More than ever, we all have to make the most of every scarce, hard-earned dollar. Many homeowners put off updating their kitchen cabinets because they think it will be too expensive. However, with some creativity and smart planning, you can give your kitchen a fresh new look on a budget.
From the outset, you’re updating, not replacing, your kitchen cabinets for the cost savings, right? Budget cabinets provide homeowners with an affordable option to update their kitchens without overspending.
Here’s a guide on how to update kitchen cabinets on a budget. Before we start, let’s review some reasons for updating kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them.
Why Update Instead of Replace?
1. Cost Savings
The primary reason most homeowners opt to update their kitchen cabinets rather than replace them is the cost savings. Replacing cabinets can be a significant expense, whereas updating them can be a more budget-friendly option.
Yes, a new kitchen is more affordable than you may think.
2. Less Disruption
Replacing cabinets involves removing the old ones and installing new ones, causing significant disruption in daily routine.
In contrast, updating cabinets typically involves painting or refacing existing cabinets, causing less disruption and mess.
3. Sustainable Choice
It’s more sustainable when you update kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them. This decision reduces waste, minimizing the impact on natural resources.
4. Budget Cabinets Don’t Have to Look “Cheap”
It’s a false tale they tell about budget cabinets. Those who’ve been creative with budget cabinets achieve surprisingly high-end looks.
The key is to use quality materials and invest in features that are important to you, such as soft-close hinges or custom inserts.
Simple Ways to Update Kitchen Cabinets on a Budget
1. Painting or Refinishing Cabinets
These two options are the easiest ways of updating kitchen cabinets on a budget.
Freshly painting or staining your cabinets gives them a whole new look. If you have wooden cabinets, sand them down and add a new stain or paint color for an easy update.
You can also repaint a laminate or metal cabinet with the proper prep work and materials. Painting and refinishing also protect your cabinets from water damage and wear over time.
2. Updating Hardware
Did you know that you can change your kitchen’s overall theme by simply updating the cabinet hardware? Replacing outdated or worn knobs, handles, and pulls is the quick and inexpensive facelift your kitchen needs.
All this hardware presents an opportunity to transform your kitchen’s appearance or merely blend it with the overall design. Make vintage cabinets stand out with oil-rubbed bronze hardware.
Stainless steel or brushed nickel hardware brings a modern touch to any kitchen.
For a more cohesive look, consider matching the cabinet hardware with other fixtures in the kitchen, such as faucets and light fixtures. That’s how you create a unified aesthetic throughout a space.
Updating hardware can also improve functionality. Swapping out traditional knobs for sleek handles can make opening and closing cabinets easier, especially for individuals with arthritis or limited hand mobility.
Kitchen cabinets see a lot of wear and tear, so check on durability and ease of cleaning when selecting the hardware. You’ll always find affordable options online.
3. Adding Crown Molding or Trim
Crown molding and trim are small details that can make a big impact in a room. They increase your kitchen’s visual appeal by adding depth and dimension to plain walls or ceilings.
The creative license with crown molding is endless, from styles dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, to more contemporary styles.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, crown molding and trim can also help hide imperfections at the seams between walls and ceilings. They also create a smooth transition from wall to ceiling, making a room look more polished and complete.
It’s up to you to pick among wood, plaster, or polyurethane foam crown moldings depending on your budget and taste.
For example, if you prefer a more traditional look, wood crown molding would be a great choice. If you want a more modern or sleek look, polyurethane foam may be the ideal option.
4. Open Shelving or Glass Inserts
Another approach at updating your kitchen cabinets on a budget is by incorporating open shelving or glass inserts.
The open shelf concept has been gaining popularity in recent years as it allows for a more open and airy feel in the kitchen. It also allows you to showcase your stylish dishes and cookware.
Consider adding glass inserts to your cabinet doors for a sleek, modern look. You get a similar effect of openness while still keeping some items hidden behind the doors.
Some urban homeowners or commercial displays line the glass inserts with lighting strips, highlighting the contents of the cabinet while adding a touch of elegance.
5 Affordable Cabinet Refacing Options
Cabinet refacing is a cost-effective option for refreshing your kitchen cabinets. It involves replacing only the visible surfaces, such as doors, drawer fronts, and hardware, not the entire cabinet structure.
This option is viable when your cabinet structures are viable, but the doors and other visible surfaces are outdated, damaged, or worn out.
Here are some affordable cabinet refacing options to consider:
- Paint or Stain: We already discussed this option.
- Laminate Veneer: Use laminate veneer sheets to cover the existing cabinet surfaces for a clean and modern look. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to colors and patterns with this option.
- Cabinet Wraps: Cabinet wraps are vinyl sheets that you can adhere to your existing cabinets for a new look. They also come in various designs and patterns, including custom prints or textures.
When It Makes Sense to Invest in New Budget Cabinets
When Repainting/Refacing Isn’t Enough
Sometimes, repainting isn’t enough, and you have to reface your cabinets. Sometimes, refacing is only as effective as slapping a Band-Aid on a broken limb. Let’s review a few situations when repainting/refacing isn’t enough.
When the Cabinets are Damaged
Cabinets take a beating in a busy household. Kids playing, pots and pans banging, spills and accidents; all these can leave your cabinets looking worn out and damaged.
Sometimes, it gets so bad that the structural integrity of the cabinets is compromised. In such cases, repainting or refacing wouldn’t be enough.
When There Is Water Damage
Water damage is a nightmare for any homeowner because it often causes mold growth, rotting, and warping of the wood. If your kitchen cabinets have been exposed to water damage, repainting or refacing may not be enough to fix the problem.
Consult a professional and consider replacing the damaged cabinets. Remember that mold could affect the health of everyone in your household.
When You Want a New Layout
Perhaps you want to change your kitchen’s layout or add more cabinets for storage. In such cases, it may be better to opt for new cabinets instead of repainting or refacing the existing ones. You enjoy more flexibility in design and functionality.
Consider consulting an interior designer to curate an aesthetically soothing kitchen layout that serves your daily needs. Interior designers also help you choose the right type and style of cabinets to complement your new kitchen design.
Tips for Choosing Cheap Cabinets for the Kitchen Without Sacrificing Quality
1. Look for Durable Materials, Even in Budget Lines
Remember, we’re looking for affordable, not cheap, cabinets. Cheap implies you’re sacrificing quality for cost, which is always costlier in the long run.
Affordability refers to the cost-effectiveness of maximizing the value of your budget. Look for cabinets made from strong materials, such as solid wood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), for the face frames and doors.
You can also check if the hardware, such as hinges and drawer slides, is high-quality and sturdy. You want an outcome that lasts, even if it means investing a little more upfront. Sometimes, more expensive kitchen cabinets are worth the cost.
2. Consider Classic Designs that Won’t Go out of Style
A long-term outlook will always do you a financial favor. Following short-lived trends means you have to keep doing or get stuck with quickly outpaced pieces. Imagine having to refresh the cabinets so the house can sell.
It’s more affordable when you avoid bold or eccentric styles. Opt for timeless designs that won’t go out of style in a few years, i.e., clean lines, neutral colors, and classic hardware choices.
3. Mix and Match for Savings
Another way to save money on home renovations is by mixing and matching materials and styles.
Consider only replacing upper or lower cabinets, depending on their condition. You can also combine open shelving with cabinets for a modern, affordable kitchen design.
Consider buying budget cabinets and upgrading the hardware for a high-end look. Alternatively, opt for more affordable materials, such as laminate countertops, instead of granite.
You can also mix and match cabinet materials and hardware for a unique and personalized look. Think outside the box and get creative with your choices to save money while still achieving a stylish and functional space.
4. Buy from Reputable Sources
Of course, some companies out there advertise one thing and deliver the other. That’s why you need to work with reputable sources, such as:
These designer cabinet companies have a good reputation in the industry and are known for their high-quality products. When you buy from them, you can be assured that you are getting what you paid for.
5. Buy From Reputable Online Retailers Like Us
Online vendors of designer cabinets are our best bet for getting high-quality cabinets. At Designer Cabinets Online, we engage directly with the designers and contractors, and they offer us favorable prices for their products.
We also operate online, bypassing the costs associated with physical stores, such as rent, utilities, and sales staff. The minimal overheads are advantageous to you as we make quality cabinets affordable via minimal markups.
6. Consultation and Design Services
At Designer Cabinets Online, we offer free consultation services to our clients. Our designers help you select the perfect cabinets for your space, considering your budget, style preferences, and functional needs.
We also provide design services to ensure that the cabinets fit perfectly in your space and meet your storage needs.
Closing Thoughts
Kitchen renovation on a budget is possible if you stick to the tips we’ve discussed. With careful planning, budget-conscious decision-making, and expert help from our team at Designer Cabinets Online, you can make it happen on your terms.We’ve mentioned budgeting throughout this post, so you may want to rethink how you set a budget for new kitchen cabinets. Everything revolves around your needs and style, so prioritize what’s most important to you.