Rejuvenate The Look Of Old Kitchen Cabinets

Most Canadians and people from various nations spend traditional events and holidays with their family and friends in the heart of their homes, which is in the kitchen. Perhaps because this is one of the places in a home where anyone and everyone can get together and spend time with each other while preparing the food.

Thus, most homeowners strive to have a kitchen that reflects a warm and welcoming feeling through its design, as well as the fixtures installed in it such as kitchen cabinets. The best kitchen cabinets can be sourced from manufacturers who provide comprehensive services, including design, construction, and installation, tailored to fit your kitchen space perfectly. With custom-designed cabinets, you are sure that the resulting fixture conforms to your taste and preferences. Nevertheless, you can also customize the look of your old kitchen cabinets and below are some noteworthy tips on how you will be able to do so.

Clean and repair any visible or hidden damages

One of the most common things that you can do to instantly restore the look of an old kitchen cabinet is to thoroughly clean it. You can rub dirty doors with mineral spirits and apply oxalic acid to remove stubborn black stains. After doing so, any damage that needs your repair, such as minor holes, will be more apparent.

For small holes, you can use an oil-based or a water-based wood filler. For blackened holes, you can dig out the black areas before you apply the filler. Replace the hinges and knobs on your kitchen cabinets as necessary. By merely cleaning and repairing your kitchen cabinet, you can already make it look like new.

Apply a fresh coat of paint

You can give your kitchen cabinets a fresh look by applying a fresh coat of paint on their doors. The color will depend on the overall theme that you want to project in your kitchen. If you have a rather small kitchen space, the safest way is to paint your cabinets with lots of white and neutral colors. Not only will these hues brighten up the room, but they can also insinuate a larger space.

On the other hand, dark colors such as emerald green or cranberry red can make a bold statement on kitchen cabinets installed in large kitchens. You can also use darker hues for cabinets in smaller kitchens, but make sure to balance out these shades with white walls or lighter accents. There is also the option for you to let out your creative juices and turn the doors of your kitchen cabinets into a fabulous mural.

Change the doors

Another simple trick that can instantly spruce up the old cabinets in your kitchen is changing their doors. While you can retain a real wood cabinet door, you also have the option to go for a door made of polyester material. The latter is less pricey than real wood and these are durable and easier to clean too. Thermofoil cabinet doors are a great option for you as well because these are the most cost-efficient compared to real wood or polyester-made kitchen doors.

Install lights

Installing lights in your kitchen cabinets is not only to make them aesthetically pleasing, but lights serve a functional purpose too. With ample lighting, you will be able to see the stocks in your pantry clearly, making it easy for you to grab a midnight snack. Go for an under-cabinet lighting that can be a dramatic accent, a night light, or both. Thus, you need to consider the dimming capability of the lights, as well as their voltage and wiring.

If you want to create a uniform lighting distribution, steer clear of halogen and xenon lighting fixtures. In this case, it is much better to acquire LED lights, which are also energy efficient. LED lights also produce minimal heat, which is important, particularly for heat-sensitive foods such as cakes and other pastries.

Set a crown molding

For your topmost kitchen cabinets, you can add a crown molding to instantly add an elegant look. Not only are these trimmings fulfilling a decorative function, but they also do cover the gaps where the wall and the ceiling intersect. Crown moldings on top of your kitchen cabinets will also provide the illusion of a higher ceiling and a wider kitchen space.

Add drawers and dividers

Enhance your old kitchen cabinets by installing more storage space such as a pull-out shelf that glides out for easy access. There is also the option for you to add dividers on kitchen cabinets fixed on your walls that not only create more storage space but pave the way for a more organized cabinet too. Another great idea is to add a plate rack that can effectively display your dishes, particularly the ones with vibrant colors and interesting designs.

Re-purpose as a sideboard

Old kitchen cabinets can also be repurposed as a sideboard that is a handy addition to your kitchen. You can either take your existing cabinet apart to be reassembled or simply fill in the missing pieces and sides such as the top, side, or center panels. Take out the existing doors and replace them with glass panels to have a shelf where you can display your precious china or immediately see the kitchen tools that you need.

There are several ways you will be able to rejuvenate the look of your old kitchen cabinets. For one, you can clean it up and repair any damages it could have incurred over time. You can also apply a fresh coat of paint, opt to change your kitchen cabinet doors or install lights to enhance your kitchen cabinets. There is also the option for you to set a crown molding or add drawers, dividers, and even a plate rack. But if you feel like it is already time to upgrade your kitchen cabinets, you can repurpose the old ones as a sideboard. The important thing is that your cabinets should complement the overall vibe of your kitchen.

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