How to Add Detail to a Den Cabinet

Install trim to give your den cabinet more architectural detail. Create a frame around the front edges of the doors for a paneled-door appearance. Apply trim along the top and bottom, front and side edges to dress up the cabinets even more. Start by measuring and cutting the trim pieces. Paint or stain the trim before you attach it. Miter corners at 45-degree angles. Nail the trim to the cabinets with brad nails.

Panel cabinet doors and end panels with beadboard, then paint the cabinets the color -- or colors -- of your choice. Remove the doors before you begin. Measure the beadboard to fit the door fronts and the side and back panels exactly. Adhere the beadboard with wood glue according to the manufacturer's instructions, and then further secure the boards with brad nails. Add trim to the corners and edges to hide the beadboard's rough ends. Prime the cabinets before you paint them.

Apply wooden appliques, also called onlays, to your cabinet doors and to plain surfaces at the top and bottom of your cabinet fronts. Choose from carved and laser-cut designs. Paint or stain them to match your cabinets. Attach them with wood glue and brad nails.

Replace your cabinets' functional hardware, including knobs, drawer pulls and hinges. Unscrew the old hardware to use as a size guide for new pieces. Alternately, drill new holes for the hardware if your cabinets currently have none. Add additional detail with decorative upholstery nails. Create designs with the nails or use them to accent the corners, doors and drawers of the cabinets.