How to Spruce Up a Tired Kitchen With Inexpensive Fixes

Changing the doors or the hardware on your cabinets make big impact for little money.

If you kitchen is starting to look a little worn or dated, you don't have to do an entire kitchen remodel to make your kitchen shine; just one or two simple changes can help spruce up your kitchen as well as lift your spirits.

Instructions

1. Refinish cabinets by stripping off the old stain and adding a new coat of stain with a polyurethane finish. Or, for painted cabinets, add a new coat of paint or a special finish such as a distressed look for a completely different look.

2. Repaint the walls the same color or liven things up by using a different color for a new look.

3. Change out some or all of the cabinet fronts for a new look. Most cabinet doors have an inner panel that can either be popped out or cut out. Replace this panel with bead board for a country look or glass inserts for a lighter look. If that sounds like too much work, replace the old cabinet doors with new ones.

4. Replace knobs and handles.

5. Update old light fixtures. Adding under-counter lights or lights inside cabinets with glass doors can also add new life to a tired space.

6. Install new faucets and sinks.

7. Add decorative wall molding at the ceiling, floor or to cabinets. Crown molding on cabinet tops can make older cabinets come back to life.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a friend or family member replacing cabinets, maybe you can use their old ones or parts from them to update your own.

• When buying new light fixtures or painting your kitchen, think about the mood you want to express: cheerful and bright or calm and soft.

• Always check prices at several places before buying.

References

• iVillage.com; 10 Kitchen Fix-Ups; Beverly DeJulio; Feb. 2008