Are your cabinets making your entire area look worn out, gloomy and in a different era? Mine did — and for way too long. I would only update them by thinking they needed a complete renovation. But I was mistaken and I got to know the entertainable way. Following a combination of trial and error and a couple of late-night Pinterest searches, I gave my dated cabinets a makeover that honestly makes me smile.
Today I am here to share all those ideas of cabinet makeovers, whether it was a straightforward paint or a complete reworking, that made a serious impact without emptying my wallet or my energy level.
Who This Article Is For
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- You would like to refresh your cabinets without springing to remodel
- You are a fan of Do-It-Yourself and those little projects at the weekends that make a big impact
- You’re curious about affordable cabinet transformations that actually work
- You enjoy seeing “before and after” magic
So here are my very favorite cabinet makeover ideas, test driven, loved, and lived in:
1. Painted Cabinets Changed Everything
And when I did, finally, paint my kitchen cabinets, the whole room seemed to take a sigh of relief. I took a soft matte sage green and the difference was immediate. No sanding, only necessary: a good degreaser, bonding primer and patience. It has taught me that color can actually alter the tone of an entire house.
Before
After
2. Removing Cabinet Doors for Open Shelving
This was one of the things that I was nervous to do, however taking the doors off of a couple of upper cabinets provided me with the open, airy feel that I desired. I arranged them with stacked dishes, some plants and the teacups of my grandmother – suddenly my kitchen had a personality, not only a storage.
Before
After
3. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Inside Cabinets
Adding peel-and-stick wallpaper inside the cabinets was a game-changer. It was a surprise burst of pattern that I caught each time I opened a door and it made me smile. It’s a five-dollar thrill I’d recommend to anyone.
Before
After
4. New Hardware = Instant Upgrade
By replacing the aged knobs with matte black pulls and antique brass handles, my cabinets looked immediately luxe. It was a 60 dollar upgrading that appeared to be a 600 dollar one. Lesson learned: hardware is the jewelry of the room.
Before
After
5. Glass Front Inserts for a Brighter Look
It only took the addition of glass inserts to two of my upper cabinet doors to introduce so much light. It has also caused me to be more purposeful in what I put in those areas now they seem more display, but also purposeful.
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After
6. Two-Tone Cabinets Made My Kitchen Look Bigger
I painted the bottom cabinets a dark stormy navy and the uppers white – and it totally balanced the room. The darker foundation is down-to-earth, and the upper cabinets are lost in the walls. It’s cozy and clean all at once.
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After
7. Crown Molding Took Them to the Ceiling
I applied crown molding on top of my cabinets to give them a custom-built appearance. Such a little trim piece, but it immediately gave that high-end, completed look I was wanting.
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After
8. Cabinet Makeover with Beadboard Panels
I found my bathroom vanity to be simple and I decided to apply beadboard paneling on the cabinet doors. It added depth and character – a beachy, cottage-y feel without altering the floor plan. I had them painted in a dull clay tone and they appear to have stepped out of a design magazine.
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After
9. Flipping the Doors — Yes, Really
I once read a hint to reverse cabinet doors to give them a more in-panel appearance and it did make a difference. A little filler and a new coat of paint and they went from looking like I had bought new shaker-style fronts.
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After
10. Converting a Cabinet into a Coffee Station
We have one lower cabinet that was not in use much by our breakfast nook, so I decided to transform it into a small coffee and tea bar. I have put some hooks, a tray, labeled jars, and now it is my favorite morning routine.
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After
11. Painting Just the Island Made a Huge Impact
I did not want to redistribute everything, and my kitchen island lacked personality. So I simply painted the island itself a deep terracotta, and replaced the hardware. It suddenly became the heart of the room.
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After
12. Cabinet Makeover with Chalk Paint
I chose chalk paint in a light gray-blue for my laundry room cabinets. It did not need a primer, and provided a flawless matte, vintage finish. The weekend makeovers do not get any simpler than this one.
Before
After
13. Floating Cabinet Shelf Above the Toilet
Our toilet was enclosed by a big cabinet that made the area unfriendly. I replaced it with one floating cabinet-style shelf – clean, minimal, and sufficient storage to keep bathroom essentials only. The room feels twice as big.
Before
After
Final Thoughts
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- Cabinet makeovers don’t have to be expensive or overwhelming
- Your best friends are paint and hardware – don not underestimate them
- The energy of a place can be totally altered by the slightest of changes
- The before photos will help you value your efforts that much more
Which area of your house do you silently feel is commanding a cabinet transformation?
