8 Cheap Ways to Update Your Kitchen Space That Work

Staring at your outdated kitchen cabinets every morning while making coffee, but not sure what your next step is? Cabinet replacement can cost $15,000–$35,000, but we provide alternative decisions if you just don't like the look. According to Remodeling Magazine's 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, minor kitchen remodels provide an 85 percent ROI.

As Chicagoland's cabinet refacing experts, the Kitchen Cabinet Guys team has collected every budget-friendly option that can increase your kitchen’s overall aesthetic. We'll discuss everything from the most comprehensive way to update kitchen cabinets to minor additions that create a fresh new look.

1. Cabinet Refacing

This is the most money-worth update you can imagine if you want a complete change in your kitchen's aesthetics. This way can improve your existing cabinets' look without the hassle of full replacement with new cabinets. It keeps the existing layout that your muscle memory is used to, but the overall look is different.

Note: The professional cabinet refacing cost typically ranges between $4,000-$9,000, which is significantly less than installing new cabinets.

Cabinet refacing benefits:

• Preserves your kitchen layout: Your cabinet boxes stay in place, maintaining the familiar flow of your kitchen space while transforming cabinet surfaces.
• Faster installation process: Most refacing projects are completed in 3–5 days, allowing you to get back to your normal routine quickly without a lengthy remodel.
• Eco-friendly choice: Refacing keeps existing cabinets out of landfills while providing the fresh coat of style you want.
• Custom hardware options: Upgrade to soft-close hinges, new hardware, and modern pulls that enhance both function and aesthetics.
• Variety of styles: Choose from over 200 design options, including contemporary, traditional, and high-end finishes that match your vision.

2. Cabinet Painting

This is the most popular alternative to cabinet refacing. Painting existing doors and cabinet surfaces can create a total makeover for homeowners who recently bought an old house.

Paint types for kitchen cabinets:

• Chalk paint: No primer needed, works well on oak cabinets, and creates a matte finish that hides imperfections in older cabinet doors.
• Cabinet-specific paint kits: These specialized products bond to cabinet surfaces better and provide durability for high-traffic areas.
• Regular latex paint with primer: The most budget-friendly option, however, prep work on existing cabinets is key to achieving the best results.

However, DIY painting projects can present challenges that most people don't anticipate. If our words aren't enough, hear what people on Reddit say about common painting problems:

Common DIY painting concerns:

• Poor paint adhesion: Without proper cleaning and priming, paint peels off cabinet doors within months, especially on cabinet boxes near the stove.
• Uneven coverage: Achieving the same color consistency across upper cabinets and lower cabinets requires technique and patience.
• Brush marks and streaks: Professional-looking results demand quality brushes, proper technique, and sometimes spray equipment.
• Long drying times: Each fresh coat needs adequate curing time, and rushing the process leads to sticky, damaged surfaces.

Cabinet painting is a weekend project that requires realistic expectations to avoid frustration. Plan for one prep day and two painting days to achieve the best results on your existing cabinets.

3. Hardware Replacement

Kitchen cabinet hardware upgrade delivers the biggest impact for the smallest cost. Replacing old hardware on cabinet doors and drawers instantly modernizes your kitchen space without touching the cabinet boxes themselves.

Soft-closing hardware is one of the best budget decisions you can make for your existing cabinets. Although it changes nothing visually at first, using your kitchen space becomes more pleasant with every door and drawer closure.

Measuring guide: For cabinet doors, measure center-to-center spacing for pulls to ensure proper alignment across upper cabinets and lower cabinets.

Installation note: No special skills needed; simply a drill and 30 minutes per cabinet. Most hardware comes with templates that make the process foolproof!

4. Peel-and-Stick Wood Grain Veneers

This method is perfect for renters and cautious homeowners who want to update kitchen cabinets without permanent changes. Peel-and-stick veneers transform cabinet surfaces while maintaining the option to revert to original finishes if desired.

The application process is straightforward and emphasizes reversibility, so it’s ideal for those who aren't ready for a complete kitchen remodel. However, peel-and-stick veneers work best on areas no wider than 2 feet; otherwise, the pattern won't line up properly across cabinet doors.

Important considerations:

• Heat sensitivity: Avoid areas near the stove or dishwasher where steam can loosen adhesive on cabinet surfaces.
• Surface compatibility: Works best on flat cabinet doors rather than 3D surfaces with trim or molding details.
• Durability: Expect 2–3 years of life before replacement is needed.

Pro tip: Order extra material. You'll need it for touch-ups and repairs, especially on high-traffic cabinet doors and drawer fronts.

5. Crown Molding Addition

Transform basic cabinet boxes into custom-looking cabinetry with this architectural upgrade. Adding crown molding to upper cabinets creates the illusion of built-in, high-end design that extends your cabinets to the ceiling.

Materials needed: Pine molding, corner blocks, and finishing nails are the primary components for this kitchen upgrade project.

Measurement guide: Measure all upper cabinets and add 10 percent for waste. This accounts for cuts and potential mistakes during installation.

Skill level: This is a beginner-friendly project perfect for DIY enthusiasts, with countless YouTube tutorials available to guide you through the process of adding molding to existing cabinets.

6. Under-Cabinet Lighting

A small yet impactful upgrade, under-cabinet lighting adds both function and style to your space. It illuminates your countertop work areas while creating ambient lighting that makes your kitchen feel more welcoming.

Lighting options:

• Battery LED strips: Easy installation with no electrical work required, perfect for renters or quick updates.
• Plug-in options: A more permanent solution that still allows for DIY installation without hardwiring.
• Hardwired systems: Professional installation required, but it provides seamless, permanent lighting solutions.

Focus on DIY options that most people can install themselves. For optimal food prep lighting, choose 3000K warm white bulbs that provide clear visibility without harsh glare.

Energy savings: LED strips use 80 percent less energy than traditional halogen under-cabinet lighting, so they’re budget-friendly and environmentally conscious.

7. Cabinet Door Removal (Open Shelving)

This free transformation delivers a big impact if your cabinet doors look unpleasant and old, or if you want to showcase your design skills. Opening up upper cabinets creates an airy feeling and allows you to display beautiful dishes and glassware. Focus on upper cabinets only, as lower cabinets need doors to maintain a clean look and hide less attractive storage items.

Styling requirements: Open shelving demands organized dishes, matching containers, and thoughtful arrangement to avoid visual clutter.

Organization costs: Budget $15–30 for baskets and $20–40 for matching jars to create cohesive storage solutions.

Open shelving concerns:

• Dust accumulation: Exposed shelves collect dust faster than closed cabinet doors and need more frequent cleaning.
• Visual clutter: Without doors to hide items, everything must be organized and aesthetically pleasing.
• Limited storage: Open shelving reduces concealed storage space compared to traditional upper cabinets.

Important tip: Avoid open shelving near the stove or electric kettle, as grease and steam will coat exposed items, creating cleaning challenges.

8. Decorative Trim and Molding Details

Add architectural interest to flat cabinet doors with applied trim and molding details. This technique transforms plain cabinet surfaces into custom-styled cabinetry that mimics expensive built-in designs.

Pattern ideas: Simple rectangles create clean lines, traditional Shaker styles add classic appeal, and contemporary geometric patterns provide modern flair for your cabinet doors.

Skill level: This is the perfect weekend project for beginners who want to upgrade their existing cabinets without major renovation work.

Ready to Love Your Kitchen Again?

Your kitchen should be a space that you love. These methods prove you don't need a gigantic budget to love your kitchen again. Start with new hardware; even $100 can make a huge difference before considering larger projects.

As cabinet refacing experts, Kitchen Cabinet Guys provide high-quality services that update your kitchen cabinets and hardware. Plus, if there's no way to restore the existing cabinet doors, we'll replace them! Stop waiting and saving money to make your kitchen look pristine. Contact us today so we can together create the cabinets of your dreams.