As people continue to spend more time at home, demand for kitchen renovations rose by 24% in 2022, and many Brits say that a kitchen update is on their resolutions list for 2023.
In this article, we’ll be sharing our 15 DIY Ideas to Redo Kitchen Cabinets and give them a stunning do-over without breaking the bank.
1. Shades of grey
One of the simplest ways of updating your kitchen cabinets is to give them a colour makeover. Whether your cabinets have become tired and tatty or you just fancy a change, repainting them can give your kitchen a whole new lease of life. For 2023, the hot colour trend for kitchen cabinets is a timeless mid-grey.
2. Fixtures and fittings
This one couldn’t be easier – even if you’re a complete DIY novice. Replacing cabinet handles can completely change the look of your cabinets and update your kitchen for just a few pounds. For a unique look, try trawling antique shops and websites for interesting pieces or, alternatively, buy cheap handles and knobs and paint them in a contrasting colour to your cabinets for a fun and funky look.
3. Clean and clear
If your cabinets have plain centre panels – such as those created in the shaker style – you can try removing these panels and replacing them with glass for a completely different look. Don’t worry if this sounds complicated – there are lots of videos and tutorials available online to help you on your way.
4. The door show
If you’ve got your heart set on a brand new look for your kitchen but don’t have the budget for a refit, there is a solution. At Kitchen Makeovers, we can replace your cabinet doors and drawer fronts quickly, easily, affordably, and without any fuss.
This is a fantastic way of getting the benefits of a brand-new kitchen without the expense, mess and disruption of a total refit.
5. Light it up
Adding lighting to the inside or underneath of your kitchen cabinets can give them an instant facelift – and the good news is that you can get hold of magnetic strip lighting for just a few quid and fit them yourself in minutes.
6. Mirror, mirror
While it may not be conventional, replacing cabinet door panels with mirror tiles can be a great way of adding the illusion of space to a small kitchen. The only downside is that you’ll need to stock up on elbow grease to keep your mirror tiles clean and sparkling.
7. Get crafty
If plain and simple isn’t your thing, you might consider adding a bit of arty interest to your kitchen cabinets. If you’re no Banksy, don’t worry – you can get some great stencils and transfers from homeware stores and websites such as Amazon to help you add a bit of unique style to your units.
8. Netting great results
If you’re tired of your plain-panelled cabinets and fancy a more rustic feel to your kitchen, replacing old centre panels with chicken wire is a really simple way of transforming your room into a rustic country kitchen. You can pick up chicken wire really cheaply online or from DIY stores, and the internet has plenty of video tutorials to take you through the steps of replacing your panels.
9. Take it higher
If your kitchen upgrade plan involves extra storage space, look up. Often, there’s enough space above your existing cabinets to build an extra layer. While you may want to seek advice from a professional, it is usually possible to do this yourself by grabbing some wood and building a frame with shelves inside and then adding cabinet doors. You can either match your cabinet extension to the existing ones or go for a contrast by choosing a different colour for your new cabinets.
10. All bar none
If you’ve decided to have completely new cabinets fitted in your kitchen, it can be a shame to throw out the old ones if they’re in reasonably good nick. Instead, why not think about turning your old cabinets into a breakfast bar if you have room in your kitchen? Adding legs or wheels and a sturdy, decorative top can create a new and functional piece of decor for your space.
11. Put a lid on it
When you fancy a change but don’t want to replace your cabinets, one solution is to create a roof or overhanging lid for your cabinets. As well as adding interest, you can inject a little country charm by adding real or artificial flowers or plants to your new feature.
12. Open it up
A row of cabinets in your kitchen is excellent for functionality but can give the room a cluttered and industrial feel. Instead, try replacing one or two of your cabinets with open shelving in order to break up the uniform look of the cabinets and open up your space a little.
13. Shabby chic
One enduring trend that isn’t going anywhere soon is shabby chic. Not only is this a great look for most kitchens, but it’s also really easy to do yourself. In fact, you can buy specific shabby chic paint either in neutral colours or more glamorous shades such as old gold. All you need to arm yourself with is paint, sandpaper and a video tutorial.
14. What a relief
Another great way to cheat some extra style for your kitchen cabinets is to buy ready-made relief mouldings. These are available in many styles, including vintage wood and metal and can give your cabinet doors a completely new look.
15. On the tiles
Mosaic tiles continue to be big news for kitchens in 2023 and are commonly used on floors and as backsplashes. If you like these tiles but don’t want to commit to a whole floor or wall, smaller tiles can be used to great effect on cabinet panels. You can usually pick these up really cheaply, and all you’ll need is some strong glue to stick the tiles to the panels for a great new style with little fuss or expense.
Cooking up a new style
Many of us spend a fair amount of time in our kitchens and so like this space to look its best. At Kitchen Makeovers, we have years of experience and expertise in creating high-quality kitchens at low prices. Our experts can replace cabinet doors, drawer fronts, worktops and more at a fraction of the cost of a complete kitchen refit – all while keeping disruption to a minimum for your family.
If you are embarking on a kitchen cabinet DIY project for 2023, always do so safely. Ill-fitting cabinet doors and cabinets which are not properly secured can cause accidents and injuries as well as causing damage to your walls and worktops. If in doubt, it’s always a good idea to consult with an expert before committing to a new DIY job.
