Kitchen cabinets are one of the most prominent features in your kitchen. If your cabinets look worn or drab, it affects the overall look of your kitchen.

The good news is that there are several options available that can easily update your kitchen with a modern look. Some options are expensive and others are cheaper.

If you like the layout of your cabinets and the cabinets are in good condition, refinishing your kitchen cabinets may be a good option for you.

Refinishing or resurfacing consists of replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts with new ones and then treating the cabinet frame with a matching veneer. There are many types of woods and plastics available for this, so your options are virtually limitless.

For the best results, it is always best to hire a professional to do this job. However, it can be quite expensive, ranging from $3,500 to over $10,000. The job usually takes 2-4 days depending on how many cabinets and drawers are involved.

If your cabinets are weak or damaged or you just want to change their design, replacing them completely is another option. Replacement cabinets may not cost much more than refinishing or restoring them. New cabinets can add more utility to your kitchen and also increase the value of your home.

If resurfacing or replacing your kitchen cabinets doesn’t fit your budget, there are much less expensive alternatives.

My first option to renew the look of kitchen cabinets is paint. What a difference a coat or paint can make!

For a retro look, you can use bold colors like pink, turquoise, or orange. Be bold and paint designs on the cabinets or use stencils or a faux finish. Add some matching hardware and you’ll have new cabinets for under $300!

Another idea is to permanently remove all cabinet doors. This would not be appropriate or functional for all kitchen styles. It could work well for a cottage kitchen design or even an old Victorian design. You can line the shelves with lace or doilies that flutter over the edge to add to the look.

An alternative to completely removing the cabinet doors is to replace them with old windows that are the proper size. You can also create new doors with different types of materials, such as bamboo or fabric.

Another idea for renovating kitchen cabinets is to paper or apply wallpaper. A simple pattern is best, and of course, make sure it’s washable. You do not need to cover the entire surface. You can cut out different shapes or patterns and apply them to the cabinet surface. This would be a good short-term solution to freshen up your kitchen.

So there you have it. There are so many ways to make your kitchen cabinets look great without breaking the bank!