Painting cabinets is one of the most popular and affordable ways to update your kitchen’s look without the high cost of a full remodel. With a fresh coat of paint, you can transform the entire feel of your kitchen almost instantly. Painted cabinets are on-trend, with many homeowners opting to paint their oak or maple cabinets white for a bright, airy look. But painted cabinets don’t have to be white – you can choose any color to match your own unique style.
Painting over your existing cabinets offers many advantages over replacing them entirely. It’s a budget-friendly renovation, costing a fraction of the price of new custom cabinetry. You can modernize the look without changing the cabinet box construction. It’s also less disruptive than a full replacement. Painting can provide a facelift without the lengthy renovation of ripping out and rebuilding your kitchen’s bones.
Types of Paint for Cabinets
Choosing the right type of paint is crucial for getting a smooth, durable finish that will stand up to years of wear and tear. Standard latex wall paints don’t bond as well to cabinet surfaces. Opt for cabinet paint instead, which is formulated to adhere to surfaces like wood, laminate and thermofoil.
For the most hardwearing finish, a two-part epoxy paint for cabinets is best. The resin and hardener activate when mixed to create an ultra-tough coating. Oil-based alkyd enamels also offer durability. Water-based acrylic paints are lower in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) but don’t hold up to cleaning as well over time.
Prepping and Painting Your Cabinets
Proper prep is the key to achieving an evenly painted finish. Fill any holes or cracks with wood filler and sand cabinets until smooth. Remove doors and drawers to paint separately. Degrease and lightly sand surfaces before priming. Apply 2-3 thin coats of high-bonding primer, sanding lightly between coats.
When painting, work in sections and maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks. Roll the paint on in thin layers, allowing each coat to fully dry before adding another. Let the final coat cure fully – usually 3-7 days – before reinstalling cabinet doors and drawers. The extra effort pays off in a smooth, flawless painted finish.
Choosing Paint Colors for Your Kitchen
When deciding on a color palette, consider the look you want to achieve. Bright white paint has a light, airy effect that makes small kitchens appear more expansive. Soft greys or blues also create a soothing, relaxed ambiance. For a more lively vibe, go for deeper greens and navy blues or warm tones like peach, yellow or terra cotta.
Look at undertones so colors complement your counters and floors. Cool-toned paints pair best with marble, granite and tile with grays and beiges. Choose warm paint colors for wood counters and floors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colors like emerald and sapphire for serious style.
Clever Open Shelving Ideas to Steal
Incorporating open shelving into your kitchen design is one of the biggest trends in kitchens today. Ditching upper cabinets for exposed shelving instantly gives your kitchen an airy, modern look and feel. The lightness of open shelves makes small kitchens appear more expansive. Open shelving also allows you to highlight your stylish cookware and dinnerware with an artful display.
Tips for Adding Open Shelves
There are a few considerations when installing open shelving. Make sure they are sturdily mounted into studs for maximum support. Stagger shelves at varying heights for visual interest. Include a mix of shelving widths and depths to accommodate different items. Maintain some upper cabinets for necessary storage. Place open shelves away from sinks and appliances to prevent dust buildup.
Opt for solid wood shelves with an attractive grain pattern or metal piping for an industrial edge. Metal utility shelves add an authentic workshop feel. For a lighter look, glass or acrylic shelves maintain visibility. Built-in shelving with customized dimensions can be designed to perfectly fit your space.
Maximizing Form and Function
When designing your open shelves, prioritize usability as well as aesthetics. Incorporate shelves of varying depths – 10 to 14 inches deep for plates and serving pieces, and deeper shelves around 16 to 18 inches for large platters and bulky cookware. Consider installing a shelf just for spices and oils to keep necessities within easy reach.
Maintain usability by only displaying items you use most often. The items you put on display can easily rotate. Try rearranging your shelf decor seasonally to keep your look feeling fresh. Add hooks for hanging utensils and lighting for illuminating shelved decor.
Mixing Wood Tones and Colors for Dimension
One trend that adds stylish dimension is combining different wood tones and colored cabinets. Instead of all-white or all-wood cabinetry, try offsetting rich wood stain colors with creamy painted cabinets. The contrast between light and dark woods gives cabinets more depth and visual interest.
Pairing stains like espresso alongside dove grey or sage green painted cabinets looks striking. Contrast weathered driftwood finishes with bright white uppers. Even just staining the island a deeper shade than perimeter cabinets creates appealing contrast.
Matching Wood Stains and Paints
When mixing stains and painted finishes, stick to a consistent undertone. Cool greys and blues complement espresso. For medium walnut cabinets, try pairing with navy or sage green. Warm white and antique white paint pairs well with brown and reddish-toned wood stains. Black and brass hardware finishes help marry combinations together.
Distressed paint techniques that reveal some wood grain help transition between stained and painted cabinets. Maintain cohesion by choosing the same door style and hardware throughout. Tie colors together with backsplashes and countertops featuring all the hues in your palette.
Painting the interior of glass cabinets a bold color provides an unexpected pop of color contrast when the doors are closed. This look works especially well in contemporary and modern kitchens.
Affordable Updates Beyond Cabinets and Shelves
In addition to paint and shelving, there are many affordable and impactful updates you can make throughout your kitchen:
- Update your backsplash – Remove a dated ceramic tile backsplash and replace it with on-trend and budget-friendly vinyl, metal or peel-and-stick tiles.
- Swap out laminate countertops – Replace worn Formica with wood-look butcher block counters or stylish poured concrete.
- Improve lighting – Swap out old fluorescent tube lighting with trendy Edison bulbs, pendant lights or recessed spot lighting.
- Replace flooring – Rip up old vinyl flooring in favor of modern vinyl plank flooring with realistic wood look.
Small upgrades like new cabinet hardware, micro cement wall treatments and accent lighting also pack a punch. Focusing on one or two elements allows you to refresh your kitchen’s look affordably.
Hiring Contractors for Your Kitchen Remodel
While minor updates can often be tackled as DIY projects, significant kitchen overhauls require experienced contractor expertise. When planning a major kitchen remodel involving structural changes, cabinet replacements and appliance renovations, hiring professionals is key for a cohesive finished project.
Kitchen Remodeling Contractors
General contractors have experience managing full renovation projects, while kitchen specialist contractors focus exclusively on kitchen design and remodeling. A qualified contractor will handle tasks like:
- Obtaining permits
- Demolishing old kitchen layout
- Installing new cabinetry, appliances, lighting
- Integrating new plumbing and electrical
- Tiling, countertop installation
- Finishing trims and flooring
They’ll work with you to develop a unified vision then execute it flawlessly. Many provide design-build services encompassing both planning and construction.
Vetting and Hiring Contractors
Finding the right contractor is key. Check reviews and referrals thoroughly. Verify they are properly licensed, bonded and insured. Request at least three written estimates before comparing scope of work. Ask for a detailed portfolio and call references to evaluate work quality.
Set a clear timeline and budget upfront. Make payments contingent on inspected stages of completion. With an experienced kitchen remodeling pro, you can bring your dream redesigned kitchen to life.
Design Elements to Make Your Kitchen Shine
From surfaces to layout, the design choices you make for your kitchen renovation or update can take its style and functionality to the next level. Implementing some of these on-trend elements can help your new kitchen shine:
Infuse Color
Use bold or rich colors on one or more elements like the island, backsplash or accent wall to inject vibrant style. Deep hues like emerald green, navy and violet are big. Even black is having a moment in kitchens, showing up in cabinets, islands and hardware.
Brass Accents
Warm metal finishes provide an elegant touch. Brass hardware and accents lend a hint of glamour. Try brass cup pulls, drawer handles, taps and pendant lights. Mix in other metallics like gold and copper for extra luxe appeal.
Maximize Storage
Evaluate the layout and storage solutions in your current kitchen to optimize in the redesign. Add drawers for easier access to items. Opt for pull-out cabinets with built-in organizers. Include a pantry cabinet or closet for food storage. Open shelving looks great but requires adequate closed storage too.
Zones and Layout
Create kitchen zones tailored to different tasks. Position the food prep zone near the sink and fridge. Place cooking and baking zones near the oven and range. Designate areas for cleaning, dining and homework to enhance multi-functionality.
Stocking and Styling Your New Open Shelves
Now that you’ve added chic open shelving to your new kitchen, it’s time to dress them up with beautiful yet functional styling. Follow these tips for gorgeous, everyday-friendly open shelves:
Style for Daily Use
Display pieces you’ll actually use regularly. Keep platters and dishes you use for cooking and serving meals front and center. Style with everyday drinking glasses and coffee mugs. Functional items prevent constantly rearranging.
Edit ruthlessly. Only keep your very favorite, most-used items on display. Crowded shelves appear cluttered quickly. Remember, these items won’t be behind cabinet doors so aim for an uncluttered look.
While some everyday dishware and glassware should remain on display, change out the decorative objects seasonally or periodically. Rotate in different candles, greenery, art and accessories so the shelves stay fresh.
Try integrating pieces like cookbooks, vases and trays that complement your existing dinnerware. introduce new colors and shapes with accents like stoneware crocks, woven baskets and ceramic figurines.
By designing a functional yet artful open shelf display and periodically switching up the look with new decor accents, you can enjoy the beauty of your favorite wares every day.
You can update your kitchen to be both beautiful and functional with a combination of trendy painted cabinets and chic open shelving.
