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If your kitchen cabinets are starting to irk you but painting or repainting them isn’t an option, don’t assume that you can’t still improve how they look. Interior designers are full of creative ideas for revamping a kitchen to make the space appear more elegant and up to date. Below, they share eight of their top tips.
Meet the Expert
- Briana Gershenzon is the partner and chief of design at Renovation Sells.
- Laura Lubin is the founder of Ellerslie Interiors.
- Melissa Oholendt is the founder of Oho Interiors.
Incorporate New Hardware
If your kitchen cabinets feature hardware that is basic and builder-grade or dated and not your style, don’t worry—you can easily replace it for something that better suits your aesthetic.
“This easy update is worth the effort and can instantly bring a tired kitchen up to date,” says Briana Gershenzon, partner and chief of design at Renovation Sells.
Think about what type of look you’re going for in your kitchen when selecting your hardware type. Gershenzon recommends sleek chrome or matte black pulls in a contemporary space but recommends an antique brass or polished nickel in a transitional kitchen, for example.
Kitchen hardware comes at a range of price points, so there is truly something for everyone, no matter your budget.
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Paint the Kitchen Walls
If you can’t paint your kitchen cabinets, perhaps you can paint the walls around them.
“A simple change like updating the wall color in your space can elevate your kitchen and give your existing cabinets new life,” Gershenzon says.
Of course, think outside the box a bit.
“The new color should be a departure from the existing color to achieve the most dramatic transformation,” she suggests.
Update Your Backsplash
A fresh kitchen backsplash may update how you view your cabinets in the greater scheme of the room.
Gershenzon encourages thinking beyond a basic tile and explore other ideas.
“You can continue your countertop material up the wall, creating a full-height backsplash, or add a more budget-friendly material like wood in a panel or tongue-and-groove planks—this creates a classic vertical shiplap look,” she says.
Wood is also a popular pick, Gershenzon adds, she just recommends sealing it to withstand wear and tear.
Renting your space? Keep in mind that there are plenty of peel-and-stick backsplash options that can majorly elevate your kitchen, too.
Change Your Countertops
Another transformative yet more expensive option is to change your kitchen countertops.
Doing so “drastically ups the appeal of your existing cabinetry,” Gershenzon says. “Quartz and natural stone are our go-to’s because of their durability and the variety of options available.”
Again, if you’re renting, there are ways to update your kitchen countertops without making any permanent changes. Many people will use contact paper to cover their existing countertops and remove it upon ending their lease. This tactic is also much more of a budget-friendly approach that appeals to many.
Change the Cabinet Fronts
You can give your actual cabinets a new look without even so much as touching a paint brush.
“Adding decorative trim or installing glass or mirrored fronts can instantly elevate the design and brighten the space,” says Laura Lubin, the founder of Ellerslie Interiors.
Install Under-Cabinet Lighting
Lubin considers under-cabinet lighting to be a luxe touch that will elevate any kitchen.
“It can enhance both the ambiance and functionality of the kitchen, without the need for a complete renovation,” she says.
Under-cabinet lighting is thought to add resale value to a home, too.
Remove Unnecessary Upper Cabinets
The fewer cabinets in your kitchen, the less they may bother you.
“If you can spare the extra storage space, I’d suggest removing unnecessary upper cabinets, which are often the ones that tend to date the space and be less efficient in their use of space, too,” says Melissa Oholendt, the founder of Oho Interiors.
To create more space in the kitchen, consider adding a hutch or freestanding cabinet to house everything from dry goods to entertaining supplies.
Style Your Kitchen Like a Pro
Styling your kitchen thoughtfully will make the entire space appear more elevated.
Oholendt suggests adding some vintage art to the room, swapping out old kitchen towels for nicer ones, displaying a pretty spoon rest, and more.
“Set a budget for yourself and head to your favorite local retailer and find pieces you love that make the space feel new and fresh without paint,” she says.