DIY Kitchen Cabinet Remodel Ideas – 5 Ways to Turn Your Cooking Space from Dull to Delightful!

You want to freshen up your kitchen but don’t want to spend a fortune on renovation? Or maybe you’re renting, and you want to make the outdated kitchen cupboards look more modern? The good news is that you don’t need to settle for ugly kitchen cabinets or break the bank for buying new ones. I’ve got the best budget and rental-friendly tips to help you spruce up your cooking space! Let’s take a look at some easy DIY kitchen cabinet remodel ideas to help you bring new life into your home!

What is the Cheapest Way to Redo Kitchen Cabinets?

Depending on the material from which your kitchen cabinets are made, there are different methods you can apply to upgrade them. If your cabinets are made from solid wood, the cheapest way to spruce them is by painting them. In case you’re dealing with stainless steel, laminate, or another kind of non-solid wood, vinyl wrap may be the cheapest and easiest option for you!

Read also: Small Kitchen Remodel Ideas on a Budget: Make it Cozy Without Spending Tones of Money

Can You Just Paint Over Cabinets?

Kitchen cabinets made from solid wood are the easiest ones to paint over. However, we advise you against just painting directly onto them. It’s mandatory that you apply a primer on the cabinets before painting them. If you don’t do that, the oils in the old paint will cause the new one to chip quicker. The primer also gives the cabinets a textured barrier which creates traction, helping the paint to stick better.

What Happens if I Don’t Sand Cabinets Before Painting?

In order to achieve a seamless paint job, it’s mandatory that you sand your kitchen cabinets before painting them. If you don’t do that the layers of paint will become too thick for you to close the cabinet doors properly. Here’s how to paint your wooden cabinets properly for a long-lasting effect:

• Remove all the hardware.
• Use wood filler to fill any holes and cracks in the cupboards.
• Use a sanding block to abrade the surface.
• Apply sugar soap and wash away any grease or dirt from the surfaces.
• Apply 2 coats of oil-based primer.

Once you’ve prepped all the cabinets, this is what you need to do next:

• Unscrew and take down all the doors.
• Use a low pile roller for painting the larger surfaces.
• Use a small angled brush to paint the crevices.
• Apply two coats of paint in order to get a solid color without any gaps.
• Apply a transparent top coat to seal the paint.

What Color Cabinets Never Go Out of Style?

One of the most popular and versatile colors for kitchen cabinets is sage green. It’s simple, and elegant and looks stunning in combination with wood, granite, concrete, and even laminates. Silver or gold hardware? Sage green goes with both! This color is guaranteed to bring warmth and serenity to your cooking space! It’s also timeless and elegant and will instantly give your kitchen a luxurious appearance! Other evergreen kitchen cabinet colors you can choose from are:

• dove gray
• eggshell
• olive green
• navy blue
• black

Read also: Black Kitchen Cabinets: What Makes Black a Good Choice for Kitchen Cabinets + Trends 2023

Update Your Cabinets Using Contact Paper

The most simple and mess-free way to upgrade your kitchen cabinets is by using contact paper. This method became such a booming trend over the last year that you can even get custom patterns cut to size! You can not only use contact paper on your cupboards but on your fridge and washing machine, too! It’s extremely durable and can withstand temperate up to 150 degrees Celsius. To install the vinyl contact paper you’re going to need:

• a hairdryer
• cutting knife or scissors
• a ruler
• plastic smoother

Watch the video below for complete instructions on how to seamlessly apply contact paper to your kitchen cabinets!

How Do You Make Plain Cabinets Look Expensive?

Do you have the vision for your dream kitchen but not the budget to achieve it? There’s no need to fret! Just because something looks expensive doesn’t mean it has to be. With just a few simple changes you can make your kitchen look like it was taken straight from Architectural Digest! Here’s what you can do:

Swap the Cabinet Hardware

Something as simple as changing the hardware on the cabinets can completely transform your kitchen. Because it’s not a permanent upgrade, you can easily apply this hack if you’re renting your space. If you want to add a luxurious feel to your space, choose brass or bronze hardware. For a modern appearance, opt for long handles. If you favor a more classic aesthetic, solid round knobs will give you the desired look. The key here is to buy bigger hardware. It accents the cabinets, adds dimension, and looks a lot more stylish.

Use Peel and Stick Countertop Wrap

The cabinets are the focal point in one’s kitchen, however, it’s the countertops that will either make it or break it. Unfortunately, they are difficult and expensive to replace. Don’t get discouraged! This is where countertop wrap comes to the rescue! There are all kinds of colors, patterns, and finishes to choose from, and they’re incredibly easy to install! I know some of you may consider it a tacky option, but the final results are nothing short of fabulous! This is also another rental-friendly remodeling tip that will make your space feel more modern and homely.

Add Panels to the Ends of the Cabinets

The ends of the cabinets are something people rarely think about when updating their kitchen. Little did you know that adding a panel to those ends can make such a difference! You can make it look like a false door which will add significant depth to the space. Not only that, but your kitchen area will also have a more finished look. If you’re handy, you can DIY the panels yourself and repaint the cabinets to make it all look seamless. If not, these panels are usually sold for $100 each which is a relatively cheap upgrade compared t remodeling a whole kitchen!

DIY Kitchen Cabinet Remodel Ideas

Sky Blue Kitchen Cabinets with White Countertop and Mixed Size Brass Hardware

Modern Greige and White Cabinets with Marble Contact Paper Countertop

Minimalist Black and White Contact Paper Cabinets with Long Brass Handles 

White Kitchen Cabinets with Black Hardware and Black Countertop