I have probably mentioned that my husband used to work in a high-end custom cabinet shop when we were first married and finishing college.  We were off-the-charts poor, and he was very capable of getting a higher paying job.  We both decided that what he was learning while he was there was more valuable than the money.  We continued to eat hash browns and eggs for dinner for a year, and he continued to work at the cabinet shop.  When he had a good grasp on techniques, tools, finishes, products, etc.  He found a higher paying job, continued with his schooling (Mechanical Engineering) and he bought a few tools.  We were right.  That knowledge during the first year of our marriage has continually blessed us.  Fine woodworking, furniture building, cabinetry, etc- it is his most treasured hobby.  And mine, too 🙂

Recently, he decided that he would like bigger crown molding on our kitchen cabinets.  So, he extended the crown molding and it looks terrific. He built covers that go on top of the cabinets (they were open at the top- unfinished and drove us crazy!)  They look really great and the extended crown molding makes a big difference, at least to us.  There are a few really great ways you can update your cabinets for relatively cheap.  And who doesn’t want updated cabinets?  Here are a few ideas.

Paint

Paint your cabinets, but don’t forget to paint the walls around them.  If you go with white cabinets, paint the walls around in a nice accent color, to make them stand out.

Upgrade Molding

 You can buy new molding or you can use a router set to add pieces with a profile that accents the profile that is there, and add to it.  Both can look really great.

Open Cabinets

This is really in-style right now.  It is not for the “organizationally challenged.”  I like clean cabinets, but I don’t know if I would pass the test of not having any doors on!  Great for some, probably not for me:)

Chalk Paint cabinet doors

So much you can do with chalk paint!  Paint the inside of your cabinets for a message board, or paint specific cabinet doors for menu, labels, etc.  Very fun.

Add Color Accent Pieces

This is especially for those with open cabinets.  Use fun color dishes, accents, teacups, etc to show off your stuff!

2-tone cabinets

You don’t have to paint them the same color!  Paint your uppers one color, the lowers another, and you can even mix up the color of your island, if you have one!

Glass cabinet doors

I really love this.  It makes your kitchen look more open and spacey and also allows dishes to act as decoration! Also- not for the organizationally challenged, but hey.  Very neat look.

Change your hardware

This makes such a huuuuge difference!  I only know this because we have done it on other furniture my husband has built/restored and holy smokes!  Big bang for your buck!

Distress the cabinets

If you are tired of them, beat them up!  Or throw a new color paint on them and beat them up!  Very neat, shabby chic look if you paint them a muted blue or green or yellow and distress.

Interior Curtains

This is such a fun idea and can add LOTS of color and decoration to your kitchen. If you haven’t already, you’ll need to install glass doors and then just choose a curtain pattern that you love!

Borders

Get a little wild and creative with your cabinets and paint fun, colorful borders around their edges! This not only looks great, but adds a sense of liveliness that wasn’t there before!