How do I upgrade my kitchen cabinets on a budget?

Author: Nakia O'Keefe  |  Last update: Friday, July 1, 2022

One of the easiest and most budget-friendly changes you can make to your cabinets is to simply update the hardware. Switching out the drawer pulls and handles on your cabinets can give them a more modern feel, and you can choose hardware that fits in your preferred budget.

How can I upgrade my kitchen cabinets cheap?

If your goal is to update the look of your existing cabinets, the cheapest route is to simply reface them. This process involves either stripping the stain or paint from the existing cabinets and adding new stain, varnish or paint; in some cases, you might even want to refinish the cabinets with a stick-on veneer.

How can I update my kitchen cabinets without replacing them?

How to Update Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Them
  1. Wrapping cupboard doors. Another popular method to change the look of your cabinets is to wrap them, the most common material used to do this is vinyl. ...
  2. Adding under cabinet lighting. ...
  3. Adding cabinet molding.

How do you modernize traditional kitchen cabinets?

  1. Swap Out Hardware. Old cabinets can get a simple and quick update by adding new, modern pulls and knobs. ...
  2. Mix Up Textures, Patterns, and Colors. ...
  3. Show Off Collectibles. ...
  4. Display Dishware. ...
  5. Stick to One Splurge. ...
  6. Install Creative Lighting. ...
  7. Combine Styles. ...
  8. Upgrade Appliances.

How can I update my kitchen without renovation?

Here are a few easy ways to update your kitchen—no remodeling necessary.
  1. Paint the walls.
  2. Switch out the cabinet hardware.
  3. Install a new flooring.
  4. Add a kitchen runner.
  5. Replace the counter tops and sink.
  6. Replace the faucet.
  7. DIY architectural details.
  8. Add new lighting.

How To: $500 DIY Kitchen Remodel | Update Counter & Cabinets on a Budget

How do you make an outdated kitchen look modern?

How to Modernize Your Outdated Kitchen
  1. Upgrade your metals. ...
  2. Swap out your flooring. ...
  3. Consider removing your upper cabinetry. ...
  4. Modernize your countertops. ...
  5. Give people a place to sit. ...
  6. Get energy efficient with your appliances. ...
  7. Paint your existing cabinetry. ...
  8. Install new lighting options.

What is the first thing to do when updating a kitchen?

The first step of any kitchen remodel is tear out and demolition. Before you are ready to create a beautiful new space, it is important to demolish and get rid of what's outdated or worn out. This is the time when you rip out anything you don't want to keep including walls, cabinetry, flooring, fixtures, or more.

How can I make my kitchen look expensive?

Colours such as creams and beiges can make a kitchen look elegant and expensive. If your kitchen is modern, you can use dark colours, such as blacks and greys, which can make it look lavish and extravagant. White reflects light and makes the space look bigger, so complement white with some wood and metallic highlights.

How do I update my beige kitchen?

  1. Pick grey toned creams for a fresh look. (Image credit: deVOL) ...
  2. Mix creams with light wooden accents. ...
  3. Keep a cream kitchen simple. ...
  4. Paint your kitchen cabinetry cream. ...
  5. Add in cooler tones to a cream kitchen. ...
  6. Warm up your kitchen walls. ...
  7. Keep it simple with an off white scheme. ...
  8. Contrast a cream kitchen with a dark floor.

What is cabinet refacing?

Cabinet refacing is the process of replacing cabinet skin panels to give your kitchen a dramatic new look. Your cabinets may be scratched or cracked, or you may simply desire a change — much like replacing a perfectly good smartphone with the latest model.

How can I update my old kitchen on a budget UK?

Here are Kate's top five tips for giving your kitchen a much needed upgrade, for less, in just a weekend.
  1. Re-tile walls / splashbacks. B&Q. ...
  2. Add open shelving. B&Q. ...
  3. Freshen up worktops and sinks. B&Q. ...
  4. Clear the clutter. B&Q. ...
  5. Add depth with on-trend colours.

How do I spruce up my kitchen cabinets?

25 Easy Ways to Upgrade Basic Kitchen Cabinets
  1. Try Removable Wallpaper. ...
  2. Swap Out Boring Hardware. ...
  3. Install Sliding Shelves. ...
  4. Get Organized With Drawer Dividers. ...
  5. Hang Storage Bars Inside Doors. ...
  6. Add Interest With Furniture Legs & Feet. ...
  7. Try Open Shelving. ...
  8. Add Toe Kick Drawers.

How do I Spruce my kitchen?

19 ways to spruce up your kitchen
  1. Choose a new kitchen sink. ...
  2. Pick a new kitchen faucet. ...
  3. Replace your kitchen faucet. ...
  4. Reface your kitchen cabinets. ...
  5. Paint your cabinets a new color. ...
  6. Learn how to talk about kitchen cabinet door styles. ...
  7. Choose new cabinet knobs and pulls. ...
  8. Add toe-kick storage.

How do you update laminate cabinets?

How to Change Laminated Cabinets
  1. Laminate Cabinet Makeover. Painting is the easiest way to change the look of laminate cabinets. ...
  2. Replace Laminate Cabinet Doors. When the laminate on your cabinets is peeling or cracked, painting the cabinets isn't a good idea. ...
  3. Cover with Contact Paper. ...
  4. Change Out the Hardware.

Can you reface your cabinets?

A kitchen cabinet reface is a budget-friendly way to change your space without a full kitchen remodel. Cabinet refacing replaces the veneer on the visible surfaces of the cabinet. It leaves the structure of the cabinet as is. Most people also upgrade their doors, drawer fronts and hardware at the same time.

Are cream cabinets outdated?

The cream and warm colors of the past are making a comeback in the kitchens of today. If you had a hard time letting go of your cream-colored kitchen because your friends told you it was outdated, you can finally go back to it. Cream colors create a comfortable mood in the kitchen.

Does grey walls go with cream kitchen units?

Warm cream cabinetry is an ideal backdrop for sophisticated grey kitchen ideas such as worktops, lights and accessories. Choose a shade of grey with warm undertones to help retain the warm qualities of cream, avoiding blue-toned greys.

Why do my cream cabinets look yellow?

DON'T USE AN OFF-WHITE

An off-white or light depth paint colour that's the same depth or lighter than your cream cabinets will make your cabinets or trim LOOK MORE YELLOW…

How do you make an old kitchen look new on a budget?

10 Cheap Ways To Make Your Kitchen Look Expensive
  1. Update hardware. ...
  2. Use lighter colors. ...
  3. Replace cabinet doors. ...
  4. Change lighting. ...
  5. Use artwork. ...
  6. Paint your appliances stainless steel. ...
  7. Add window treatments. ...
  8. Style your breakfast nook.

Does flooring go under cabinets?

Installing flooring before your cabinets is the best choice for most hardwood floors. When professionals install floors then cabinets, it's easier to get everything to standard heights. It's also a safer installation process for your cabinets since you won't risk any damage to them as professionals install the floors.

Do you paint before installing cabinets?

It is recommended to paint your cabinets first before installing them, as doing so will enable you to give the cabinets a more thorough paint job, and prevent any paint from splattering onto your kitchen's surfaces.

Should I paint walls before installing kitchen cabinets?

So, if you're installing new cabinets, most professional house painters would prefer to do their work after the cabinets are installed. This is because the cabinet installation generally involves some bumping and scraping, and the new kitchen paint is likely to be messed up in the process if it is applied first.

How much does it cost to redo a kitchen UK?

The average cost of a new kitchen in the UK in 2020 is estimated at £8,000 (including VAT and fitting). Most kitchen renovations fall between £5,000 and £14,000 all in. However, this can greatly increase depending on the size of the kitchen, the style of the units and worktops, and a couple of other factors.

Is it cheaper to reface cabinets or replace?

Refacing is about 30 to 50-percent less than replacement. Expect to pay about $12,000 to $20,000 for contractor-grade cabinets. Best when the cabinet boxes are in solid shape and cost is an issue. Best when doing a whole-kitchen remodel or when cabinet boxes are in poor shape.

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?

As mentioned earlier, cabinetry usually tends to be the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel. It can cost up to $15,000 even in a relatively minor remodel with a budget of about $30,000. In an upscale remodel, choosing kitchen cabinets can take up nearly 20 to 40 percent of the entire budget.

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