Long-time readers know that my favorite ideas are ones that look luxurious, easily update your home, and offer a great bargain. That summarizes this next idea.
It's a common problem with kitchen cabinets. Maybe they are too dark. Too light. Too oak (just not popular right now). But they're in good shape, just dated. And it seems wrong to rip out perfectly fine cabinets. Even if the budget and savings account could afford it.
Now, here's a solution. It's not the old refinishing where your cabinets were covered up in a laminate that somehow made your cabinets look like they were now made out of plastic. And it's not the kind that requires hours of sanding (with the necessary vacuuming) and painstaking painting. Nope, a couple of days and about $3500 for the average kitchen - which is half or a third of the replacement cabinet cost of Home Depot type cabinets - and you can completely transform your kitchen.
See the picture above. Here was an oak door that was in fine condition. It just looked like an artifact from the 1980s. But with this refinishing system, it is being completely remade into a painted and glazed door oozing of early second millennium style. Even the obvious oak grain was filled in. The frames are done exactly the same way so everything matches from top to bottom.
Learn more at CabinetRefinishersInc.com (who are also in the Chicago area, ask for Mike).
Excellent! We have a lot of these cabinets in our area...As a Realtor I am often asked how these could be salvaged or dressed up...You have the answer! I own a rental that I am planning on using this on! Thanks! Great idea!
Posted by: Pat Gunder | August 01, 2012 at 11:37 AM
I don't see how this is "inexpensive" 3500 bucks is a lot of money no matter where you're at...yeesh.
Posted by: Shan | August 10, 2012 at 01:49 AM
@Shan - Because it can cost over $10,000 to get just cabinets for a kitchen. My kitchen is 11X11 and a home improvement store quoted me on the cheap white cabinets that they sell in stock would be $12,000 just for the cabinets nothings else.
Posted by: Tanya | August 23, 2012 at 09:56 AM
I want to know how to do it and have not found it here.
Posted by: Joanne | September 07, 2012 at 05:26 PM
Joanne, this post was about a service that can do it for you. But if you paint your cabinets an off-white and then use some antiquing glaze, you'll get close to the same effect. Ask for specific advice on paints and equipment at a reliable paint store.
Posted by: Julie | September 09, 2012 at 09:01 AM
Wonderful idea. I have the exact same doors and will do this when I am ready to paint them. Also, you can buy the kits to get this look at most home improvement stores, around $150.00 per kit.
Posted by: Marilyn Statum | September 30, 2012 at 09:44 PM
Don't care how much ridiculousness people spend on their kitchen!!!! Thats like saying its good to get a plane for 50,000 bc there are some that cost 500,000.Relativity.cmon.If you can say 3500 is cheap for anything besides a house, youre better off than over half of america and should count your blessings.As well asd if you can spend 11,000 on a new kitchen.
Posted by: Sally jenkins | October 07, 2012 at 05:57 PM
I'm painting my cabinets righ now myself...supplies, paint an elbow grease...about $100.
Posted by: Shiloh Barkley | October 08, 2012 at 08:44 PM
I just repainted my cabinets for under $50. General finishes java gel stain. One pint was $22 (I think you can get it cheapernd you order online) minimal sanding and then a pint of polyurethane.
Intoourhome.blogspot.com
Posted by: Stephanie | October 20, 2012 at 06:48 AM
I featured this project of yours on my blog :)
Love it!
http://www.stilettosinthemud.com/26/post/2012/10/tips-ta-da.html
Posted by: Kimber | October 30, 2012 at 09:14 PM
I painted my own cabinets. They look great, and added hardware. This was over 10 years ago and they are still great. You need to make sure prep work is done and the right paint.
It cost about $100.00 in all. I wouldn't spend that much money on having my cabinets done by a professional because it always ends up being more.
Posted by: Josette Kramer | November 01, 2012 at 01:31 PM
geez ladies, if you think this makeover costs too much, don't do it.
We all have different ideas about what is expensive and what is reasonable. Anyone can adapt and idea to their needs/budget with a little elbow grease, ingenuity and effort. I have been a designer for over 25 years and it was my job to fit the client's budget and style. I have managed dozens of makeovers in all price ranges.
This doesn't require a professional, it requires a desire on your part to MAKE it happen.
You can do this makeover by spending $100, $1000 or $10,000.
ok I am done.
Posted by: Marla | November 19, 2012 at 08:55 AM