Ways to update kitchen cabinets

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Want to give your outdated or factory-grade cabinets a designer look without the high price tag?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.

Pinvia Remodelandolacasa

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.

Pinvia Thrifty Decor Chick

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

Pinvia Pink Toes and Power Tools

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:

Pinvia The Harper House

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.

Pinvia Sunset Mag

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.

Pinvia Design Storms

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.

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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.

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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!

How to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them |

(Image credit: Getty Images)

You don't need to be a professional to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them. New doors, a different finish, on-trend handles or some smart lighting can all help you achieve a new look.

You can paint kitchen cabinets to change their color or, if they’re made from wood you might choose to refinish kitchen cabinets, or stain them. But you could go further. You can 'add new beading or edging to create a Shaker-style front or simply update the hardware,’ says Looeeze Grossman, founder of The Used Kitchen Company . 'It’s amazing how much of a difference new handles can make to a kitchen, especially when you update the accessories to match. It can look like a totally different space.’

Here’s our guide on how to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them.

How to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them

There are various ways to revamp your kitchen cabinet ideas, some more time-consuming and costly than others. We explore the options for updating your room without the need to install kitchen cabinets, starting with the most-budget friendly.

1. Repaint or stain them

(Image credit: Getty Images)

One of the most effective (and cost-effective, if you are thinking kitchen cabinet refinishing costs) ways to give them a fresh new look is to paint or stain kitchen cabinets. It’s easy enough to do over a weekend and for best results, use chalk paint then wax or lacquer over it the next day.

‘You can paint all kinds of kitchen cabinets including laminate,’ advises color and paint expert Annie Sloan . ‘Just apply a diluted coat first to ensure the paint grips to the surface. Most important of all is to ensure the cabinets are clean and free from grease before you start painting. You don’t want any oily stains coming through. Just use soapy water and a wire brush to give them a clean and ensure they are fully dry before you start painting.’

‘Dynamic spaces such as kitchens lend themselves well to bolder color choices,' adds Annie, who is well-known for her bold painted kitchen cabinet ideas. ‘Rich spice colors will reflect flavorsome foods and get mouths salivating before the food prep even begins. ’

You can also use specialist kitchen cabinet paint, as Emma Irving, product manager at Rust-Oleum , explains, ‘A budget-friendly alternative to a full kitchen makeover is giving your cabinet doors a fresh lick of paint. Rust-Oleum Kitchen Cupboard Paint can be painted directly onto wooden or melamine cupboards without the need for a primer or topcoat – even glossy cupboards can be painted after a light abrade. The finish is matte and hardwearing but washable too – perfect for those with children or pets.’

2. Change cabinet handles

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Another effective way to update cabinets is to install kitchen cabinet handles that are new and on-trend. You can buy handles from hardware stores or online – just make sure you’re swapping like for like in terms of holes needed if you don’t want to be drilling new.

‘From door knobs to cabinet pulls, refreshing your kitchen cabinets with new hardware is a great way to update the room without the need for a full-scale renovation,’ confirms Narendra Karnani, managing director at Heritage Brass .

‘It’s important to opt for quality when choosing frequently touched items, such as handles, as this will ensure longevity and elevate the look and feel of your kitchen, providing a sleek finish.’

Lucy Pascall, director at Pushka Home , agrees, ‘Finishing touches are important and hardware is no exception. We’re seeing an increase in demand for knurled or patterned designs. These styles allow homeowners to inject a hint of playfulness into their homes, in a more subtle and understated way.’

3. Replace cabinet doors

(Image credit: Dan Duchars)

Another option is to replace kitchen cabinet doors.

‘A full kitchen renovation may not be within everyone’s budget, so a cost-effective alternative and quick way to make an impact aesthetically is to replace the cabinet doors,’ says Ben Burbidge, managing director at Burbidge .

‘It’s relatively straightforward to measure up and find a new design. A simple Shaker panel is a stylish way of creating a fresh look. Although the external fittings often take priority, don’t forget to think about the practicalities. If your current storage doesn’t work for you, think about your shelf configurations, drawer organizers and pull outs. It’s worth considering how you can refurbish the internal fixtures as well as the look and feel.’

4. Add moldings to or reface flat-fronted cabinets

(Image credit: deVOL)

You can reface kitchen cabinets entirely using natural wood veneer or RTF (Rigid Thermofoil), which is a melamine-based product.

Adding moldings, trim or details to flat-fronted cabinets is possible, and can create an entirely new look for your kitchen. Whichever material you use for the strips, wood or MDF, ensure that they are cut neatly, applied consistently, and attached firmly with adhesive and pins.

You will need to prepare the surface of the existing cabinetry with a light sanding to create a key for both the adhesive and the new coat of paint and topcoat both the new trim and old cabinetry will need to make it look consistent.

5. Install under-cabinet lighting

(Image credit: DeVOL)

If you want to update kitchen cabinets without actually touching them, you can instantly create task lighting for countertops below, as well as ambient illumination after dark, with under-cabinet lights as part of your kitchen lighting ideas.

‘Under cabinet lighting is an effective way not only to subtly brighten up your kitchen and create focused light but it can also enhance the appearance of your kitchen too,’ says Kate Baker, lighting advisor at smart lighting expert 4lite .

‘Using color-changing smart bulbs or smart LED strip lighting, you can set the brightness and color of the light depending on what you’re doing. Whether you want cool blue hues to perfectly illuminate worktops while you’re cooking or cozy warmer tones when you’re sitting down to eat.

‘Smart lighting also gives you a quick way to introduce color into neutral kitchens to create some beautiful looks, adding warmth and texture to even the most blank canvases,’ adds Kate. ‘With access to millions of different colors and shades of light that can be used to create "scenes", you can change the color of light in a room instantly. LED strip lighting is particularly effective within cabinets to really highlight glassware and kitchenware and the impact of color can be bold and dramatic, subtle or even playful depending on your mood.'

What is the best way to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them?

The best way to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them is by swapping out old door and drawer fronts for new ones, made to measure to fit your cabinetry precisely.

However, if your budget does not allow this, the next best step will be to take a look at expert tips on painting kitchen cabinets, if the fronts are sound and undamaged, or to reface them if they are.

Is it cheaper to update or replace kitchen cabinets?

It is undoubtedly cheaper to update kitchen cabinets than to replace them. However, you may want to question how good a job you can do of updating them versus replacing them, which will largely depend on the state of them now. If your kitchen is incredibly dated and you are considering selling your home at any point in the near future, you are likely to get quicker, better offers on your home if your kitchen, the most important room in a house for buyers, is in a good state.

Hayley is an interiors journalist, content provider and copywriter with 26 years experience who has contributed to a wide range of consumer magazines, trade titles, newspapers, blogs and online content. Specialising in kitchens and bathrooms, she has twice won the CEDIA Award for Best Technology feature. Hayley writes for H&G about kitchens, bathrooms, cleaning, DIY and organizing.

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.

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;
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.

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;
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;
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 place the film with the adhesive side on the front. Controlling evenness, gradually peel off the protective layer and stick the film;
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;
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.

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.

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/.

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.

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;
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;
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;
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.

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.

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;
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;
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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;
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;
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 work in the decoupage technique, 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.

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.

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;
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.

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;
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.

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.

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 impressive at all.

The article was written for remstroiblog.ru.

Tags:Kitchen

7 Ways to Update Your Kitchen Set

Over the years of use, many abrasions, scratches and other defects appear on kitchen furniture. The set is gradually losing its attractive appearance, which is why the kitchen looks messy. You can transform the interior without buying new furniture - you just need to show a little imagination and stock up on some materials.

Decorate with leftover wallpaper

Various decoration methods will help hide all the defects on the surface of the furniture. For example, you can completely change the color of the headset using the remnants of wallpaper, even from different rolls - this can turn out to be an original design.

If the wallpaper does not have a self-adhesive backing, the surface is pre-primed and sanded before use, and the wallpaper is varnished at the end to protect it from moisture and damage.

A simpler option is a self-adhesive film. It comes in various shades and it is easy to glue facades with it, while the material does not require special care and will last for several years.

You can also decorate the back walls of cabinets with wallpaper residues. It can be wallpaper with the same pattern as on the walls, or, conversely, a contrasting option.

Remove doors

In order not to deal with the restoration of facades, you can use a more drastic method - completely remove the doors from wall cabinets. The emphasis in this case will be on the back wall of the cabinets, which can be interestingly decorated. You will get an original interpretation of the now very popular open storage.

You will also have to pay more attention to the order on the shelves, but this will be an additional opportunity to bring something new to the interior of the kitchen: for example, put the same containers for storing bulk products, beautiful cups or plates, jars for spices.

Slate paint

A great way to hide all the scuffs on furniture is to paint it, and you can choose slate instead of regular paint. Many call it chalkboard effect paint. Indeed, on the surface covered with slate paint, you can draw and write.

This method will not only transform the kitchen set, but also make it more functional. You can leave notes on lockers, write down recipes, and children will no longer have to be scolded for painted furniture.

Replace hardware

The easiest way to add some freshness to your decor is to replace the handles on cabinets and drawers. Little things like this make the kitchen not only practical, but also beautiful. If you want to add something interesting, you should not buy the standard options that are installed on most headsets. It is better to replace them with something original.

For example, there are handles on sale in the form of various animals, plants, cutlery (forks, spoons). There are products made of wood, metal, with glass or plastic inserts. Such a variety will make it easy to choose accessories for any style.

Make a backlight

Wall cabinet lighting is not only a way to accentuate the kitchen set, but also an opportunity to make the work area more practical with the help of additional lighting.

Lighting can be organized in different ways: install small lamps on the backsplash in the work area or place LED lighting behind it, attach lighting elements to the bottom of wall cabinets.

Also, LED lighting is often installed inside cabinets to highlight their contents in the presence of glass facades. LEDs practically do not heat up, so they can even be placed next to glassware.

Decorate using decoupage technique

An excellent option for implementing creative ideas is the decoupage technique. You can decorate the facades in various styles, using drawings of any subject.

The simplest option is decoupage napkins, which consist of several layers. Having chosen a suitable place on the facade for the drawing, the napkins are glued with PVA glue. To create protection after decoration, the facades are covered with acrylic varnish in 3-4 layers, each of which is applied after the previous one has completely dried.

Not only napkins, but also wallpaper and even oilcloth are suitable for decorating in this technique. The main thing is to find an image suitable for the style of the room.

Use Vinyl Stickers

If you don't want to completely change the appearance of the headset, but only hide some defects, you can decorate the furniture with vinyl stickers.

Ways to update kitchen cabinets

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:

How to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them |

How to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them

1. Repaint or stain them

2. Change cabinet handles

3. Replace cabinet doors

4. Add moldings to or reface flat-fronted cabinets

5. Install under-cabinet lighting

What is the best way to update kitchen cabinets without replacing them?

Is it cheaper to update or replace 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?

7 Ways to Update Your Kitchen Set

Decorate with leftover wallpaper

Remove doors

Slate paint

Replace hardware

Make a backlight

Decorate using decoupage technique

Use Vinyl Stickers

Learn more