Revamping kitchen cupboards is one of the best ideas you can work on if you want to upgrade the look of your kitchen. It not only adds to the overall look of your kitchen but can also increase the resale value of your home. However, updating cabinets can be a costly affair, especially if you are working on a tight budget.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll share 7 creative ways to renovate kitchen cabinets and give them a fresh new look without breaking the bank. Whether you’re into easy DIY projects or affordable upgrades, there’s something here for everyone!

Whether you’re trying to modernize your old cabinets or just hoping to bring some personality and charm to your kitchen or bathroom, the following tips will help you do so without spending an arm and a leg.

Let’s get started!

Signs That It’s Time to Renovate Your Kitchen Cabinets

Before we get to the renovation part, you should know when you might want to give those cabinets a makeover. If you see any of the below, then it’s most likely time for a makeover:

Outdated design

• Unless your cabinets are less than a decade old, they are probably outdated in design and color. The design of kitchens is a trend that doesn’t stay in one place!

Damaged or worn-out cabinets

• Wear and tear will inevitably happen over the years. Cracked wood, chipped paint, loose hinges, or broken doors are some of the surefire signs that your cabinets have seen better days.

Lack of storage space

• Are you always running out of room on your countertop for all your kitchen essentials? If the answer is yes, then it’s time to entertain the idea of increasing the number of storage options through renovations to cabinets.

Outdated layout

• Now, if your current cabinet organization is stifling how you move in the kitchen, then you need to mix things up. A well-planned cabinet renovation can make cooking and meal preparation a whole lot easier with the addition of pull-out shelves or deep drawers that provide easy access to pots and pans.

Here are the signs it’s time to renovate your cabinets.

7 Best Ways to Renovate Kitchen Cabinets for a Fresh Look

So now you know the signs that your kitchen cabinets need an upgrade, let’s look at some of the best ways for you to spruce them up. Whether you are looking for a little facelift or a total gut, we have ideas for how to update your kitchen cabinets.

Repainting or Refinishing

The simplest and least expensive way to renovate kitchen cabinets is by giving them a fresh coat of paint or refinishing them. A new coat of paint can change old and worn-looking cabinets into new and finally showpieces. You can go with bright, neutral colors for an airy, open feel, or choose a dramatic color for a cozier atmosphere.

Refinishing — sanding them down and staining or sealing them again — is the best option if you want to keep the wood’s grain and color. Both solutions rejuvenate your kitchen without requiring an entire replacement. Sound preparation and good-quality materials are important in achieving a durable finish.

Replacing Hardware

Old hardware is one of those quick and easy upgrades. New knobs, pulls and hinges can transform the look of your cabinets, whether you favor something traditional, modern, rustic, or minimalist. Hardware comes in a variety of finishes — think brushed nickel, matte black, or brass — so you can match your kitchen’s overall décor.

It’s a budget-friendly project that can often be done in the afternoon. Find hardware that is the same size as existing drill holes, to avoid patching. More subtle details, like chic handles, can go a long way in updating the look of your cabinets without a full-on reno.

Adding Glass Inserts

For a more custom look and a sleeker feel, you may also have glass inserts installed in some of your cabinet doors. Clear, frosted, and/or textured glass can be used instead of solid panels to add interest and open up the space. It’s a perfect way to display beautiful dishware or collectibles without overtaking the kitchen.

Instead, glass inserts can add a more polished aesthetic to the upper cabinets and be installed professionally or tackled as a skilled DIY project. If you’re concerned about maintenance, consider frosted or seeded glass, which does a better job than clear panes at concealing fingerprints and smudges. This touch brings a level of sophistication to your kitchen.

Installing Pull-Out Shelves

Installing pull-out shelves inside of your existing cabinets adds convenience and function to your home and gives your kitchen a modern, organized look. 

Pull-outs are a great addition when installing cupboards, keeping pots, pans, groceries, and canned goods easily accessible. They ensure everything stays at a constant height, eliminating the need to stoop or reach into dark, cluttered cabinets. By incorporating pull-outs, you can maximize your storage space and keep your kitchen organized and convenient.

Numerous pull-out shelf kits are available for DIY installation in standard cabinet openings. Opt for heavy-duty ones with smooth glides that will last. Pull-Out Shelves Add More Than Practicality. With greater accessibility and ease of use, pull-out shelves make the functional side of your kitchen more modern while giving it that fresh update.

Refacing Cabinet Doors

If the cabinet frames are still sturdy, but the doors are looking a bit dated, refacing offers an optimal middle ground. This procedure entails the installation of new cabinet doors and drawer fronts, but not the new boxes. New veneers are added to exposed surfaces, providing a consistent appearance with the new doors.

Refacing is more affordable than a complete replacement, but the end result is a dramatic transformation. There is a vast range of styles, colors, and finishes to complement your design. It’s a very powerful way to rebuild your kitchen without going through all the mess and expense of wrecking everything.

Installing New Cabinets

If the cabinet is structurally damaged or just completely outdated, then you may want to consider replacing it with a new cabinet. Today’s cabinets can be better built, with more useful designs and more appealing finishes. This decision will also enable you to rearrange the layout of your kitchen for better flow and storage.

This is the most costly of all the types of reno, but it is also the most value-adding and design flexible. Partner with an expert kitchen designer or contractor to find cabinets that are the best fit for you, your lifestyle, and your budget. New cabinets can change the look of your kitchen dramatically and can help to raise the value of your home.

Do It Yourself Trim and Moulding Ideas

Enhancing your kitchen cabinets with trim, crown molding, or other decorative elements can instantly elevate them to a high-end, custom look. Features like beadboard inserts, base molding, or light valances add depth, texture, and a polished finish to your cabinetry—all without the need for a full-scale renovation. It’s a professional yet cost-effective way to renovate kitchen cabinets and transform the overall aesthetic of your space.

Crown moulding on top of cabinets takes the upper cabinetry to the ceiling, which gives the room a more built-in and higher-end look.” 6. Trim and molding tasks have a high return on investment and can be done on a weekend. It’s a wonderful trick to spice up your kitchen’s appearance on the cheap.

How Much Does It Cost to Renovate Kitchen Cabinets?

The price of a kitchen cabinet remodeling project will depend on the amount of work to be done and the materials used. Simple updates — such as painting, refacing, hardware renewal, or adding decorative molding — run an average of $4,000 to $10,000. For a complete remodel, which includes new cabinets, countertops, and appliances, expect to spend between $20,000 and $50,000 or more.

That way you can minimize the cost of upgrades by only upgrading what you need and what you want. Improvements like kitchen cabinet refacing all wind up contributing to a good ROI of 80-85%, when the time comes to sell. This also makes it a great choice for improving functionality and home value.

When choosing materials for your renovation of kitchen cabinet renovation, options include wood, laminate, metal, bamboo, or reclaimed wood—each with its own unique features and price range. Researching your options carefully will help you make the best decision for your project.

Is Professional Assistance Necessary?

Renovating your kitchen cabinets can be a daunting task if you have no prior experience with carpentry or home improvement / DIY projects. Some people may choose to do the project on their own, but it is advisable to assess the need for professional help.

If you’re fairly handy and have (or can borrow) a few common tools, you can do your own kitchen cabinet refacing. But although some can do it under the table, for those who do not have experience or are unsure how to bite the bullet, maybe the easiest and simplest solution would be to hire help.

While hiring a contractor or a carpenter will cost extra money, they are experts with adequate knowledge of how to cut steps and can alleviate time and stress. Not only that, but they can offer excellent advice regarding materials, design, and layout in a way that might not have been considered.

Mistakes to Avoid When Renovating Kitchen Cabinets

Refurbishing kitchen cabinets is a huge undertaking, and it’s a job that, whether it’s painting, replacing hardware, re-facing, or something else, you’ll probably have to hire someone to do. Here’s a list of a few things to avoid when it’s time to renovate your kitchen cabinets:

• No direction: Having a plan before you begin a renovation is key to achieving a successful project. This includes deciding on a budget, establishing a timeline, and determining your goal. With no clear plan, you could overspend or find yourself dealing with unanticipated delays.
• Underestimating the time and effort involved: Renovating kitchen cabinets can be a time and labor-intensive task, so it’s critical to have a realistic idea of what you’re getting into. Make sure to consider time for research, sourcing materials, and doing the renovation itself.
• Overlooking function: Although beauty is an important consideration, you need to take function into account too, when updating kitchen cabinets. Think about how you will utilize your kitchen and ensure that the design and placement of your cabinets will be suitable.
• Neglecting storage: Kitchen cabinets aren’t just for displaying fine dishes or your latest culinary haul; they provide the storage that makes your kitchen more efficient. Question 2: Material Estimate During the planning phase of your renovation, consider what you want to be able to store; you’ll want plenty of space for it.
• Not consulting professional help: If you don’t have a background in cabinetry or carpentry, you should check in with the pros when it comes to designing and installing kitchen cabinets. A pro can provide advice on how to maximize the space and ensure it is properly configured to last long-term.

Aware of these errors, you can sidestep making them yourself and make your kitchen look good while functioning in every way as well for your everyday needs.

Choose SFKB PRO for Your Stress-Free Kitchen Cabinet Needs

Searching for an easy way to upgrade your kitchen cabinets? SFKB PRO has you covered! Our focus is on custom-built, refaced, or repaired cabinets to simplify the process of changing your space.

Get a personalized design consultation — in the comfort of your home — and at prices that are 20%-30% less than showroom prices. Whether you are a lover of the shaker style or you prefer the clean look of a flat panel design, we have designs that perfectly combine style and function.

We never use cheap materials; our materials are sustainable,e and our team ensures that the installation is perfect. Bonus: You can be confident with our five-year warranty. From beginning to completion, we handle all, ensuring your project is on budget and on time.

Ready to update your kitchen? Call us TODAY for your no-obligation consultation and experience the SFKB PRO difference!

FAQs

Conclusion

Refacing Kitchen Cabinets. Your kitchen is the ultimate workhorse of your home, a room that is used by everyone who comes into your home.

Little things like painting, refacing cabinets, swapping out hardware, or including a few custom touches, like pullout shelves, can make a big impact.

Success hinges on thoughtful preparation, focusing on the essential, and avoiding common renovation mistakes. A modern, functioning kitchen is possible even on a tight budget, with proper planning.

SFKB PRO For those interested in high-end cabinets professionally built, SFKB PRO offers luxury cabinets and personal service that can’t be matched. Our designers are committed to designing your idea and making it a reality with excellence in the form of accuracy, exquisite, and long-lasting quality.