How to Redo a 1980s Kitchen With Formica Cabinets

Change the color scheme in your kitchen. Many kitchens built in the 1980s have a particular color scheme that can look somewhat dated. Try painting the walls around your cabinets and throughout the kitchen a bright, vibrant color to help open up the room. If you have a large kitchen and want to keep the colors simple, choose an off-white or a basic color, such as sage green or pale yellow, that gives you lots of flexibility with decor.

Replace old appliances with new, modern appliances. Choose appliances made of chrome or brushed with chrome or steel accents. Alternately, many refrigerators come with plain or frosted glass doors that can make a small kitchen look larger while making it feel more modern.

Accessorize with decorative items such as vases, silk flowers and colorful, useful items like a brightly colored tea kettle, hand towels, papier-mâché fruit or new dishes. Small touches can make a big difference in a kitchen as long as you choose colors that will modernize your kitchen and distract from outdated items. As an added benefit, most new appliances will perform better than older ones and help to reduce your energy bill.

Swap out the hardware on your cabinets and drawers with brushed silver, chrome or glass hardware that will breathe new life into your Formica cabinets. If you are going in a more antique direction, seek out vintage hardware or new hardware that was made to look distressed. Antique and vintage hardware can sometimes be found in discount furniture stores, thrift stores and salvage yards for very little.