Revamp Your Kitchen: 4 Easy Solutions to Update Outdated Cabinets
Spend some time looking at homes and you’ll likely see a wide variety of cabinet styles out there. Kitchens have seen many trends since the 1920s, from the avocados and oranges of the mid-1900s to the stark white melamines of the 1980s. While these looks may have seemed innovative in their time, today they date a kitchen, lowering a home’s value and contrasting starkly with modern appliances and cookware.
The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to update your kitchen. Even small changes to your cabinetry can transform your space, giving you many years of enjoyment. Best of all, a kitchen remodeling project will likely make a big difference in the overall value of your home. Here are four things you can do without taking out a home remodeling loan.
Paint the Doors
A fresh coat or two of paint can do wonders for even the most dated cabinets. For best results, remove one of your cabinet drawers and take it to a local paint shop for advice. The paint type you choose will largely depend on the type of raw material you’re working with. You’ll need primer and either a water- or oil-based paint, as well as the tools you’ll need to remove cabinet doors, prop them up to paint and dry, and paint them effectively.
Change the Doors
A slightly more expensive option is to change the cabinet doors. You can try to match your existing cabinetry or paint everything to match. One refreshing change you can make to match current trends is to replace your old cabinets with those including glass. You’d be surprised how much glass cabinet doors can brighten up your décor. The only downside is that you’ll have to keep your cabinets clean and well organized, since the world will be able to see what’s behind the door.
Add Veneer
Veneering your cabinets can be time consuming but you can reface them easily with peel-and-stick veneer. It’s important to shop around for high-quality options, since peel-and-stick veneer has progressed significantly in recent years. Whether you choose peel-and-stick options or to apply the glue yourself, be sure you measure twice and cut once to avoid costly mistakes.
Replace with Shelving
Open shelving is popular in kitchens, especially when installed in combination with traditional cabinetry. Don’t feel that you have to keep all of your cabinets. Part of your remodeling project could include removing a section or two of your kitchen cabinets and replacing them with shelving. These shelves could be used to hold cookbooks, knickknacks or even dishes and cookware. With a little creativity, you can make your kitchen both functional and attractive.
If your kitchen is a reminder of a decorating era long past, it’s time to take a look around and see what you can do to update it. Even on a limited budget, you can improve your cabinets and boost the value of your home. Whether you plan to sell someday or enjoy your home for many years, the improvements will be well worth it.
