Update Your Kitchen Cabinets

If you are a fan of the redecorating and remodeling shows on the Home and Gardening channel HGTV, you've probably been bitten by the redecorating bug. And since you clicked on this article, the room that you are planning to target with a paintbrush is your kitchen. Am I correct? I thought so. Here are two simple and most importantly, inexpensive ways that you can update your kitchen cabinets. Pretty soon you can submit photos of your newly made over kitchen to the folks on Rate My Space over at HGTV.com.

Refinish Your Cabinets

Since cabinets are the most visible surface in most kitchens, if your cabinets are dated and look like they were installed circa 1980, it is time for a much needed cabinet makeover. Now, there are two ways to go about refinishing your cabinets. The first is the more expensive version and can cost you thousands of dollars, which is going to a pro. The second is the much riskier and less expensive version, refinishing you cabinets yourself. For the sake of being frugal, we will choose the latter. A basic run down of refinishing your cabinet doors is to first strip the cabinet doors, and then apply a wood stain if you want a natural looking finish on your cabinet doors

To refinish your cabinets the first thing you have to do is strip your cabinets of their existing stain by sanding the cabinets. If you would like your cabinets to have a natural wood finish, you would proceed to apply a wood stain. The longer the wood stain is allowed to soak into your cabinets, the darker they will become, so be very careful how long you leave the wood stain applied to your cabinets. When your cabinets have reached your desired color you have to remove the excess wood stain, you do this by giving your cabinets a rub down with a cloth.

If you want your cabinets a bright color such as red, pink or baby blue, you will have to paint your cabinets since these colors can not be achieved by applying a wood stain. Like the first scenario, the first thing you will have to do is strip your cabinets of their existing stain or color. Then you have to apply primer. Primer allows for the paint to adhere to the cabinets without chipping. Once your primer is set, its time to paint. Paint the cabinets in your chosen color, and allow them to dry for 12- 24 hours.

Apply New Knobs or Handles

Believe it or not, the handles and knobs on your cabinet doors can really set the mood of your kitchen. If you are going for a modern look, opt for knobs and handles with a silver finish and a sleek design. If you would like your kitchen to give off a more retro vibe opt for pretty glass knobs and handles in a coordinating color to your cabinets.