How To Make Cheap Kitchen Cabinets Look Expensive?

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and you want it to look its best. Unfortunately, kitchen renovations can be expensive, especially when it comes to cabinets. But what if we told you that you can make your cheap kitchen cabinets look expensive without breaking the bank? In this article, we’ll show you how to upgrade your cabinets and give your kitchen a high-end look without spending a fortune.

From simple DIY projects to affordable upgrades, we’ll share our top tips and tricks to transform your kitchen cabinets. You don’t need to be a professional carpenter or have a huge budget to achieve the stylish kitchen of your dreams. So, let’s dive in and learn how to make your cheap kitchen cabinets look expensive.

Transforming Cheap Kitchen Cabinets into Expensive-Looking Ones

Are you tired of your old, worn-out kitchen cabinets that make your entire kitchen look dull and outdated? You don’t have to spend a fortune to give your kitchen a luxurious look. With a few budget-friendly tricks, you can transform your cheap kitchen cabinets into expensive-looking ones.

1. Choose the Right Color

The color of your kitchen cabinets can make a huge difference in their appearance. If you want your cabinets to look expensive, choose dark, rich colors like deep blue, emerald green, or charcoal gray. These colors create a sense of elegance and luxury that light or neutral colors cannot.

You can also consider using a glossy or metallic finish for your cabinets. A glossy finish reflects light and makes your cabinets look shiny and new. Similarly, metallic finishes add a touch of glamour and sophistication to your kitchen.

2. Add Some Hardware

Hardware can also make a significant impact on the look of your cabinets. Upgrading your hardware to high-end options like brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze can give the impression of custom cabinetry.

Make sure the hardware you choose complements the color and style of your cabinets. For example, if you have dark cabinets, choose hardware with a lighter finish to create contrast.

3. Upgrade Your Cabinet Doors

If your cabinets have plain, flat doors, consider upgrading them with something more stylish. Adding raised panels, glass inserts, or decorative molding can give your cabinets a custom look.

You can also replace your cabinet doors altogether with new ones made of high-quality materials like wood or glass. This option may be a bit more expensive, but it can completely transform the look of your kitchen.

4. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting

Lighting is another crucial element in creating an expensive look for your kitchen cabinets. Installing under-cabinet lighting can create a warm, inviting atmosphere and highlight the details of your cabinets.

LED strip lights are an affordable and energy-efficient option that can easily be installed underneath your cabinets. They also come in various colors and brightness levels to suit your preferences.

5. Incorporate Open Shelving

Open shelving is a popular trend in modern kitchen design that can make your cabinets look more expensive. Removing the doors from some of your cabinets and replacing them with open shelves can create a sense of openness and depth in your kitchen.

You can use open shelving to display decorative items, cookbooks, or even your favorite dishes. Just make sure to keep the shelves organized and clutter-free for a polished look.

6. Add Crown Molding

Crown molding is an elegant and timeless addition to any kitchen. It can add height to your cabinets and create a seamless transition between your cabinets and ceilings.

You can purchase pre-made crown molding or have it custom-made to fit your cabinets. It’s a relatively easy DIY project that can make a significant impact on the look of your kitchen.

7. Paint or Refinish Your Cabinets

If your cabinets are still in good condition but look outdated, consider painting or refinishing them. This option is much cheaper than replacing your cabinets altogether and can give them a fresh, new look.

When painting or refinishing your cabinets, choose high-quality materials and finishes to ensure they last for years to come. Consider hiring a professional to do the job if you’re not confident in your DIY skills.

8. Upgrade Your Countertops

Your countertops can also affect the look of your cabinets. If you have outdated, stained, or worn-out countertops, consider upgrading them with a new material like granite, quartz, or marble.

These materials are durable, easy to maintain, and can instantly elevate the look of your kitchen. However, they can be quite expensive, so make sure to budget accordingly.

9. Create a Focal Point

Creating a focal point in your kitchen can draw attention away from your cabinets’ flaws and make them look more expensive. You can create a focal point by adding a statement piece like a chandelier or artwork.

You can also create a focal point by painting an accent wall or adding a backsplash. These design elements can add color, texture, and personality to your kitchen.

10. Keep It Clean and Organized

Lastly, keeping your kitchen cabinets clean and organized is essential for maintaining an expensive look. Cluttered, messy cabinets can make even the most expensive cabinets look cheap and outdated.

Invest in some organizers and storage solutions to keep your cabinets tidy and functional. Make sure to regularly clean your cabinets and appliances to maintain their appearance.

In conclusion, giving your cheap kitchen cabinets an expensive look is possible with a few budget-friendly tricks. By choosing the right color, upgrading your hardware and cabinet doors, installing under-cabinet lighting, incorporating open shelving, adding crown molding, painting or refinishing your cabinets, upgrading your countertops, creating a focal point, and keeping everything clean and organized, you can transform your kitchen into a luxurious space without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some ways to make cheap kitchen cabinets look expensive?

One option is to add crown molding to the top of the cabinets. This can give them a more high-end look and make them appear taller. Another option is to replace the hardware with more stylish and expensive-looking knobs and handles. Painting or refinishing the cabinets can also make them look more expensive.

Another way to make cheap kitchen cabinets look expensive is to add glass doors to some of the cabinets. This can create a more open and airy feel to the kitchen and showcase any decorative items that are stored inside the cabinets.

Can I paint my cheap kitchen cabinets to make them look more expensive?

Yes, painting your kitchen cabinets can be a cost-effective way to make them look more expensive. Choose a high-quality paint and primer, and consider using a paint sprayer for a smooth and professional-looking finish. You can also add decorative details, such as stenciling or glazing, to further enhance the look of your cabinets.

Before painting, make sure to thoroughly clean and sand your cabinets to ensure that the paint adheres properly. It is also important to remove all hardware and cabinet doors before painting to ensure a seamless finish.

How can I update the hardware on my cheap kitchen cabinets?

Updating the hardware on your kitchen cabinets can be a simple and affordable way to make them look more expensive. Choose hardware that is stylish and modern, such as brushed nickel or brass knobs and handles. You can also choose hardware with unique shapes or designs to add visual interest to your cabinets.

Before installing new hardware, make sure to measure the spacing between the screws to ensure that the new hardware will fit properly. It is also important to remove all old hardware and fill in any holes before installing the new hardware to ensure a seamless finish.

What kind of lighting can I add to my kitchen to make my cheap cabinets look more expensive?

Adding under-cabinet lighting can be a great way to make your kitchen cabinets look more expensive. This type of lighting creates a warm and inviting glow and can highlight any decorative items that are displayed on the counters or inside the cabinets.

Another option is to add pendant lighting above the kitchen island or table. This can create a focal point in the kitchen and add visual interest to the space. Choose lighting fixtures that are stylish and modern to enhance the overall look of your kitchen.

How can I add decorative accents to my cheap kitchen cabinets?

There are several ways to add decorative accents to your kitchen cabinets to make them look more expensive. One option is to add decorative molding or trim to the cabinets. This can create a more custom and high-end look to your cabinets.

Another option is to add decorative glass inserts to some of the cabinet doors. This can create visual interest and add a touch of elegance to your kitchen. You can also add decorative knobs or handles to the cabinets to enhance the overall look of your kitchen.

How to Make Stock Kitchen Cabinets Look Expensive

In conclusion, transforming cheap kitchen cabinets into an expensive-looking feature can be achieved with some simple yet effective techniques. By investing in quality hardware, such as handles and hinges, and choosing a paint color that complements your existing decor, you can create a luxurious ambiance in your kitchen without breaking the bank.

Adding crown molding and trim to your cabinets is another way to make them look custom and expensive. This small detail can elevate the overall appearance of your kitchen and make your cabinets look more high-end.

Finally, accessorizing your cabinets with stylish decorations, such as glass inserts, decorative knobs, and lighting, can bring new life to your space. By following these tips, you can make your cheap kitchen cabinets look like a million bucks and create a kitchen that you’ll love for years to come.