How to Make Old Kitchen Cabinets Look New Again—Without a Full Renovation

Between the steep costs and ripped-out walls, kitchen renovations can be quite the investment. Fortunately, there are ways to transform this space without turning it into a construction site—or shelling out a small fortune.

Kitchen cabinets are the perfect example. DIYers and designers have discovered a few clever ways to give these storage solutions a facelift using just a little creativity and some elbow grease. Here, they share their favorite methods for renovating kitchen cabinets on a budget, without completely replacing them.

Add Color to the Back of Your Cabinets

When updating kitchen cabinets, your first thought is probably to change up the exterior. However, adding some color to the inside of your cabinet can have a stunning impact, too. You can either paint or wallpaper the back surface.

"[It adds] unexpected whimsy without having to take on a complete renovation," says Rachel Smith, DIY blogger and author of Colorful Living. "It might not change the look of your kitchen from a distance, but it’s sure to add a bit of joy to your life every time you use your cabinets."

Start by removing all the items and shelves. Smith suggests using peel-and-stick wallpaper since it's more forgiving and can be enjoyed right away. "If you’re using traditional wallpaper, let dry and cure fully before adding your items back again," she says.

For those taking the painting route, you'll want to take the proper steps of sanding, priming, painting, and then sealing.

Swap Out Hardware

One of designers' go-to tricks for instant charm is swapping out hardware. "This is a perfect way to infuse a bit of color and pattern play, even if you’re renting," Smith says. "And it’s great, because you can finish it in an afternoon."

Not sure what look to go for? Consider a finish that can grow with you. "If you’ve had nickel pulls for decades, try swapping to a brass finish that will patina over time, aging beautifully," says DeNeatra Love-Jeffers, principal designer of The Love Edit Interiors. "If you do change metals, I suggest changing out the faucet too, so all the finishes match."

To find the right size, measure the cabinet's existing hole spacing so you don't have to drill new ones. "Then, shop furniture hardware, not just kitchen hardware—look at dressers, credenzas, anything with pulls or knobs," says Kate Arends Peters, founder of Wit & Delight and House Call.

"You don't need to match perfectly across every cabinet. In fact, using two or three complementary styles—same finish family, different shapes—makes the kitchen feel less formulaic," she says.

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Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

Using paint to transform a space is one of the oldest tricks in the book.

"When we purchased our dream home, I fell in love with the character [but] the second I saw the brown-stained cabinets, I knew my first project: painting them a crisp white," Love-Jeffers says. "In just a few days, I had a kitchen I loved for a fraction of the cost of new cabinets."

Interior designer and chef Jennifer Maune likes using warm neutrals or going for a full color drench—coating the cabinetry and surrounding trim in one hue. "The key is meticulous prep," she says. "Remove doors and hardware, degrease thoroughly, sand to remove sheen, prime with a bonding primer, and apply two thin coats of cabinet-grade enamel."

Embellish With Trim or Molding

Just like walls, cabinets can benefit from an extra dose of depth.

"Adding trim or molding can create the look of custom millwork without replacement," Maune says. "I’ve applied slim molding to flat-front cabinets to mimic classic European paneling, and extended cabinetry visually with crown molding for a more tailored, built-in effect."

However, the process isn't always straightforward. "Cut molding to size, attach with wood glue and finishing nails, fill seams, sand smooth, and paint for a seamless finish," she says. "Proportion is everything. Keep the trim refined and understated so it feels intentional."

Install Cabinet Fronts

For a more renter-friendly alternative, you can always install cabinet fronts over your existing frames. Arends Peters did this in her current home using paintable fronts from Semi-Handmade.

"The advantage here is flexibility," she says. "You can repaint or replace the fronts down the line without tearing out the entire kitchen. It's a medium investment that buys you time to figure out what you really want long-term."