Our kitchens are the heart of our homes, where we whip up delicious meals, share stories and make memories. ️ But let’s face it. After years of wear and tear, even our favorite spaces can start to look a little tired. If you’re looking to heat things up in your kitchen and update that old ‘80s vibe, our Renovations team has a few budget-friendly ideas that can make a major impact without a complete overhaul.
Cabinet Resurfacing
No budget to replace your kitchen cabinets? No problem. If the cabinets are still in relatively good shape and functioning properly, give them a fresh update by resurfacing the doors, drawer fronts and front-facing frames. Resurfacing your kitchen (or bathroom) cabinets involves removing the old finish and applying a new one. Think sanding down wooden cabinets and giving them a new coat of paint.
Try one of the many DIY cabinetry resurfacing kits available at most home improvement stores. (Don’t worry; they come with step-by-step instructions .) If you go the DIY route, though, here’s our pro tip: It’s important to clean and sand all surfaces before applying primer and whatever resurfacing material you choose. Skipping this step could lead to poor adhesion, an uneven finish, or reduced durability. Once the application is done, throw on fresh knobs and pulls and your kitchen gets a great new look without having to demo!
Don’t have the time to do it yourself? Professional resurfacing services that provide a more durable finish are also available.
Cabinet Refacing
Refacing and resurfacing are often used interchangeably but there is a difference. Refacing involves actually replacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts with new ones, then putting a matching veneer or other material over the existing cabinet frames. A little more involved than resurfacing, but the results are worth it .
Refacing lets you customize cabinets with the freedom to choose an entirely new door design and a finish and material to match your personal style. Refacing is a great option when the boxes (the cabinets themselves) are strong and structurally sound, but the doors are misaligned, they have faulty hardware or just need a color and style refresh.
If you choose to reface your cabinets, start by painting the boxes to match the chosen color for the new fronts. Double-check measurements BEFORE placing the order for new doors and drawer fronts so you know how much refacing material is needed. Remove any hardware, clean the cabinet frames with mild detergent and warm water and sand the cabinet frames and doors before beginning the installation. Once the installation is done, attach some new cabinet knobs or handles and they’re good to go!
Upgrade your countertops
Looking to complete your kitchen makeover? Consider updating the countertops, too. For those on a tight budget, most resurfacing companies that handle cabinets also offer countertop resurfacing for existing laminate tops. This long-lasting solution comes in a variety of colors. If you have a bit more to spend, granite and quartz are popular choices and provide a wide range of color options to match your kitchen’s style.
Add a backsplash
A new backsplash can instantly update the kitchen’s appearance. Alone or as a complement to those freshly upgraded cabinets, backsplashes can give the space a more modern look while also protecting walls from spills and splatters. There are lots of different materials to choose from like subway tiles, mosaics and easy-to-use peel-and-stick options for your next weekend home improvement project.
See? Updating your kitchen doesn’t have to be overwhelming or cost a fortune. Whether you’re a DIYer or prefer to call in the experts, these budget-friendly ideas will help make your kitchen a more inviting and stylish space to enjoy with loved ones.
Ready for an upgraded kitchen without the hassle of a makeover? Check out the newly upgraded homes we have for sale near you.
