Other than changing my hardware, does anyone have some quick cabinetry makeover ideas for my dated 80's oak cabinetry....looking to spend no more than $200 on this project. Any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated.

For that kind of $, all I can think of would be changing out the hardware -- I did that for about $6 a pull in my kitchen -- or painting them.

My husband and I just refinished our cabinets, and we did it all on our own. It was quite a project! I found this site, www.refinishfurniture.com really helpful. As far as style ideas go, we used a dark green stain and bought gold, frog-shaped pulls that my daughter found on ebay!

Painting the cabinets might look good. We did our's last year. We found some great stencils in the hobby store and used sponge painting techniques we saw on tv. It looked pretty good.

Thanks to all who responded. I may go the route of painting....sanding and staining seems like a lengthy project. I don't think stenciling is the right look for my kitchen but I think it's a great inexpensive idea for others out there. Again...thanks to all. If others have ideas I would love to hear them!

Stenciling can sometimes come across as having more of a country theme however there are some types of stencil like finishes out there that can offer a new flare to old cabinets. Two that come to mind are stamping or decoupage. The stamping is similar to the stenciling but if you have flat panel doors you can purchase scoll type stamps to create more of a traditional type of look or antique if you apply a quick glaze wash over it. Decoupage can be ton's of fun and can get you so many different looks. Some sites that I came across when looking into dabbling in a little decoupage myself were http://www.indoindians.com/lifestyle/decou.htm and http://www.jonathanfongstyle.com/decor/warhol_kitchen.html. As you will see they are examples of two different looks. The other site I came across had a cool way to add an embossed look http://www.hennydonovanmotif.co.uk/painted_kitchen.htm. I am not that crafty myself and with my hectic schedule I know I would be living with a kitchen half completed if I tried to tackle those looks. I decided to change out a couple of the solid doors to glass doors as well as the hardware. I have the new look I was going for but I do wish I had the time to personalize it with a unique design. Good Luck!!!

Thanks May, I wish I was that crafty...decopage seems like quite a big job, especially when tackling a whole kitchen.

quote:

Originally posted by Barbara:
My husband and I just refinished our cabinets, and we did it all on our own. It was quite a project! I found this site, www.refinishfurniture.com really helpful. As far as style ideas go, we used a dark green stain and bought gold, frog-shaped pulls that my daughter found on ebay!

I wish I can be that creative. I'm such a klutz when it comes to these things and yet I love watching all those DIY home decoration shows on the Lifestyle Channel.

Great tips & ideas all around... I usually recommend changing the hardware for clients looking for a cost effective kitchen update... After that the next level usually is refinishing or refacing the existing cabinet doors - Marty - White kitchens

I don't know if you're cabinets are connected at the top- I know mine aren't-- Consider buying black metal wrought iron scrollwork to connect the cabinets or finding oak and staining it the same color and connect the cabinets-- maybe it has a shelf and you can add hanging pots , vines or interesting pots and accent pieces

http://www.AliciaTappDesigns.com
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