feature image via Hommemaker
Not many people can afford an entire kitchen renovation on a whim. I’m pretty sure the average kitchen renovation is $50,000 minimum. No thanks! So, how do you affordably update kitchen cabinets? I’ll give you some tips and tricks in today’s post that will bring new life to your kitchen. These ideas are low cost but high impact.
Today, I’m going to share with you 3 ways to affordably update kitchen cabinets.
How to Affordably Update Kitchen Cabinets
By the way, this post isn’t just for homeowners. If you are in an apartment, talk to your landlord about the changes I’m sharing below. The whole point is to add equity to the apartment, and by updating your cabinets yourself, you are making the apartment better without any cost to your landlord–if you incur the bill. If you are willing to put in the sweat equity, I’m sure you landlord would even consider buying the supplies if you agree to install. It’s a win for both parties.
1. New hardware
via Sarah Sherman Samuel
This is one of the fastest, easiest, and most affordable ways to update your cabinets. There are so many different drawer pull/knob options out there, from neutral to vintage to hand painted. Surprisingly, Home Depot has some great options that cost as little as $2. You don’t have to be forced to purchase builder grade hardware; there are better options!
I love Semihandmade’s options, especially the uber popular Half Moon, which is featured above (I like it in matte black). While the price point is low to mid range, the quality cannot be beat. It’s a great option if you want something well designed, impactful, and long lasting (especially if it will be a long while before you can really tackle a whole renovation).
Low end $
Mid range $$
2. Paint
via Semihandmade
This seems really intimidating, but it really just comes down to project organization. If you want to affordably update kitchen cabinets and get an entirely new look without replacing the whole kitchen, paint is your best bet. The jury is split between spray paint or using a brush/roller, but if I had to choose, I would choose a brush. That way you have access to a wider variety of paint colors than 3 shades of blue spray paint.
Honestly, if you kitchen looks dated, it might not be the cabinet door design. Sure, that can certainly age a look, but with a fresh coat of paint, it turns into an architectural detail. So, if you have a really old kitchen with either dark cherry stained cabinets or that warm oak color, a coat of paint is all you need to bring your kitchen into the modern age.
Have I told you how much I’m loving SAGE cabinets? Do some googling of English kitchens. They nail the traditional meets modern style. Swoon. Even if you are afraid of color, you could do plain white paint (that’s NEVER a bad idea) or even do a cool white wash to get a true farmhouse look. Dealer’s choice!
3. New door fronts
via Sugar & Charm
Semihandmade has a line of door fronts, specifically fitting IKEA cabinets. They come in all kinds of colors and materials. Some of the options are even designed by celebrity interior designer, Sarah Sherman Samuel. Semihandmade also has a really impressive resume of clients, and chances are, you’ve seen their work in your favorite blogger’s kitchen.
So while an entire kitchen renovation seems pricey, there are ways to have a great design at a great cost. When it comes to wanting to affordably update kitchen cabinets, these are your 3 best options, ranging from quickest and cheapest, to more time and money. I guess that’s why they call it sweat equity, right? For a big bang, girrrrrl, you better werk!
Have you done a kitchen DIY that was successful? I would love to see the transformation.
-Kristen
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