How do I makeover kitchen cabinets?

Hello Delores,

My first suggestion would be to just change out your Hardware. Also here are some other ideas.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/171136854574804913/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/258394097356317451/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/797348308997576302/

Good Luck

CinT

Moving the dishwasher to the left of the sink would not be a problem. Just need to remove the cabinet, reroute plumbing and electrical. The removed cabinet can be used to fill the opening where the dishwasher is now. Cheaper cabinets usually are particle board cases, wood face frame and doors. Painting is the best solution than trying to keep a wood grain. You can also dry brush or white wash to let the original grain show through. Spray paint or replace the hardware. There is just too much wood tones making the kitchen dark and look smaller than it is.

I know you want to keep the wood grain look, but paint might be the best option. You could go with a light gray and then use a darker glaze to simulate wood grain. It takes a while but it will be worth it. I expect there are products out there for this finish and tutorials on pinterest. You can't sand veneer and restain it a lighter color. It's too thin to be sanded.

You probably don't like the cabinet color because it is too close to the floor color. You could re stain your cabinets darker without removing the current stain using Minwax Polyshades or a gel stain. You would see brush strokes with the first coat but just go over it again. and it should blend in and look good. You could paint the walls a lighter shade, maybe just barely off white which would lighten up the room.

I guess you have measured the space beside the sink and know the dishwasher will fit. The pictures make it look too small.

A lot of Hometalkers painted their cabinets. Low quality cabinets. Cheaper than replacing. Even cabinet manufacturers are joining the trend and offering painted cabinets.

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=paint%20cabinets

A lot of Hometalkers are painting their cabinets. Lower quality cabinets. Cheaper than replacing.

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=paint%20cabinets

Hi Delores, the foot space in most of my kitchen is less than 3". All appliances: refrig, stove, d.w. sink are in a row. Across from all but sink is a beadboard wall painted white. The fronts of cabinets (no doors on uppers across from appliances) are also white. If you use a good quality paint it is easy to wash and keep clean.

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life used General Finishes Antique Walnut Gel Stain and her cabinets came out beautiful. It can be difficult to work with because you need 3 coats of stain, but you would be able to keep the wood look, and change the color if you want to. You will have to clean the cabinets really well with KrudKutter to get all the grease off.

I am looking into Briwax for my cabinets. There are different shades and from what I understand, it is a stain/wax type product. Maybe you could explore it as an option.

Briwax is a dark wax that you put over stain. It is not meant to repair or change the color. It softens the newly stained wood.

Delores you are welcome. Also any type of wax is not really good to spruce up your kitchen cabinets, as wax attracts dirt and has to be reapplied each year. I would use a General Finishes product. Call them, they are really helpful.