Your cabinets are one of the most important features of your kitchen, providing storage, functionality, and style. But if yours are old, they can make your kitchen look tired and outdated.

Fortunately, there are several ways you can give them a fresh, updated appearance, and the good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the look you want. Use these suggestions to help decide which option works best for you and your budget.

Resurface/reface

Resurfacing, also called refacing, is a great way to update the look of your kitchen without having to take on the cost and inconvenience of a total renovation. Though the doors, drawer faces, and side panels are typically replaced, the existing cabinet boxes remain. Because this technique is usually a long-term investment, selecting high-quality materials is important. There are three types of resurfacing materials: laminate, rigid thermofoil, and wood veneers.

Paint or stain wood cabinets

Painting or staining your kitchen cabinets is an easy and affordable way to transform a tired-looking kitchen into a brand-new one. Both upgrades have advantages depending on the type of style you prefer. Painting is your best bet if a modern, crisp look is your intended vibe; however, staining your cabinets may be a better option if you’re more of a traditionalist. Whichever application you choose, you’ll need to prepare properly if you do the work yourself.

• Cabinet material: Professional painters do not recommend painting over laminate or RTF because paint doesn’t adhere well to those types of surfaces. Painting over wood cabinets generally garners the best results, particularly if you want to hide the appearance of the wood grain, since it absorbs paint better than some other surfaces. Conversely, if you prefer to highlight the wood grain, stain will allow you to showcase all the surface’s natural imperfections. The shelf life of both techniques is good—painted cabinets usually last up to ten years, while stain can last between twenty and thirty years when a wood sealant is applied.
• Condition: You’ll need to assess your kitchen cabinets’ condition before painting them. For example, check for any cracks or evidence of water damage, such as warping, peeling, or staining, which can cause the doors to weaken and the hinges to break. If the integrity of your cabinets seems compromised in any way, you may need to replace them rather than simply paint over their damaged surfaces.
• Paint type: In general, hybrid enamel paint is the best choice for kitchen cabinets because you get the best of both worlds: the durability of oil-based paint and the ease of water-based paint. Hybrid enamel paint also has lower VOCs than traditional alkyd enamel paints, making it a more environmentally friendly option, is easy to clean, and requires less prep work than other types of paint. For the finish, semigloss, gloss, and satin are all good choices since they are durable and cleanable and can give your cabinets a modern look.

Replace the hardware

Finally, complete the look of your newly painted, stained, or resurfaced cabinets by adding new hardware to the doors and drawers. This is a great way to update your kitchen without making a major investment. Here are some factors to consider.

• Style: There’s something for everyone when it comes to updating your space. If modern is your vibe, opt for sleek and simple shapes. For something more traditional, consider knobs with ornate curves and scrollwork made from wood, brass, or wrought iron.
• Finish: The hardware you decide on for your kitchen will depend on the look and style of your cabinets. For instance, black hardware against white cabinets would create a striking contrast, while gray cabinets paired with silver hardware would give off an eclectic feel. You can even mix and match finishes—a popular trend in kitchen cabinet hardware that creates a modern and unique look.
• Size: When choosing hardware, make sure to select pieces that are in proportion with the size of your cabinets. To do this, go with the one-third rule: the knobs and pulls should be one-third the width of the cabinet door or drawer. It may be best to go with a bigger size if you are between the two. Furthermore, pick hardware that is made of a durable material, such as brass, stainless steel, chrome, or nickel. Each of these can be easily cleaned and is very resistant to wear and tear.

Before you start your kitchen cabinet project, it’s important to do research and get estimates from multiple suppliers. With some planning, effort, and a little creativity, you can update your cabinets on a budget and create a kitchen you will love for years to come.