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Repaint kitchen cabinets ideas


10 Painted Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

By

Lee Wallender

Lee Wallender

Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 06/01/22

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Pack a punch with freshly painted kitchen cabinets. This time-tested method of giving cabinets a clean look has been advanced with newly developed paints that make your job easier. When you contrast the minimal cost of paint and materials to the incredibly high cost of new kitchen cabinets, painting your cabinets is a clear winner.

Before launching head-first into this project, though, remember that this project is more than a quick, one-day job. Every item in your kitchen cabinets must be removed and safely stored. Doors and drawers need to be removed. Every surface that you intend to paint first requires thorough cleaning. Choose one of two directions when painting kitchen cabinets: using materials assembled individually or working with all-in-one surfacing kits made especially for cabinets. 

Painting Cabinets From Scratch

Buying supplies separately for painting cabinets offers the greatest flexibility and range of color choices. Supplies, including primer, paint, and tools, are relatively inexpensive and are easy to obtain. These include:

Painting Cabinets Using a Kit

Cabinet painting kits include much, but not all, of the materials you need. Cabinet painting kits tend to be expensive, often more costly than the sum of their parts. One prominent brand, Cabinet Transformations from Rustoleum, offers a multi-stage process that lets you paint not only wood cabinets but melamine and laminate cabinets, as well.

Cabinet painting kits help you to revitalize your cabinets through a four-step process:

  1. Apply a deglosser, then wipe it off with a clean rag.
  2. Roll or brush on a bond coat, which acts as a type of primer and color base for the subsequent glaze.
  3. Apply the decorative glaze.
  4. Apply the protective top coat.

Here are 10 kitchens with exquisitely painted cabinetry to inspire your project.

FAQ

How to Refinish Your Kitchen Cabinets

29 Painted Kitchen Cabinet Ideas You Can Easily Copy

Devon Grace Interiors

Looking for a quick way to transform your kitchen? Invest in a fresh coat of paint—and remember that your walls aren’t the only thing worth repainting. Since cabinets are the most visible element in any kitchen, they probably deserve a tune-up more than your walls do.

“Nothing is more impactful than a fresh coat of paint,” Mary Maloney, owner and principal designer at Bee's Knees Interior Design, says. “Paint can revive, refresh, and add new life to a tired and dated kitchen.”

When it comes to repainting your kitchen cabinets, there are a few things you’ll want to consider. For starters, what does the rest of your space look like? “Plan and coordinate carefully,” Maloney says. “Think about how the colors will relate to all the other elements and connecting spaces.”

Then, consider other factors—like your home’s architectural style, and how long you plan to live in your home before reselling it. (Spoiler alert: If you plan to sell soon, Maloney recommends keeping your space as classic and versatile as possible.)

Once you’ve narrowed down your selection, you’ll still have plenty of great paint colors to choose from. So to help you pick the perfect shade for your space, we’ve rounded up some strikingly painted kitchen cabinets, and we asked designers to share their go-to kitchen cabinet painting advice.

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Becca Interiors

If you're having trouble picking a paint color, use your space as a starting point.

“We love a pop of color, but you really need to map out a game plan that is going to make sense for the long haul,” Maloney says. “What colors will work best with the architecture and style of your home?”

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Goldalamode

Can't settle on a single cabinet color? Paint your cabinets two different colors. Two-toned cabinets have become a popular pick for kitchens. And while you can choose any two colors you like, you’ll probably want to ground your base cabinets with a dark color and pick a lighter shade for your wall cabinets.

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Amy Bartlam

Kitchens are filled with decorative accents. And if harmony is your goal, you probably don’t want all of them to be bold.

“Pick a focal point,” Maloney says. “Who is going to be the star of the show—the colorful cabinets, the exotic marble countertops, the statement backsplash?” Decide whether your cabinets are the statement-maker, and if they're not, keep them subdued.

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Bespoke Only

When choosing a paint color, consider how you can add contrast to your space. Olga Hanono, the principal designer at Olga Hanono, says she loves to pair a classic kitchen with a surprisingly bold cabinet color.

“If your kitchen is very traditional, I recommend that you choose a strident color to give it a touch of creativity,” she says.

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Julian Porcino

When choosing a paint color, don't just take a shade at face value. Pay attention to the color's undertones and consider how they'll pair with the other undertones in your space.

“Mistakes are common, and often occur due to a conflict of undertones,” Maloney says. Undertones are typically either warm (yellow) or cool (blue), and you’ll want to stick to one or the other.

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Finding Lovely

There's nothing wrong with keeping it simple. Warm white cabinets are a favorite for a reason—they reliably look good.

“We love color, and we get excited when a client lets us ‘play’ with color, but you can’t go wrong with a classic white cabinet,” Maloney says. “A warm white is a favorite ‘go-to’ for cabinetry.”

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Reena Sotropa

Your cabinets should pair well with the rest of your kitchen, so turn to your backsplash for color inspiration. Match your cabinets directly to your backsplash, or use your cabinets as an opportunity for contrast: If your backsplash is bold, could you mellow out your kitchen with a neutral cabinet color?

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Erin Williamson Design

If you're painting your cabinets more than one color, consider divvying up your shades by cabinet style. Paint your base cabinets one color and your wall cabinets another. Or make your floor-to-ceiling cabinets a different color than the other cabinet styles in your space.

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Becca Interiors

Black may seem like an odd color for kitchen cabinets, but the bold neutral can look great in classic and contemporary kitchens, alike. If you find yourself drawn to a dark color, go for it.

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Design: Mindy Gayer Design, Photo: Vanessa Lentine

Keep your kitchen sleek by matching your cabinets to your walls—and matching your walls to your ceiling. This top-to-bottom approach will create one continuous wall of color, which is sure to make a statement, even if the color you choose is white.

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Design: Mindy Gayer Design, Photo: Vanessa Lentine

Color isn't the only thing you can play with when it comes to cabinetry. Texture can make your space more dynamic, too. “I like not only using paint for the cabinets,” Hanono says.

She notes that by layering paint over a textured material—like a mesh cabinet door or a deep-grained wood—you can “give a special touch” to your kitchen.

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Finding Lovely

If you have any glass door cabinets, consider the items you store inside them. Since glass is transparent, these items will shine through—affecting the way your paint color looks. Treat these items like you’d treat the other accents in your kitchen: Choose a cabinet color capable of complementing them.

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Julia Robbs

Since your kitchen counters probably touch your kitchen cabinets, you want the two to pair well. “The cabinet colors you select must play nicely with your solid surfaces,” Maloney says.

Keep your colors complementary, and balance out your space. If your countertops are particularly bold, keep your cabinets subtle—and vice versa.

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Finding Lovely

Cabinets come in different styles, and you want to make sure the paint color you choose suits the kind of cabinets you have. If your kitchen is lined with modern slab cabinets, complement them with a contemporary color, or add contrast by pairing versatile shaker cabinets with a surprisingly bold shade.

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Jessica Nelson Design

When choosing a paint color, you need to consider every color that's in your kitchen—and every color you can see from your kitchen. (This is particularly important if you have an open floor plan.)

“Are there open site lines visually connecting your kitchen to other living areas?” Maloney says. “If so, you must think about how all the colors relate to each other—do they play nicely together?”

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Design: Mindy Gayer Design, Photo: Vanessa Lentine

If you went all out with your kitchen—pairing bold countertops with textured light fixtures and a statement ceiling—your cabinets may be a good place to take a breather. Choose a neutral that will lend your space the cohesion it needs. And if that sounds boring, remember that neutrals abound. (Your options aren't limited to cool white or warm white.)

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Ashley Montgomery Design

A range hood is an eye-catching element in any kitchen, so consider painting it the same color as your cabinets. This is an easy way to bring your space together, and it can look particularly statement-making if your range hood is situated between matching cabinets or shelves.

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Design: Mindy Gayer Design, Photo: Lane Dittoe

Cabinet exteriors get all the attention. (And rightfully so—they're the first thing someone will see when they step into your kitchen.) But cabinet interiors deserve some love, too. For a striking effect, paint your cabinet interiors the same color as your cabinet exteriors. Then they're sure to look great, whether they're open or shut.

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Proem Studio

Your floors may not be the first place you turn for kitchen cabinet inspiration. But since they're a major part of your space, they're worth keeping in mind.

“You need to factor in your flooring, backsplash, and countertop materials,” Maloney says. So keep your undertones consistent. And if your floors are particularly striking, balance them out with subtler cabinets.

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Becca Interiors

If you want your cabinets to blend into your space without matching your walls exactly, choose a color that's a shade or two darker than your walls. Since the shade will be in the same color family, it should naturally suit your space—while adding a subtle dose of contrast to your kitchen.

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Amy Bartlam

Craving a kitchen that feels classic but not conventional? Paint your cabinets a subtle shade, and save the pop of color for your island. “You can play it safe by introducing a pop of color for the island area,” Maloney says. 

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Tyler Karu

Remember that you don't have to paint all your cabinets. In fact, by painting most of your cabinets—and leaving some unpainted—you can create a pop of un-color that’s just as bold as a pop of color.

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Tyler Karu

On-trend colors can be incredibly tempting, but Maloney cautions against them. “Stay away from anything too trendy, and think about what you are going to love for the long haul,” she says.

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Design: Mindy Gayer Design, Photo: Vanessa Lentine

One sneaky place to add an accent color? Your cabinet interiors. If your cabinets are open, this can be a great way to add contrast. And if your cabinets are closed, this detail can serve as a fun finishing touch—one that’s only visible when your cabinet doors are open.

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Devon Grace Interiors

Picking three different cabinet colors may seem like overkill. But if all three shades are neutrals, they should play surprisingly well together. 

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Homemade by Carmona

If you can’t commit to wall-to-wall color, designate a few statement cabinets to paint a vibrant shade. Look around your space for worthy candidates: could the tiny cabinets above your oven become the pop of color you’re looking for?

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Devon Grace Interiors

Anxious about adding color to your space? Push yourself to take a risk. “I encourage people to dismiss their fear of colors and experiment,” Hanono says. “You can add a lot of freshness to your kitchen with a bit of color.” 

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Devon Grace Interiors

No kitchen cabinet is complete without a little hardware. So factor accents—like hinges, doorknobs, and drawer pulls—into your painting plan. “If you wish to update or replace hardware, make that decision before the painting begins,” Maloney says.

After all, your new hardware might affect your cabinet color choice. And if it’s a different size than your old hardware, you might have some holes to fill in before painting.

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Calimia Home

Colors can look different at different times of day, so spend time with the colors you’re eyeing before committing to them. “Do color tests,” Hanono says. “Colors don't always match.” And they don’t always look the way you thought they would, either.

12 Ways to Revamp Your Kitchen Cabinets for the Ultimate Makeover

Painting kitchen cabinets - photos, tips

Black and white decor is one of the latest trends in the world of kitchen design

It's no secret that renovating a kitchen can be a complex and expensive project. If your kitchen cabinets are in good condition, updating or drastically changing their color will allow you to freshen up the interior and save money at the same time. Having decided on self-coloring, you should definitely devote some time to studying the types of paints and how to use them.

Which color should I choose? Whites, beiges and pastels look great in most kitchens and go with just about any wall decor. They make the interior light and bright. When choosing bright colors such as emerald, cobalt or golden yellow, you need to be sure that the color of the walls and fixtures will be in harmony with the updated cabinets.

An interesting and modern solution is the combination of two colors in the decor of cabinets. Most often, the lower parts of the facades are painted in a bolder shade, and the upper parts are painted in a neutral one. Using open shelving instead of wall cabinets will help create the desired contrast effect. By repainting the walls behind the shelves, homeowners can update the design of their kitchens on a regular basis.

Here is a selection of photographs of kitchens with painted cabinets.

Bright, all-white kitchens are gorgeous and timeless

Kitchens that do not lack natural light make black furniture look very sophisticated

The striking blue color of the cabinets gives the interior the charm of a country house

Pure black with natural light and warm accents the kitchen exudes amazing aesthetics

Pure white cabinets are easy to match with almost any wall color

Black doesn't have to sit exclusively with modern elements, it goes great with classic furniture as well

Dilute an all-white kitchen with an island of contrasting hue, then soften the abrupt transition with discreet wall finishes

Two-tone compositions are used to structure the interior

The velvety gray hue creates a sense of comfort in a modern kitchen

The color of the walls greatly influences the visual perception of the design of the cabinets

Try painting the upper and lower cabinets in different shades of pastel

Using open shelves along with painting the walls in the original color is an easy way to achieve contrast

Using white and gray is a guarantee that the look will come out very calm

Neutral shades make the interior is bright, neat and at the same time very elegant

The style of a country house is emphasized by the presence of a light delicate blue tint

Sophisticated pastel shade can be a design highlight

Rich, saturated hues look great even in compact interiors

Dark furniture adds warmth to a dazzling white space

Typical of retro style, baby blue never goes out of style

Neutral shades are used as the main tools for creating timeless looks

Black color in the interior of the kitchen is the prerogative of the brave

Many hardware stores provide a paint tinting service, so that every homeowner can choose absolutely any shade for his kitchen

When painting kitchen cabinets in a bright color, it is necessary to dilute the composition with neutral accents

Black and white - a classic combination that only people without imagination called dull

An easy way to make white cabinets stand out is to use prominent hardware

The combination of ocher and cream looks very appetizing, but not cloying

Light top, dark bottom - the new dress code for kitchens

Shades of blue can be very different, this one is classic and incredibly elegant

To achieve such a bright color, you need to use only high-quality paints and carefully prepare surfaces

Categories: Kitchen furniture • Photo of kitchens

in a different color, what paint, step by step instructions, photo

If you want some updates in the interior or fresh notes and bright colors, the easiest way to transform the interior is to paint the surfaces of the facades. The painting process is quite simple, but still has several features, so this article will focus on how to properly paint old kitchen furniture.

Even the simplest way - painting a kitchen set - will significantly change the look.

The main advantages of painting with your own hands

One of the significant advantages of painting a kitchen set with your own hands is that in order to make changes to the interior of the kitchen, you can not spend a lot of money, but only buy paint. Moreover, the help of specialists will not be required, because even someone who has never done such work before can cope with this task. In general, this is why this update method is the most popular - it is economical, simple and takes a little time.

You don't need to invest a lot to transform your kitchen furniture, you just need to buy some paint.

How to repaint a kitchen set with your own hands

Many people wonder if it is possible to repaint a kitchen set in some other color? Actually, why not? Yes, you certainly may. Moreover, everyone can carry out such a procedure. This is a great way if you want to change the interior of your kitchen without spending a lot of money and time. You just need to understand all the details, such as the choice of paint, the correct sanding and priming, precautions, color combinations, and so on. These important nuances will be discussed, because it is better to familiarize yourself with the important points in advance so as not to encounter unexpected surprises during the staining process.

Painting a set is easy. If you have never done this before, then you can easily cope with this work.

Tools and materials

In order not to be distracted by various details and trifles during the painting process, you need to prepare everything you need in advance. Therefore, further we will talk about what materials and tools will be needed in order to paint the kitchen set with your own hands.

List of materials needed:

List of required tools:

Coloring will take a fairly short time without much diligence.

How to choose the right paint

Modern manufacturers offer a wide variety of different types of paints, but not all of them are suitable for kitchen facade surfaces. Definitely not worth buying water-based or oil paint. These two types are likely to lie unevenly and streaks will form. Also, experts do not advise using acrylic paint, as it does not tolerate moisture and exposure to cleaning agents.

The best option is aerosol alkyd paint in cans or car enamel.

The most suitable option is aerosol alkyd paint in cans or car enamel. This type of paint is easy to apply, does not form smudges and is particularly reliable, durable, as well as resistant to moisture and temperature extremes.

Responsibly, you need to approach the selection of a new color scheme. It is worth preparing for the fact that when changing the color of the facades, you will have to change the textiles in the room.

It is important to remember that it is better not to combine only dark or only light colors. Don't forget about bright colors.

You can choose one color or several matching shades. In order not to miscalculate with the choice of color, you can give preference to a neutral color scheme. As a rule, these are shades of beige, brown, gray and white. It is impossible to make a mistake with such combinations, which means that even a beginner can cope with the task of choosing a palette. You need to be careful only with combinations of dark colors. The most popular and best option is to paint the upper cabinets in light colors, and the lower cabinets in dark ones. This solution is perfect for classic interiors.

Two bright or two neutral colors is an interesting option, here you should rely on your own taste.

Do not forget about bright colors, they can become an accent of the interior and add mood to the space. Black color can be combined with red, light green, mint, pink, beige, and blue, lilac, blue colors are perfect for combination with white. It is desirable that one color is predominant, and 1-2 suitable shades are added to it.

If you want something very bright, you can combine contrasting colors. For example, the color of lilac and yellow, orange and blue, red or pink with blue - there are a huge number of combinations.

If you want to have an original interior, combine contrasting colors.

Instructions on how to paint a kitchen set with your own hands

The process of painting kitchen facades is quite simple. So simple that you can complete this task without any experience and any special knowledge on this topic. It is only important to adhere to certain rules and sequence of work. Just for this, a special instruction has been prepared, thanks to which you can, firstly, understand the correct sequence of actions, and secondly, learn many important details of each of the stages.

The main thing is a competent approach, and simple coloring will give new life to an old headset.

Preparation

There are some preparations that need to be done before the staining process can begin. For example, facades must be removed before painting, as well as handles and all kinds of fittings, if any, must be removed from them. Decorative inserts and hinges must be sealed with masking tape to avoid getting paint on them. The work surface must be protected with a film or newspaper so as not to stain the floor or the working kitchen table. In addition, before proceeding with the staining process, you need to take care of your own safety and prepare protective equipment. Among them:

Personal protective equipment when working with paints protects a person from the harmful effects of chemicals.

Additional information: A respirator must be used even if the chosen paint is non-toxic, as dust is still unavoidable.

Priming and sanding

The old headset coating must first be removed. This can be done by sanding the surface with sandpaper. First you can use sandpaper with a coarse grit, then with a fine one. A grinder or nail polish remover will help simplify the task. You can use a blow dryer to remove the PVC film. The film must be heated with a hair dryer from the front side, and then carefully remove it from the surface.

If there is a PVC film on the surface, remove it with a building hair dryer.

Important! During the performance of such work, a pungent odor will appear in the space, so it is necessary to carry out the procedure in a non-residential premises, if possible.

After sanding is complete, clean the surface with a damp cloth or sponge to remove dust. Next, you need to degrease the surface with a special solvent.

When choosing a primer, you need to pay attention to the fact that the material for plastic and wood will be different. Do not neglect the advice of sales consultants.

To completely remove all irregularities, we apply putty. After drying, you need to process with sandpaper again.

It is important to choose a quality primer, as its quality depends on the quality of the painting.

The primer is usually applied in two coats. Each layer should dry well, after finishing the primer, you need to leave the product for about a day.

Coloring

Getting to the main part - coloring. In order for do-it-yourself painting to be done correctly, you need to apply 2-3 layers of enamel to the surface. To do this, use a brush with soft bristles or a roller. Tool movements must be in the same direction. An effective and convenient way would be to use a can. It distributes the paint without any effort, and the application is uniform.

For perfect coloring, apply paint by moving the brush or roller in one direction, no need to rush.

Additional information! If you plan to apply several shades, then the borders can be separated with adhesive tape, thereby protecting them from paint.

After painting is complete, allow the surface to dry completely. Usually, manufacturers write the time required for this on a can of paint or on a spray can.

If you are using a series of tones, cover the borders with masking tape. Of course, spray painting will be more accurate.

Lacquer finish

Lacquer for kitchen front surfaces, glossy or matt. You can choose the simplest option. A glizal can be a substitute for varnish. This substance is applied after painting, its task is to give a glossy sheen to the painted surface. Glizale needs to be diluted with water. All proportions and more detailed instructions for everything can be found on the packaging of the product.

Lacquering facades and countertops is a simple and fast process.

The glazing method can also be considered. With it, you can create decorative patterns on the surface. The technique lies in the fact that using polyethylene, a damp sponge and hard-haired brushes, you need to move from one part of the facade to another. Lines and ornaments can be absolutely chaotic. After doing this work, you need to leave the surface for about a week so that it dries.

Paint must be applied in the selected direction in the direction of travel of the tool.

Important! Lacquer and glisal have a strong pungent odor. It is important that the room is ventilated during work, and you also need to take care of good ventilation after work is completed.

Tips for painting a kitchen set with your own hands

Painting the facades of a kitchen set is a simple process. Every person can feel like a designer and update the interior in his kitchen, even if he has not previously encountered such an occupation and does not have any experience and knowledge in this matter at all. This article described in detail how to repaint a kitchen set with your own hands in order to fix all the most important things in your memory, we will once again list the main nuances and useful recommendations.

  1. In order for the painting to be successful, it is necessary to choose the right paint and primer material.
  2. Do not neglect the preparatory work. It is important to protect the floor and work surface of the headset in advance, so that later you do not have to puzzle over how to get rid of paint splashes.
  3. In order to avoid inconvenience during the staining process and not have to be distracted by anything, you need to prepare all the necessary tools and materials in advance.
  4. All precautions must be observed and protective equipment (gloves, respirator, etc.) must be used, and the room must be well ventilated.

By following these simple guidelines, you can make the process of painting surfaces as simple and even enjoyable as possible. After all, it is important, when performing such work on your own, that it is not a torment, but becomes a pleasant pastime. The result will be of the highest quality and will delight the owners of the kitchen and guests of the apartment for many years.

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