Five Different Ways to Improve Kitchen Cabinets

When the cabinets in a kitchen start to deteriorate, it becomes an issue that's hard to ignore. Cabinets in many ways have the biggest visual impact in the kitchen, as they stare one in the face upon entering the room and store the majority of plates and cookery. Cabinets set the tone for the room, so the longer they are ignored, the more it will wear upon the family. Fortunately, there is more than one option on the table when you want to address the problem. Rather than tearing out all of the cabinets and tackling a total replacement job, one can refinish, enhance and improve cabinets in several different ways. Here are five options to choose from.

1. Cleaning. Wear on kitchen cabinets can come from many different sources. In some cases, the weather and a lot of traffic can create a layer of dirt which will cause cabinets to look much older than they actually are. After undertaking a major cleaning job, many homeowners are surprised to find their cabinets in good condition. Structural damage cannot be fixed so easily, but the first level of cosmetic renovation may work for many.

2. Painting. If an earnest cleaning job doesn't solve the problem, homeowners can turn to the next step. Painting will take care of many levels of deterioration, from dirt to cracked older coats painted on in the past. It may be a good time to take the opportunity to rethink the color scheme of one's kitchen. A more brilliant color can revive a drab kitchen, while any new coat of paint will make a huge difference.

3. Molding and trim. Once a solid cleaning is done, followed by a paint job, homeowners can try adding some decorative features to cabinets to improve a kitchen's image. Home designers recommend adding crown molding to achieve the classic effect in any kitchen. In addition, lines of trim can add another level of style. In most cases, these enhancements should be left to a professional who is experienced in cabinetwork.

4. Refacing. Cabinet refacing is probably the closest anyone can come to replacing their cabinets entirely. Taking down the doors of the cabinets, a new layer is created and the image is completely rejuvenated. Once the painting or staining is finished, the look of new cabinets will take the place of the old. However, the process is much easier to complete, normally taking less than 3 days.

5. Hardware replacement. Homeowners often forget about the knobs and handles on cabinets, which can make a big difference. Putting a new set of handles can change the style of cabinets along with the previous steps. Whether it's a different look or an added shine, this step can complement other steps in color and exterior enhancement. Home designers recommend complementing another recognizable feature in the kitchen.

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