How can I update my kitchen without breaking the bank, considering cabinet options and maximizing space?
Asked by Wiltrud Bastian 
6 months ago
Last Updated: May 14, 2024
How can I spruce up my kitchen without breaking the bank? I’m thinking about sanding and repainting the cabinets again – I did a quick reface when we first moved in, but not sure if I did it right. Should I go for new front plates and doors instead?
I’m really lacking cabinet space and there’s so much wasted room in the kitchen. The counter trim is also bothering me.
We’re trying to make the most of our first home together and we’re not planning to move for at least another year or two. A full kitchen remodel is out of the question, but I want to make some improvements. The house has the original 1990’s oak cabinets. We customized the microwave to be flush, but that meant losing some of the upper cabinet doors.
Your cabinets seem to have a textured finish due to incorrect painting technique. As a professional cabinet painter, I would suggest replacing the doors and refinishing the boxes together for a smooth look. Sanding down the textured paint is essential for a flawless finish. Make sure to use a quality cabinet coating and don’t skip steps like sanding and priming.
I don’t have the can on me right now, but I believe it was Valspar door and trim paint. I didn’t use primer because I thought it was already included, but now I’m not sure.
Yep, , that’s not a real cabinet coating. You should always use a proper primer on cabinets for good adhesion and to build a solid base.
I’d suggest leaving the cabinets as is and embracing the rustic/shabby charm. To do a complete refresh would likely be too expensive or time-consuming. It’s tough to give specific recommendations without knowing your budget, as “affordable” means different things to different people. If you’re on a tight budget, here’s what I would do:
-Replace the counters with pre-fab butcher block from HD or Lowes, with an epoxy coating for durability.
-Remove the soffit over your cabinets and either turn it into open shelving or install barrister cabinet style doors if that’s within your budget.
-If a tile backsplash is too pricey, consider putting up a neutral, geometric wallpaper and clearcoat it for easy cleaning.
-Upgrade your cabinet hardware to something more stylish.
-Add some subtle color to bring warmth to the space, like terracotta/rust or moss green to complement your floors.
You could probably do the cheapest version of these suggestions for around $2500
I totally agree with you, Angelina! Lowe’s has some great deals on white countertops – I went with a butcher block for only $250. And now they have epoxy kits, so you can just pour it on your counter instead of going through the hassle of replacing it. Oh, and don’t forget that Ikea has those cabinet extensions that are super affordable.
I’m constantly moving and cutting on my counters, so I’m wondering if Butcher block can handle that. I’m a bit concerned about the maintenance.
I did apply food-safe butcher block oil, but I still prefer using a cutting board to avoid any cuts or scratches. I don’t even cut directly on my stone countertops because they can get scratched too.
I think upgrading your counters and backsplash is a great idea for your kitchen. We have a similar cupboard above our fridge where we added a bracket for wine glasses on one side and a custom X-patterned rack for wine bottles on the other side. I would share a photo, but the top of my fridge is a mess!
For the cabinets, a light sanding and an additional coat should help. Upgrading the handles will make a big difference. To get the most impact within budget, consider new countertops in a darker shade (not black) and a non-white backsplash. Remember, “Shabby Chic” is a style choice that requires some work on the old microwave shelf. Replace the shelf with custom-sized doors for a polished look.
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Colton Warren
Do you think we could install a plate rack in that area? It would open up the cabinet that currently holds the plates.
I can get brand new doors made, refinished, and sent your way for installation on your current frame. I specialize in cabinet refinishing for my business. Check out my website at Waitecabinetrefinishing.com!
There are lots of affordable peel and stick options for countertops and backsplash. We went with a marble design in our kitchen before we renovated and it fooled a lot of people. haha
You could also switch up your cabinet hardware like handles, pulls, and hinges. It’s a budget-friendly way to give your kitchen a whole new vibe!
We recently renovated our kitchen and kitchenette. Installing laminate countertops and new hardware gave the space a fresh new look. ‘t forget about adding hinge replacements for a soft close feature!
Hey ! I think going with sanding your cabinets and adding a fresh coat of paint is a cost-effective option. It might take some time, but it won’t break the bank!