Kitchen cabinets update

10 Simple Ideas to Update your Kitchen Cabinets

Want to give your outdated or factory-grade cabinets a designer look without the high price tag? Before you spend a fortune ripping them out and replacing them, try some of these tricks for a custom, high-end look on a DIYers budget. Most of these can be tackled yourself over a long weekend!

We’re currently in the middle of our Hacienda Hideaway kitchen build, and I’ve spent the last year gathering up all the dreamy inspiration to take my design to the next level. I thought it would be fun to share with you the best ideas I found—almost all of which I’m incorporating into my upcoming plans.

Jump to:

1. Paint

No revelation here—a fresh coat of paint is always the biggest bang for your buck. Most cabinet surfaces can be repainted with a high quality primer and specialty paint. I’ve had great results with Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin Williams Urethane Enamel, both designed for cabinetry and highly recommended by pros/DIYers.

If you don’t want to commit to a full color makeover, try painting just the upper, lower or island cabinets. Introducing a second color will add visual interest, and help keep the space from feeling too one-dimensional. Even using a few shades lighter or darker than your existing cabinets will give your kitchen a more custom feel.

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Check out my detailed guide to Painting Cabinets like a Pro, and my Paint Roller Test results. The power of paint can’t be emphasized enough!

2. New cabinet hardware

A quick fix that can go a long way to update the look of your cabinets. Hardware is the ‘jewelry’ of your kitchen, so you can add some personality here!

Today, there are endless options at every price point, suited for any design style. This is one area where you don’t have to splurge to find something that looks and feels high-end. Sites like Amazon, Lowe’s and Home Depot and even Etsy have a large selection of affordable cabinet hardware (those are my top go-tos on a budget).

When replacing drawer pulls, you have three options:

Find replacements that match your existing hole center measurements
Patch over the old holes and repaint
Order pulls with backplates to cover the old holes

Option 1 and 3 are the easiest, but they limit your replacement choices. Option 2 requires some extra work. You could also opt for a solid bar handle style like this that will cover over the old holes.

Pro tip: use a cabinet hardware jig to drill perfect holes and save time! We’re using this one for our upcoming hardware install:

3. Replace your cabinet doors

This is the biggest investment (both in time and $) on this list, but you may find it necessary to make the biggest impact. If you’re happy with the overall layout of your kitchen but have outdated or damaged doors, it’s worth looking into refacing your cabinets.

Pinvia Remodelista

There are several companies (both local and online) who can create custom door and drawer fronts that fit your existing cabinets. With a little extra modification, you can even upgrade your doors to drawers, which are often a more efficient use of space.

PinAngela Rose Slim Shaker Detail doors from Nieu Cabinet Doors

We’re working with Nieu Cabinet Doors for our Hacienda kitchen remodel, and so far the process has been very straightforward. Door installation starts this week—you can follow along in my Instagram stories!

4. Elevate your doors with molding

If replacing your doors/drawer fronts completely is not an option, consider updating them with molding. This is one of my favorite simple DIY tricks for doors of any size (check out my easy DIY door upgrade tutorial).

This process is ideal for plain slab or shaker style doors, when you want to take them to the next level. We upgraded our shaker closet doors with skinny molding to give it an elevated, custom look. The magic is in the details!

You could also experiment with other types of molding such as fluting, like we did below with these DIY fluted Ikea cabinet doors:

Another idea to consider: add molding along the bottom edge of your cabinet boxes for a more polished look.

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5. Don’t ignore the ends of cabinets

Cabinet ends are another (often ignored) opportunity to customize your kitchen. This can be a simple DIY using molding, or thin cover panels such as beadboard.

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Simple shaker trim will work with nearly any style of cabinetry:

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Islands are the perfect spot to add more details and help define the style of the room. In our Hacienda kitchen, we opted to clad both the sides of the cabinets and the island in vertical shiplap:

An ‘X’ shape is another popular look and easy to create with trim:

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You could also make a statement with a pattern on the back of an island using wallpaper or tile:

Pinvia Tamara Rene Designs

6. Add decorative toe kicks

This custom detail was at the top of my wishlist for our Hacienda Hideaway kitchen. After gathering up inspiration on Pinterest, we came up with an arched valance toe kick design and fabricated them for our cabinetry (full tutorial coming soon!)

PinProgress shot from yesterday!

Most people don’t even realize there are more options beyond the standard toe kick recess, and that’s one reason they make such a statement—they’re very rare! You will spot them if you study projects from top interior designers. This kitchen by Warmington & North was a huge inspiration for our toe kick design:

In our own kitchen, we added individual feet to the bottom of the cabinets, which is the simplest way to dress them up.

In our Riverside Retreat kitchen, we installed a flush toe kick, which only required some additional 2×4” blocking to extend the face of the toe kick, finished off with quarter round.

Any of these non-standard options will make your cabinets look more like built-in furniture and create a sense of a thoughtful, intentional design.

7. Go open on the uppers

If you have enough closed storage space and like the idea of displaying your favorite dishes or drinkware, consider replacing one or more of your upper cabinets with open shelving.

Pinvia House Seven Design

We opted for an entire wall of open shelving in our own kitchen, and love how easy it is to access our everyday dishes. While our kitchen isn’t huge and we could have used the extra hidden storage, the open shelving makes the space feel larger, and provides more character than a wall of cabinets.

I also chose this route for the Riverside Retreat kitchen, replacing the old upper cabinets with two sets of shelves.

A simpler (and less permanent) alternative to open shelving would be to remove the doors from your upper cabinets for an ‘open’ feel. I love the idea of painting the boxes the same color as the wall, so they blend in and feel less like cabinets. You could have fun with it by adding wallpaper, or even peel and stick tile to the back wall.

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8. Add glass inserts to your doors

Here’s an alternative to removing your upper cabinet doors: add glass inserts instead! This will still allow you to display your favorite dishes while keeping them dust-free. A local glass company should be able to modify your existing doors and replace the inner panel with glass (slab doors may require additional customization).

Pinvia Remodelista

Feel free to get creative and consider using reeded, leaded or tinted glass, or applying a mullion insert. Take it a step further with unique options like cane webbing, wire mesh or antique mirror glass.

Pinvia från KvänumPinvia Traditional HomePinvia Marie FlaniganPinvia Chelsea K Designs

This is a great area to add your own personal style to your kitchen and experiment with something new.

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9. Extend your upper cabinets to the ceiling

Empty space above upper cabinets is one of my biggest design pet peeves, but fortunately, it’s a relatively simple fix! Filling in that gap will instantly make the room feel taller and more finished.

Pinvia Chris Loves Julia

There are multiple ways to go about this, and plenty of great before/after tutorials online. The quickest solution requires framing out the empty space, attaching filler pieces, crown molding and painting to match your existing cabinets.

Pinvia Inspiration for Moms

You can simply cover the gap with panels, or build functional cabinet boxes for usable storage.

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Another option is to raise the cabinet boxes higher, and add an open shelf below.

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While you’re at it, consider building in a surround for your fridge, as well. Covering up the sides of an exposed fridge will instantly make your kitchen feel more polished.

Pinvia Dana Plus David

We built a custom surround in the Riverside Retreat kitchen with Ikea cabinets and plywood panels:

10. Incorporate an antique piece

This is my personal favorite kitchen design trick. I used two vintage pieces in our kitchen—this wood hutch that holds our drink ware, microwave and toaster:

And this barrister bookcase that serves as our pantry:

Inspired by Lauren Leiss:

Vintage pieces can easily be refinished to your taste (both of mine were) and are often much more affordable than cabinetry. They add a ton of character and will separate your kitchen from builder-grade basic.

I try to incorporate at least one vintage piece into every room, and the kitchen is no exception. In the Riverside Retreat, I found a secondhand $50 kitchen table, painted and raised it with casters, and turned it into a movable island:

Consider replacing one of your cabinets (upper or lower) with an antique piece, or simply adding an old hutch if there is space.

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And there you have it—ten designer-approved ways to transform your kitchen cabinets. Do you have a favorite? Hopefully this inspired you to get creative with your existing cabinets if you don’t have the desire or budget to replace them. You might be surprised at the difference one small detail can make!

Looking for more DIY kitchen ideas? Check out these favorite past projects:

DIY Range Hood Tutorial
Subway Tile Install Tips
Rustic Floating Shelves
Custom Ikea Pax Pantry
Customized Ikea Kitchen Reveal

While we continue to work on our Hacienda kitchen cabinets, I’ll be checking in on Instagram stories with our progress. Next week: new landscaping at the Heights House!

10 Ways to Redo Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Them

How can I update my kitchen cabinets without replacing them?

If you’re looking to reface, refurbish, or refresh your kitchen cabinets without a major overhaul, this list is for you. We’ve rounded up 10 ways you can do this with some standard tools, straightforward installations, pre-made kits, and more.

1. Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Your cavelike kitchen feels that way because the dark cabinets have sucked all the light out of the room. But a brighter makeover doesn't necessarily mean replacing those gloomy boxes with all-new ones. As long as the frames and doors are structurally sound, you can clean them up and brush on a fresh coat of paint—and within a weekend take that kitchen from dreary to sunny.

For full step-by-step instructions, shopping list, and tools list, see How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets.

Here are some different techniques to give your kitchen cabinets more personality:

Crackle

Photo by Brad Simmons/Beateworks/Corbis

Color changes everything. But color with a little flair can change the style of your cabinets from plain and simple to shabby chic, rustic, provincial, or modern. Here are a few of our favorite faux finishes that can spice up your kitchen’s style.

This weathered finish comes from a special “crackling glaze” available at paint stores. Apply the glaze over a dry base coat, brushing in only one direction (thick for large cracks and thin for fine cracks). Let it dry, then finish with a flat top coat of the base color, brushed on perpendicular to the glaze. The paint will start to form cracks as it dries, a process that takes about an hour.

Distressed

Photo by William Geddes/Beateworks/Corbis

Whether it’s simply worn or truly beat up, this rustic finish is made up of layered colors and spattered dark paint (to mimic fly specks). When the paint is dry, you can “distress” the finish by hitting it with a chain and lightly sanding in the spots where cabinets get the most use to reveal the colors underneath.

Antiqued

Photo by Ted Dayton Photography/Beateworks/Corbis

This provincial look evokes a slowly aged surface. Speed the aging process by dipping the tips of a paintbrush in a color lighter than the cabinets, dabbing the excess onto a cloth until the brush is almost dry and lightly grazing the surface of detail trim, corners, or seams.

High Gloss

Photo by David Papazian/Beateworks/Corbis

Not only will a high-gloss finish repel dirty fingerprints better than any matte (and it’s easier to wipe clean), it will also simulate the look of metal or glass in a modern setting. To shine up your smooth cabinets, paint a high-gloss clear acrylic varnish over your final coat to add depth and effect a glassy finish

2. Reface Kitchen Cabinets

Photo by David Carmack

That sweet old woman you bought your house from is truly wonderful—really, she is—especially the way she gave out homemade cookies during the holidays. But, that kitchen where she baked them—it's ugly. What's old may be new again, but those grease-caked, kid-scratched cabinets have to go.

We're not saying you must gut and rebuild. Instead of spending, say, $5,000 on new cabinets, save some serious cash and reface the ones you have for under $1,000. It's amazing what a little veneer and some new doors can do to brighten an aging space. Both are available through woodworking companies, and some manufactures offer peel-and-stick veneer to make the task simpler. Just be sure to measure twice and cut once. Work carefully, and your kitchen will look brand-new in no time.

For full step-by-step instructions, shopping list, and tools list, see How to Reface Kitchen Cabinets.

3. Install a Pull-Out Cabinet Shelf

Photo by Kolin Smith

Make the most of your kitchen's existing storage space by installing a pull-out shelf in one—or all—of the base cabinets. The shelf resembles a shallow drawer that glides out for easy access to items stored in the back of the cabinet.

Our shelf was built for a standard 24-inch-deep by 33-inch-wide base cabinet, but its design is adaptable to virtually any size cabinet. It has a 1x4 pine frame and ¾-inch birch plywood bottom. If you're only building one or two shelves, you can save some money by going to a home center or lumberyard that sells quarter or half sheets of plywood. And in most cases, they'll even cut the plywood to your dimensions.

If you've never attempted a woodworking project as seemingly complex as this one, don't worry. TOH Master Carpenter Norm Abram created a simplified, straightforward design that can be easily constructed with ordinary tools.

For full step-by-step instructions, shopping list, and tools list, see How to Install a Pull-Out Cabinet Shelf.

4. Put in Undercabinet Lighting

Photo by Kolin Smith

There's a missing element in most American kitchens, and it's not a $7,500 range or a 4-acre refrigerator. No, it's simply good lighting. The hidden fixtures of undercabinet task lighting, which are fairly easy to retrofit beneath upper wall cabinets, bathe the countertop in bright white light—a boon for everything from dicing veggies to reading recipes.

Connect the fixtures to a dimmer switch, and you also have the key to dramatic accent lighting or a night light for midnight snackers. If you're a bit tentative about working with electricity, don't worry. This installation is simple and shock-free, as long as you cut the juice at the breaker box first.

For full step-by-step instructions, shopping list, and tools list, see How to Install Undercabinet Lighting.

5. Build a Butcher Block Island

Photo by David Carmack

If you're going for homey and cozy in your kitchen, skip the built-in cabinet-base island and instead make the central work area a furniture-like table with a butcher-block counter. Because these thick wood-slab tops have their edge or end grain exposed, they are stronger than wood laid on the flat. That means they resist warping and nicks better than laminate and almost as well as stone.

Butcher-block islands mimicking 19th-century worktables are perfect for toning down the coldness of stone counters and metal appliances in modern cook spaces. You can bring this classic aesthetic to your kitchen by constructing a prep island from easy-to-buy materials or choosing one of the dozens of styles available through retailers and furniture makers.

For full step-by-step instructions, shopping list, and tools list, see How to Build a Butcher Block Island.

6. Build a Sideboard

Photo by Wendall Weber

Dishware, serving pieces, table linens—a sideboard packs a whole lot of storage space into a relatively small footprint, making it a handy addition to any household. A sturdy, high-quality one can leave a thousand-dollar dent in your finances, but as TOH general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates, you can enhance a few stock kitchen base cabinets with molding, furniture feet, and knobs to produce a handcrafted piece for a fraction of the cost of buying one ready-made.

Opt for unfinished 15- or 18-inch cabinets fitted with doors and operable drawers (not the fake drawer fronts used for sink cabinets) and take a day to put all the pieces together. Your handsome creation will turn heads at dinner parties for years to come.

For full step-by-step instructions, shopping list, and tools list, see How to Build a Sideboard from Stock Cabinets.

7. Build a Window Seat

Photo by Thomas-Rouchard Studios

As attractive as window seats are, only a few older homes with deep dormers seem to have them. And adding a window seat has always been considered impractical. First, you need a niche that features a window. Then, the seat has to be custom-built by a cabinetmaker or trim carpenter to fit the exact width and sill height of the window. Not surprisingly, this approach is expensive and time-consuming.

This simple, do-it-yourself approach provides both the "niche" and the window seat, and an abundance of storage space. This seat was built under a 6-foot-wide kitchen window, but its design can easily be adapted for any size window in almost any room. The seat is made up of six kitchen wall cabinets and two 48-inch-tall bookcase units, which are trimmed with decorative crown molding. The window seat itself is composed of two 15-inch-tall, over-the-refrigerator cabinets set side-by-side.

For full step-by-step instructions, shopping list, and tools list, see How to Build a Window Seat.

8. Add a Plate Rack

Photo by Stephen Karlisch

You could leave your dishes tucked away behind closed doors. Or, if they're interesting and vibrant, you could create a place to display them, freeing up precious storage space and adding a splash of color to your kitchen.

See how to make simple slotted storage from a kit, in Stylish Kitchen Upgrades from DIY Kits.

9. Add Cabinet Crown Molding

Photo by Wendell T. Webber

Nothing screams, "I spent lots of money on custom cabinets!" like crown molding. The trim transforms your kitchen storage into a seamless design.

Make adding extra personality to your cabinets simpler by mounting molding on a hardwood frame that sits above cabinets. Using a frame allows for doing the detail work on a bench—much easier than from a ladder—then you can attach the crown from the back side, so there are no nail holes to fill. Once the frame and crown are attached, you install the whole assembly in one go.

See how to nail the clever trick, in How to Install Kitchen Cabinet Crown Molding.

10. Add Storage With More Kitchen Cabinets

Photo by David Carmack

When This Old House contractor Tom Silva started his carpentry career over 35 years ago, he often built the kitchen cabinets he installed for his customers. “Back then, it was still cost-effective for small shops to build them,” he recalls. “Today, manufacturers assemble them faster and more economically than we can.”

The goal is to take this collection of boxes and bring them together to make a beautiful piece of built-in furniture. The basic installation sequence is straightforward: You want to get everything straight, plumb, and level. But more often than not, the room itself lacks those attributes. Not to worry! We can help you get the job done right.

For full step-by-step instructions, shopping list, and tools list, see How to Hang Kitchen Cabinets.

12 ways to update the kitchen set

Contents of the article

For a domestic person, the kitchen is not only a place where food is prepared. This is a place for family lunches and dinners, a place to meet friends and family. All this means only one thing - the kitchen should not only be comfortable for the hostess, but also attractive in appearance. Every piece of furniture and decor matters, and even more so the kitchen set. When cracks and stains appear on it, or when it no longer matches the style of the kitchen and the tastes of the owners, many people think about buying a new headset. But is it always advisable to spend money on new furniture if you can ennoble the existing one? If the headset is still strong, outdated in size and layout, then you can transform it with your own hands. Consider the most popular and effective ways to update the kitchen set. nine0005

Self-adhesive film

This method of restoring a kitchen set has become truly popular, and all thanks to its many advantages :

vinyl film is inexpensive, so renovation of facades will not hit your pocket;
The range of self-adhesive film is huge, you can find options with imitation of wood of any species, stone or leather. There are films depicting landscapes, with interesting drawings, etc., with a smooth and embossed surface; nine0018
almost everyone can handle the installation of the film - it is enough to be careful during the measurement process and directly during the gluing itself;
vinyl film is not afraid of temperature changes and moisture, which is very important for the kitchen. It will be easy to care for such a surface;
If a part gets damaged or you want to change the environment again, the film can be easily removed.

The minus is the low durability of the film, only 3-4 years, but the cheapness and ease of replacement smooth out this disadvantage. nine0005

Pasting kitchen facades is quite simple. Most importantly, follow the following recommendations:

choose a film of a suitable color, taking into account the preferences for a new kitchen interior. It is not necessary to take material with imitation of wood - you can take a plain film of light color, and then you will be able to make a small kitchen larger and make dreams come true for the implementation of a minimalist interior;
It is best to remove kitchen fronts - this will make work easier. The fittings must be dismantled in any case; nine0018
measure the parameters of each removed facade;
the film must be applied to a clean, dry surface, i. facades must be thoroughly cleaned of stains of grease and dirt. This can be done with a soapy solution, or using dishwashing detergent. After that, it is necessary to remove the remnants of detergents and wipe the facades dry;
if the facades are seriously damaged, some time will have to be spent on repairs. Peeled edges on the ends must be glued. The pits must be sanded, then filled with acrylic putty, sanded again and primed. If there are large potholes, then in their place it is better to glue a patch of plywood or veneer; nine0018
cut the film according to the measurements. Experienced craftsmen recommend adding 4-5 cm of allowance in places where the film will bend. If there is a large drawing on the film, then when cutting it out, it is necessary to control that it is located correctly. It is better to cut with a clerical knife - so the edge will be as even and neat as possible;
Take the first piece of film, start peeling off the backing paper and apply the film with the adhesive side to the front. Controlling evenness, gradually peel off the protective layer and stick the film; nine0018
The film can be rolled with a rubber roller or a plastic scraper. This removes the remaining air. It is necessary to smooth from the center to the edges. If air bubbles remain, they can be pierced with a needle and rolled again with a roller;
if you suddenly notice that somewhere the film is glued crookedly, then within 5-6 hours the situation can be corrected. The film can be re-glued, but not more than 1-2 times, since then the glue will simply lose its properties;
when all fronts are pasted over, you can screw them back; nine0018
you can use the old fittings, or you can replace it with a new one that fits more into the updated style.

If the shelves are soiled to such an extent that no detergent can take them, they can also be pasted over with foil. The principle of operation is the same. The film can be chosen close to the original color of the shelves.

Replacing the fronts

Many people think that the fronts covered with film look somehow too modest. This is all, of course, a matter of taste and personal preferences, but it is difficult to radically change the kitchen with a vinyl film, because glass inserts or panels will not be added to the doors. To make serious changes to the interior of the kitchen, it is better to act radically and completely replace the facades. Yes, it will turn out more expensive than with a film, but still much cheaper than when buying a new headset. The method is great if the frame of the furniture is still strong enough and durable. nine0005

The easiest way will be for owners of modular furniture , which was bought relatively recently. Then it will be possible to buy facades of the required size and replace them with your own hands. But this is not often so lucky, because usually you have to make facades to order. It is not at all necessary to change wooden doors to wooden ones, and chipboard to chipboard. The uniqueness of this method of restoration lies precisely in the fact that the appearance of the headset can be dramatically changed using completely different materials. nine0005

The cheapest option is chipboard or plastic facades. MDF and wood will cost more. You can choose accessories and decorations, for example, use glass inserts, but all this will affect the price. Masters with hands, of course, can make all the facades on their own. If you have woodworking skills, then why not? But it is much easier and faster to turn to a specialized company , which will make facades for your headset.

Repair of kitchen facades in Moscow

For residents of Moscow and the region, we recommend the company "Kitchen Repair", which has been operating for over 20 years and specializes in the repair of kitchen facades. Experienced specialists can replace facades or repair existing ones by painting, enameling or sticking a film. Among the services of the company are also repair of accessories and replacement of countertops. All work is carried out at the facility, measurements are preliminarily carried out, the design and estimate are agreed, the required elements of the headset are made from the desired material. All work is guaranteed. You can see detailed information and examples of work on the page https://remont-kuhni.com/service/remont-kuhonnyh-fasadov/. nine0005

An example of the work of specialists from the company "Kitchen Repair"

Painting

The method is quite simple, but requires careful surface preparation. The main advantage of the method is the ability to paint the facade in any color. If you want to make your kitchen more daring, you can choose a bright shade, such as blue, green or orange. A win-win color is white, as well as many light shades, incl. beige, grey, cream, etc. Imagine in advance what the kitchen will look like, and get creative. nine0005

Simultaneously with painting the facades, they can be slightly transformed using moldings , special strips that are glued to the surface and give it an interesting relief.

The sequence of actions is as follows:

remove the facades from the headset, dismantle the fittings and glass. Those elements that are difficult to remove can be sealed with masking tape;
old varnish or paint can be removed most conveniently with a grinder. If PVC film was used as a decor, then it is better to use a building hair dryer. From the temperature, the film will melt, and it will be easier to remove it. It is better to work in a respirator so that small particles of the facade and the pungent smell of PVC do not enter the respiratory tract; nine0018
if there are serious damages, they must be filled with filler and then sanded;
the surface is rubbed with sandpaper, then dust is removed, degreasing is carried out;
If you plan to use moldings , then they are attached at this stage. You can choose flat or textured planks, there are products that imitate stucco molding. It is better to grind the planks in advance, then they are cut into segments of the required sizes. Often, moldings are attached along the contour of the doors, or a pattern is formed from them closer to the center. Usually a 45 degree joint is used. After you have made sure that the figure is laid out evenly, the elements are glued, you can use glue for wood products. It is allowed to use nails without hats; nine0018
MDF, chipboard and wood absorb moisture well, therefore it is better to pre-coat them with a primer. The one that is designed for woodworking will go. It is better to apply two layers;
you can now start painting. It is better to use acrylic paint or car enamel. The first is cheaper, the second is better in terms of moisture resistance and resistance to mechanical damage. You can use a brush, roller or spray gun. The paint is applied in 2-3 layers depending on the required color saturation. To guarantee, some craftsmen cover the facades with a layer of transparent varnish; nine0018
when the paint dries, the masking tape is removed, the fittings are returned to their place, and the facades themselves are hung on hinges.

If coloring seems too banal to you, then use glisal , a translucent glossy paint, in your work. It is applied in exactly the same way as acrylic paint, but while the coating dries, an interesting texture can be created on the surface. With a sponge, a bag or other improvised items, you can make a geometric pattern or an ornate pattern. If anything, part of the pattern can be removed with a roller. The result is an unusual result that will appeal to fans of ethnic style. nine0005

Lacquered

The variant is only suitable for fronts made of solid wood . The varnish allows you to reliably protect the wood and at the same time does not hide its chic natural look. When it comes to furniture, nitrocellulose, alkyd-carbamide, polyurethane, epoxy and polyester varnishes are used. It is important that the varnish protects the wood from moisture and high temperatures. Varnishes have a not very pleasant smell, therefore it is better to carry out all work on the street. If this is not possible, then it is better to take a water-based material, it has almost no smell. nine0005

It is very important to decide in advance on the gloss level of . The varnish can be glossy, which will add visual volume to the headset, or it can be matte, which will emphasize the wood pattern. The degree of gloss is indicated on the packaging as a percentage of reflected light: a glossy varnish will reflect up to 90% of the light, matte - only 10%, there are many intermediate options. Which is better depends on your preferences.

The procedure is as follows:

remove the facades, dismantle the fittings, if necessary, seal some parts with masking tape; nine0018
remove the old lacquer layer, you can use sandpaper. Dust is best removed with a vacuum cleaner. After finishing work, the surface is wiped with a damp cloth, then it is allowed to dry thoroughly;
apply primer;
varnish is applied with a brush or roller, it is better that each new layer is slightly thinner than the previous one;
some types of lacquer should only be used outdoors;
drying speed - different for different varnishes, the average is indicated on the package; nine0018
After drying, the tape is removed and the fittings are returned to their place.

To create the effect of aging , several layers of stain can be applied.

Hardware update

We all have heard about the great impact of small things, but many, however, refuse to believe in the truth of this statement. Designers, without hesitation, convince us that sometimes changing handles on a kitchen set can transform a kitchen space. Most often, however, the replacement of fittings is carried out along with the renewal or replacement of facades. nine0005

It happens that the kitchen set itself is perfectly preserved, and the handles from constant interaction with them have become flaky, dull, or completely deformed in places. Take off your old hardware and head to a specialty store, where you can choose from a wide variety of handles. The main thing is that the size matches and you do not have to drill new holes.

If the old handles fit perfectly into the style of the kitchen, then you can find new ones that are as similar as possible to them. If you want something fresh, or if the kitchen facade has become completely unrecognizable after simple manipulations, then pick up handles in a new style. The range of manufacturers includes handles in modern and classic style, smooth chrome-plated and carved antique. There are handles with imitation of leaves and animals, there are inlaid glass and stones. There are wooden, plastic and metal, transparent and colored - everyone can choose the right one. nine0005

Possibly hinges and pull-out shelf mechanisms need to be replaced. Before going to the store, these elements should be dismantled and taken with you as a sample. New loops are selected according to the size of the previous ones. It happens that the existing holes are very loose, and it is impossible to attach new loops to them. Then they will have to be puttied with an acrylic-based composition in the color of the facade, sanded, varnished or painted, and only then drill new holes and install purchased hinges. Old roller mechanisms can be replaced with ball ones. All these actions give a huge result - using the headset becomes more pleasant and comfortable. nine0005

Replacing glass

As a rule, glass inserts in facades are simply washed well to restore their original perfect appearance. But what if you want something new? You can replace the existing transparent glass with frosted or colored glass, then the kitchen will noticeably change. True, glass will have to be made to order, and not everyone can handle the replacement itself.

A more budget option is to buy a self-adhesive film. With its help, you can give the glass the desired shade without depriving them of transparency. It will help create a matte effect or imitate a real stained glass window. Anyone who knows how to use a tape measure or centimeter tape, scissors and is able to accurately glue the film can definitely cope with gluing the film. nine0005

There is also the old-fashioned method, which involves applying a mixture of chalk powder and silicate glue to the glass. In two layers, this material is applied to the glass, after which they become dull.

Decoupage of kitchen fronts

Decoupage is a great way to update your kitchen set and give it a touch of Provence style. After the transformation, the facades will look as if talented artists painted them for you, but you will know that you made all this beauty with your own hands. Absolutely any pattern can be applied to cabinets and shelves, but usually they choose something related to plant and kitchen themes: images of fruits and vegetables, coffee, jars of spices and cereals, flowers, etc. Decoupage will help decorate the facades with ornaments in the style of Gzhel or Petrikovskaya painting. The main thing is to find a suitable drawing - no one limits your imagination. nine0005

Everyone will be able to cope with the restoration of facades on their own:

remove all doors, remove fittings;
If the surface of the headset is perfectly even and smooth, then it is enough to wash it well to get rid of grease and dirt stains. If there are defects, it is better to sand the surface. First use fine-grained, and then coarse-grained sandpaper. If you have a grinder at your disposal, it will greatly simplify the process. In the presence of cracks, depressions, pits, it is better to fill them with putty. When it dries, the treated areas are sanded again. After that, the facades can be primed, but many skip this stage; nine0018
decoupage technique is suitable not only for wood, chipboard and MDF - it can also be used to decorate plastic and glass facades. Preparing them for decoration is very simple - just get rid of all the dirt and grease;
The easiest way to use three-layer decoupage napkins. Think in advance in which part of the facade the drawing will be located. Don't use images that are too small. Different lockers can be decorated with pictures in the same style. The image can be glued to ordinary PVA glue; nine0018
now it remains to open the facade with acrylic varnish, it is better to use 3-4 layers, each is applied after the previous one has completely dried. It is easiest to work with a narrow brush with long bristles;
it remains to return the fittings to their place and mount the facades.

If this is not your first decoupage work, then you can use not only special napkins. Experienced craftsmen know that fragments of wallpaper with a suitable pattern, and even maple for the kitchen table, will do, not to mention the fact that the image you like can be printed on a printer. nine0005

Decoration with ceramic tiles

Almost everyone has leftover tiles after repairs. A lot of material for this method will not be needed, because even buying a new tile will not hit the budget. Naturally, not all facades are laid out with tiles. A fragment with a beautiful pattern can be glued in the center. It can be one tile or four smaller tiles laid out in a square or diamond shape. Small tiles can lay out the contours of the cabinets. Often such decoration is used to decorate the lower or upper edge of the headset. The image on the tile should match the overall style of the kitchen. nine0005

The principle of operation is as follows:

it is better to remove the facades, dismantle the fittings;
as a minimum, the surface must be washed and degreased with an alcohol-based compound. If desired, the facade can be painted, guided by the tips described above;
lay the tiles on the surface in advance, determine the ideal place for them, it is better to trace them carefully with a pencil;
prepare the tile adhesive, apply it on the facade and start gluing the tiles. The principle is almost no different from the usual installation of tiles, only glue is needed so that it can hold the tiles on a wooden (or other) facade; nine0018
When everything is dry, you can frame the tile with a molding to make the decor look finished.

Decoration with rattan inserts

The principle is the same as with ceramic tiles. Rattan inserts will look appropriate with ethnic and eco-style. Rattan perfectly copes with the effects of moisture, therefore it is well suited for the kitchen. It can be used to replace glass inserts along with large-scale restoration of facades. Rattan inserts can be glued over blind cabinets. A variety of weaves and the presence of several shades will allow you to choose the appropriate insert option. nine0005

It is easy to work with rattan:

a fragment of the desired shape and size is cut out, you can use secateurs or metal scissors;
the section can be attached to the facade with a stapler;
around the perimeter of the insert, wooden planks are mounted, pre-treated with an antiseptic. You can use glue;
with rattan, the main thing is not to overdo it - small inserts on the largest cabinets will be enough to bring the necessary notes into the interior.

Use of chintz

Fabric decoration is rarely used, because this is your chance to make the kitchen unique. You will need a piece of fabric with a suitable pattern, and then everything is simple:

the beginning, as always, is to dismantle the facades and fittings;
cupboards are measured, the fabric is cut out and glued on pre-washed and degreased facades;
facades are covered with a colorless varnish in 5-7 layers, it will protect the fabric from moisture, grease and odors; nine0018
it remains to return the fittings to their place, and you can purchase new, more suitable handles;
An interesting effect can be achieved if a lampshade for a lamp is made from the same fabric, or chair covers can be sewn together.

What else is used to update kitchen facades?

The fantasy of home craftsmen knows no bounds, and folk ingenuity has generated a lot of interesting non-trivial ideas on how else to ennoble an old kitchen facade. The following materials are used for this:

Vinyl stickers, the range of which impresses even experienced designers. Monochrome boring facades can be decorated with animal figurines, world landmarks or inspirational phrases. Gluing and removing such decor is very simple;
sea pebbles and mosaics are glued on the principle of ceramic tiles, allowing you to create interesting decorative effects;
wooden decor. There are ready-made kits for children's creativity, but with skill, you can cut wooden figures yourself. It remains only to open them with varnish and glue them to the facades. This decor looks best on wooden facades. nine0018

How do I update my kitchen worktop?

Renewing facades and leaving the countertop unattended means not finishing what you started. The countertop is the most vulnerable point of the kitchen set, because its surface constantly encounters drops of water and fat, mechanical stress, and high temperature. Chipboard countertops are usually the first to suffer, and when the facade looks even more or less normal, the work surface leaves much to be desired.

What can you do to update your kitchen worktop? Several options:

glue the vinyl film . The option is not very durable, but simple;
carry out varnishing – method for wooden worktops;
painting is carried out according to the principles described above;
tiling , and usually tiles are used in the color of the one with which the kitchen backsplash is lined. The tile is easy to clean, not afraid of moisture and high temperature, relatively easy to install. The weight of the headset, however, will greatly increase. If the frame is weak, then it may not withstand. They begin work by attaching a metal corner around the perimeter of the table top. The tiles are laid on ordinary tile adhesive, the gaps are made minimal. The glue dries quickly, so it’s best not to cover the entire countertop with it at once. It remains only to wipe the seams and open the tile with a protective layer of varnish. Work in a similar way with mosaic ;
tempered glass finish , under which you can use anything: sand and small pebbles, coins, cork pieces, drink bottle caps, a printed image of a beach, forest or some kind of pattern. Glass is planted on glue and firmly protects the entire decor from negative influences.

If the worktop is still in good condition, but has only one or two noticeable flaws (for example, burns or stab spots), you can carry out local repair. The defective place is carefully processed with a cutter to end up with a quarry-type depression. It is filled with putty on wood in the color of the countertop, the material is added in portions, well tamped, the excess is removed with a knife. The treated area is sanded, polished and painted. If you can accurately repeat the color or pattern of the countertop, then the place of repair will be invisible. When everything is really bad with the countertop, it is better to make its complete replacement by contacting professionals. nine0005

By combining the methods described above, you can transform your kitchen set in such a way that all guests will think that you have bought new furniture. If you combine this transformation with a redecoration in the kitchen, then the result will be completely impressive.

The article was written for remstroiblog.ru.

Tags:Kitchen

How to update the facades of a kitchen set quickly and on a budget: 3 easy ways

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12/20/2019

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We show you how to give kitchen fronts a new look with moldings, self-adhesive foil and stain.

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Furniture in the kitchen due to constant cooking, humidity, temperature changes quickly ages and deteriorates. Making repairs several times a year is difficult not only financially, but also morally. We have chosen 3 most relevant ways to update your furniture with your own hands for different tastes and budgets. nine0005

1 Glue moldings

Surely you have seen small strips glued on furniture doors in interiors. This is the moldings. They come in different widths, shapes, but the essence is about the same - to decorate the surface. It can be a ceiling, walls. But today we are interested in furniture facades. To update the kitchen in this way, follow the following rules.

Step-by-step instructions

Prepare old facades. To do this, they must be freed from contamination and be sure to make marks on the inside with a marker. Sign with numbers the door and the place of its fastening. This will help you properly assemble the headset after rework. After that, the facades and fasteners can be safely removed. nine0018
Moldings are cut to size. At the edges you need to make an angle of 45 degrees - this is how the junctions will look most attractive.
The moldings are white in the original, so they need to be painted. This can be done with a regular brush or using an airbrush, but you need to be able to handle it. It can be difficult for a beginner.
Lubricate each plank with wood glue and attach to the facade.
We return the doors and cabinets to their place, focusing on the numbers that you put down in advance. nine0018

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2 Use self-adhesive film

Self-adhesive film is probably the cheapest and easiest way to update your headset. The film is matte, glossy, different colors and textures. This material works well if your kitchen furniture is made of chipboard or MDF. Redesigning is easy. nine0005

Renovation process with film

Measure surfaces. Measurements need to be taken not only on the front side, but also on the thickness - this is necessary in order to correctly calculate the amount of film glued to the ends. Just in case, leave 2 centimeters of stock.
There is a protective layer on the inside of the film. It needs to be peeled off on one side.
Stick the foil to the facade. Using a rubber spatula, expel any air bubbles from the inside so that the surface is even. If some bubbles could not be expelled, they can be pierced with a needle. nine0018
In this way, gradually peel off the entire protective layer and connect the film to the facade.
If it is not possible to connect neatly, peel off the film and reconnect it. This can be done no more than 2 times, otherwise it will not stick tightly to the furniture.

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3 Coat the surface with stain and varnish

Stain is a quick and inexpensive way to not only renew the color of facades, but also make them more presentable. It is easy to apply stain and later a layer of varnish yourself. It is important to follow the instructions.

Stain and varnish step by step instructions

Surface must be cleaned and dried. No primer needs to be applied.
Apply the compound to the facades with a brush or roller. Wait for it to dry and apply a few more layers. Their number depends on the shade you want to get. nine0018
After the stain has dried, varnish the surface.
As an option, you can do without stain, covering the wood with one varnish, thus preserving its appearance and texture. Lacquers are matte and glossy. They are applied to a fat-free base without a primer, also in several layers.
Learn more

Kitchen cabinets update

10 Simple Ideas to Update your Kitchen Cabinets

1. Paint

2. New cabinet hardware

When replacing drawer pulls, you have three options:

3. Replace your cabinet doors

4. Elevate your doors with molding

5. Don’t ignore the ends of cabinets

6. Add decorative toe kicks

7. Go open on the uppers

8. Add glass inserts to your doors

9. Extend your upper cabinets to the ceiling

10. Incorporate an antique piece

Looking for more DIY kitchen ideas? Check out these favorite past projects:

Related posts:

10 Ways to Redo Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Them

How can I update my kitchen cabinets without replacing them?

1. Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Crackle

Distressed

Antiqued

High Gloss

2. Reface Kitchen Cabinets

3. Install a Pull-Out Cabinet Shelf

4. Put in Undercabinet Lighting

5. Build a Butcher Block Island

6. Build a Sideboard

7. Build a Window Seat

8. Add a Plate Rack

9. Add Cabinet Crown Molding

10. Add Storage With More Kitchen Cabinets

12 ways to update the kitchen set

Self-adhesive film

Replacing the fronts

Painting

Lacquered

Hardware update

Replacing glass

Decoupage of kitchen fronts

Decoration with ceramic tiles

Decoration with rattan inserts

Use of chintz

What else is used to update kitchen facades?

How do I update my kitchen worktop?

How to update the facades of a kitchen set quickly and on a budget: 3 easy ways

1 Glue moldings

Step-by-step instructions

2 Use self-adhesive film

Renovation process with film

3 Coat the surface with stain and varnish

Stain and varnish step by step instructions

Learn more