a big price tag. Here are some ways to update your kitchen lighting:

Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting is ideal for kitchens and can be found in most new homes. If your kitchen ceiling is flat, it probably has one or more light fixtures mounted on its surface. Updating it to recessed lighting is a simple process that involves removing the old fixtures, installing the recessed lights, and repairing any ceiling damage.

Under-Cabinet Lighting

Under-cabinet lighting is a great way to illuminate countertops and prep areas. LED light bars and rope lights are long and narrow, easily installed, and come in a variety of lengths. They can be hardwired into the wall for a seamless look or simply plugged in.

Pendant Lights

If your kitchen has an island or breakfast bar, consider hanging pendant lights above it. Pendant lighting adds style to the space and can help anchor a kitchen island in an open-concept home.

Chandeliers

Adding a chandelier to your kitchen can really spice things up. Don't be afraid to go fancy, as the simple and functional elements of your kitchen will balance out an elaborate chandelier.

Flush Mounts

Swapping out a standard ceiling fixture for a decorative flush mount with details like geometric cutouts is a quick and dramatic addition that only requires a few twists of a screwdriver.

Track Lighting

If a single ceiling light isn't cutting it, track lighting is an excellent solution. With a single ceiling junction box, you can install a track light system that will allow you to direct light wherever you need it most.

Change your wall paint colour

Painting your walls is a great way to update your kitchen without painting your cabinets. It's a simple and inexpensive way to freshen up your space and make it feel clean and bright. When choosing a wall colour, it's important to consider the colour of your cabinets. If you have oak cabinets, warmer colours like cream, beige, light grey, and warm greens will minimise the orange tones in the wood. Cooler colours like grey, blue, or purple will make the orange stand out more.

If you want to keep your walls light and bright, consider painting them white. White walls can make your kitchen feel larger and more airy, especially if you paint the trim white as well. This classic colour palette of neutral brown, white, and black will always be in style. You can add pops of colour with your accessories and decor, which can easily be changed if you want to switch things up.

If you're feeling more adventurous, you might want to consider a bold colour like red or yellow. These colours can make a statement and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in your kitchen. Just be sure that you're choosing a shade that you'll love for the long term, as it can be a hassle to repaint your walls too often.

No matter what colour you choose, make sure it complements your oak cabinets and creates the atmosphere you want in your kitchen. You can also use wallpaper to add colour and pattern to your kitchen walls, backsplash, or even ceiling. Just make sure to choose a wallpaper that can be easily wiped clean so that it's durable and easy to maintain.

Change the hardware

Changing the hardware on your kitchen cabinets is a simple and effective way to update their look without painting them. It is a quick and easy project that can be done in an afternoon and will give your kitchen a whole new feel.

When choosing new hardware, opt for warm metals like brass, gold, or copper if your cabinets are wooden. Cool-toned metals like stainless steel and chrome are less likely to complement wood. If you're not painting your cabinets, be sure to pay attention to the hole spacing of your existing cabinets and order hardware that fits the existing holes.

If you're looking for a more dramatic change, you can replace the cabinet doors entirely. This is a more involved project but can be done by most people. Just be sure to measure the existing doors before shopping for new ones, and keep in mind that you may need to make adjustments to the cabinets themselves to get the new doors to fit properly.

You can also change the style of your cabinet doors without replacing them by adding new hardware or trim. This is a great way to give your kitchen a fresh look without making any permanent changes.

Add modern furniture and decor

Updating your kitchen with modern furniture and decor is a great way to give it a fresh look without the hassle and expense of a complete renovation. Here are some ideas to achieve this:

Backsplash

A new backsplash can instantly modernise your kitchen. Opt for clean, modern styles like white subway tiles to add contrast and brighten up the space, especially if you have dark wood cabinets. This simple update can make a big difference and is relatively inexpensive.

Lighting

Updating your lighting fixtures is an easy way to bring your kitchen into the modern age. Choose light fixtures with white shades to add brightness and a fresh, clean look to your kitchen. Pendant lights can be a great way to tie the whole room together and make a stylish statement.

Cabinet Hardware

Changing the hardware on your cabinets is a simple and effective way to modernise your kitchen. Look for modern, streamlined designs in warm metals like brass, gold, or copper to complement wood cabinets. This is an affordable update that can be done in an afternoon and will give your cabinets new life.

Soft-Close Hinges

While not visible, soft-close hinges are a great way to give your kitchen a more modern, custom feel. These simple devices can be added to existing cabinet doors to give them a soft-close feature, which is a hallmark of high-end kitchens.

Styling

Don't underestimate the power of styling and accessories to update your kitchen. Use functional styling pieces and decor to create a fresh, modern look. Try using trays to corral clutter and create intentional, collected displays. Add plants, artwork, and functional items like utensil holders and cutting boards to create a modern and stylish space.

Stools

Updating your barstools or kitchen chairs is an easy way to bring modern style to your kitchen. Look for inexpensive options that you can customise with new fabric to tie the space together and give it a fresh look.

Paint

While you may not want to paint your cabinets, consider painting other elements in your kitchen to give it a modern update. Painting the walls or the pantry door with a light, warm colour can help brighten the space and make it feel more modern.

Update your countertops

Updating your countertops can give your kitchen a whole new look. Here are some ways to do it without replacing them:

Paint your countertops

Painting your countertops is a more permanent option than using peel-and-stick paper and can be done with acrylic paint or specialised countertop paint. Before painting, ensure your countertops are clean and free of debris, and lightly sand the surface so that the paint will stick better. If you are using regular paint, prime the surface first. Use a paint roller for an even finish and apply at least two coats for full coverage. Finally, seal the surface with a resin made for countertops.

Use peel-and-stick paper

Peel-and-stick paper is a great option for rented properties or if you want a temporary solution. It comes in a variety of styles, such as wood or marble, and can be easily applied to your countertops. Before applying, clean your countertops and remove any greasy substances. During application, be sure to remove any air bubbles that may get trapped underneath. You will also need to cut the paper to size with a sharp knife.

Use a refinishing kit

A refinishing kit contains all the tools and paint you need to achieve professional-looking countertops. It is similar to painting your countertops yourself but is a complete kit that ensures you have everything you need. Be sure to choose a refinishing kit that is suitable for your countertop surface.

Apply tiles

Applying tiles to your countertops can be done particularly well on a laminate surface. Before applying the tiles, ensure that the surface is level and not broken. Clean and sand the countertop, use a laminate adhesive, then apply fiberglass paper and a light coating of mortar.

Use contact paper

Contact paper is a temporary solution often used when you want a fresh-looking kitchen before having permanent work done. It can be tricky to measure and cut, but with some time and effort, the desired look can be achieved. Use a strong adhesive to prevent the paper from peeling and keep long fingernails away from the surface to avoid scratches and nicks.

Frequently asked questions