How to Do a Kitchen Cabinet Makeover on a Budget

If you want to redecorate your kitchen but don't have the funds to purchase everything new, do not despair. A brand-new kitchen can be created just by refinishing the cabinets. In most kitchens, the cabinets are the main focus since they take up much of the space. Take a look at your old kitchen and try to imagine a whole new look just by changing the cabinets. There are several options depending on the amount of money and time that you have to invest.

Instructions

1

Paint the cabinets, which is the simplest and easiest method. Choose a color that complements the walls or countertops. If you just want to add a punch of color, use painter's tape to tape off shapes inside each cabinet face, then paint only the inside. With such a small area on each cabinet, brighter colors can be used and will not overwhelming. For all painting, clean everything with a warm damp rag. Use sandpaper to prepare the surfaces, then paint. Cabinets can be left on or removed for painting.

2

Add decorative moldings around the outsides of the cabinets for an interesting, but more difficult, change to update a kitchen. To add some depth and interest, measure the outside of each cabinet and have the decorative molding cut to size at your local hardware store. Paint the moldings and allow to dry before attaching them. Use finishing nails and glue to attach. Wood moldings can be stained any stain color in place of paint for a different look.

3

Change the hardware. This is one of the easiest things to do, giving you a real "bang for your buck." Take a look at the old hardware and match the nail or screw hole at the hardware store. Or take out the old hardware, patch up the holes with wood putty, sand and paint. Find new hardware and drill the holes accordingly. The result will be a whole new look for the kitchen.

4

Install new cabinet doors. This is the most difficult type of cabinet redecorating because it involves building an entirely new cabinet door. If you like the open look of glass-front cabinets, a new one can be made using acrylic sheets, such as Plexiglas. Measure the old cabinets and have sections of acrylic sheeting cut at the hardware store. Make a frame out of wood and attach the acrylic sections to the inside of the cabinets. Use the hinges from the old cabinets to reattach the new ones.