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A Guide to Updating Cabinets

Updating your kitchen cabinets may provide your kitchen with a fresh look. This article discusses options such as painting cabinets, adding wood cabinet details and installing new cabinet hardware.

If you're looking for ways to update your cabinets without having to replace them, there are a number options to consider and, since you can do many of these improvements yourself, they are often money savers. However, such cabinet projects may take some time to finish.

Painting Your Cabinets

If you are looking for a way to spice up your kitchen, you can try painting your cabinets. When choosing a color, consider the color of other surfaces in your kitchen such as the countertops, flooring and walls. If these surfaces are neutral colored, you can consider using a bold color like red or green. You may prefer these surfaces to be brightly colored instead of your cabinets. In this case, you could use neutrals for the cabinets. If it is hard for you to make a choice, consider classic white. White will go with everything, though they must be cleaned more often.

The writers of Better Homes and Gardens, say that painting your cabinets may not be the easiest do-it-yourself project, but the new look can be very rewarding. If you're interested in this project, Better Homes and Gardens has complete step-by-step instructions.

Adding Wood Details

Adding wood details can transform your cabinets entirely. These details can be added with some wood glue and nails. You may be able to find molding at your local hardware store that could be used to make the structure of your cabinets more interesting. You could also buy pieces of wood and cut the designs out yourself using a template or a stencil as a guide.

For instance, the professionals at MSN House and Home, have an example of a scalloped design that was attached to cabinets. This look added charm to a warm country-style kitchen. If you decide to add wood details, you can choose to either stain or paint them also.

When adding wood details, make sure the details are level. Don't rush when placing them; you don't want to be looking at a crooked edge.

New Hardware

Hardware affects the look of any wood piece. There are a variety of styles of hardware, from shabby-chic to contemporary. If you are interested in antique-looking pieces, visit a restoration store. Many urban areas have restoration stores that contain items from older buildings that have either been renovated or removed entirely. You may even be able to find beautiful antique items for a great price.

If you prefer a more contemporary style, you could change from elaborate brass hardware to simple satin silver hardware. This simple change can help to make your kitchen a bit more modern and it is a great alternative if you are on a budget.

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