4 Inexpensive Ways To Update Your Kitchen Cupboards

Add a wink of whimsy

“Find secret places to add [something] smile,” says Sophie Donelson, a Montreal-based decor expert and author of Uncommon Kitchens. (If you’re in need of kitchen design inspo, this gorgeous book is full of it.) “Forget the fridge door, and decorate the insides of the cabinets instead! Whether it’s a collection of postcards, ticket stubs or your kids’ art, it’ll make for a sweet moment whenever you reach for a cup.” 

Swap out the hardware

New hardware makes an impactful upgrade, says Sappo Griffin, founder and principal designer at Halifax-based design firm Henhouse. One major caveat: “Ensure your new hardware fits the existing holes, whether it’s a four- or five-inch spread,” says Beth Hitchcock, decorator at Henhouse. (The distance is measured from the centre of one drill hole to the other, not the entire length of the handle.)

Paint your cabinetry

A coat of paint can make your cupboards feel brand new. Use a kitchen-cabinet-painting kit that includes a cleaner, base coat and sealer. And be methodical, says Kristen Coutts, the Toronto-based hose of HGTV Canada’s Beer Budget Reno. “Spend time sanding off shine and cleaning off residue. Then get into the corners with a brush and immediately follow with the roller—it’ll help avoid brush marks.”

Change the profile of your doors

For a high-impact upgrade that doesn’t break the bank, Coutts suggests switching up the profile of your doors with MDF trim or floor boards affixed with wood glue or another strong adhesive, such as Lepage PL Premium: “Bevelled, shaker, herringbone, wainscoting—the options are limitless!”  

Need more kitchen ideas? Check out this stunning and surprisingly affordable IKEA kitchen reno.