Decorating Ideas for Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

New Hardware

• One of the simplest ways to update some older cabinets is to change out the hardware. Your biggest challenge will be removing all the old hardware, but the use of an electric drill will speed up the job. Save the old hardware to sell to someone else who likes the look of older pieces. Choose a new look for your kitchen with bright shiny pulls or cast iron knobs. Whatever the style, if it does not fit within the same holes from the previous hardware, then you will need to caulk the old holes. Either paint over them or finish them to match the surface.

Paint

• Paint is an inexpensive way to totally transform your cabinet doors. If you take the time to remove the doors and all their hardware, the job will look more professional when you finish. Use a high-quality paint since you won't need very much just to paint the doors. Choose a bright, light color for a small kitchen or try a striking solid dark color for a large kitchen with plenty of light. Once the paint has had a few days to dry completely, reinstall the cabinet doors, with either bright new hardware or the old.

Glass Panels

• Solid doors undergo a complete transformation when you insert a glass pane. Glass is not that hard to work with and the resulting window will show off the interior of your cabinets. If you have a professional cut the glass panes, you can install the glass using normal household tools and your existing cabinets. After a few little finishing touches, your cabinets will look like they came from a showroom.

Stain

• Cabinet doors are typically wood products, and as such, you can refinish them just like other furniture. If you remove them from the wall, you can take them out to a work area to remove the existing finish. After a little sanding, a new stain and a fresh finish, your cabinets will look like a different product. Just remember to take the time to let any finishes dry completely before you reinstall them.