It’s no secret that this kitchen has a distinctly early 2000s vibe, with brown reigning as the go-to color nationwide. Fast forward 25 years, and it’s time to breathe new life into the kitchen cabinets with affordable and straightforward updates to modernize the kitchen cabinets. We updated this entire kitchen on a budget which included keeping the existing cabinets!
LAMP (SIMILAR) | RUG | YELLOW CANDLES | FAUCET | PENDANT LIGHT | PULLS | KNOBS | SHELF BRACKETS | CURTAIN ROD | CURTAINS | WICKER BASKETS | BRONZE WALL PLATE | TILE
Extending Kitchen Cabinets
Our first step in modernizing the kitchen was extending the cabinets all the way to the ceiling. While this used to be standard practice, builders in recent decades have often left a gap between cabinets and the ceiling to cut costs. We did a budget breakdown of this kitchen and included extending the cabinets to the ceiling in it!
However, this can make a kitchen feel cramped, and we all know there’s never enough storage space. Extending the cabinets upward allowed us to maximize storage and give the kitchen a more modern appearance.
Painting Kitchen Cabinets
Painting the cabinets was a significant DIY project, but entirely achievable. The trickiest part was ensuring we had enough space for the paint to dry properly between coats, preventing scratches, chips, and an uneven finish.
However, painting cabinets is one of the simplest ways to modernize a kitchen. A fresh coat of paint on the upper cabinets brightened the space significantly. The color “Jungle Camouflage” by Behr not only lightened up the dark area but also made it feel like an entirely new room.
Updating Hardware
Swapping out the hardware was a quick fix that made a big difference. We replaced the dated silver hardware with modern pulls and knobs, mixing and matching for added interest.
The matching hardware on both upper and lower cabinets tied the space together cohesively.
Contrasting Colors
Another effective way to modernize cabinets is by using contrasting colors for upper and lower cabinets.
We chose an earthy creamy green for the upper cabinets. For the lower ones, we opted for a deep wood brown, adding visual interest that wouldn’t be present with matching cabinets.
You can achieve a similar effect with bright white on the upper cabinets and light beige on the lower ones, creating a light, airy feel.
Adding Floating Shelves
Lastly, adding floating shelves can add character to any kitchen. They allow you to display items you use daily and add a personalized touch to the space.
Despite the investment, floating shelves’ cozy feel and customization made them a perfect addition to modernize the kitchen.
