Software
Houzz Logo Print
rachel_bauer39

How to transform these cabinets?

5 years ago

I’m not loving our semi-dated kitchen, specifically the cabinets. I’ve thought about painting them but want to tranform them cheaply and we have build in cabinets with the same finish throughout the house so changing the color isn’t a great option. Is there a simple way to make the cabinets less shiny without sanding and refinishing?


Comments (24)

  • 5 years ago

    Paint them with a clear Matte or satin clear polyurethane for wood.

  • 5 years ago

    Pick an out of the way cabinet to test it on first.

  • 5 years ago

    I would not touch your cabinets.


    Your backsplash is what I would update.

  • 5 years ago

    I think the cabinets look nice. How about changing the counter and backsplash to a solid color.

    Kitchen & 1/2 Bath · More Info


    Lakefront Timber Frame Home and Pavillions · More Info




    2013 WRA Winners: Kitchen Remodels · More Info


  • PRO
    5 years ago

    IMO the whole space is dated and I honestly would not bother refinishing the cabinets until you decide what you want from this space .The backsplash is a inexpensive upgrade so is changing all the light bulbs to LED 4000K. IMO you need to decide how much you want to spend to get a kitchen you love.

  • 5 years ago

    They look very craftsman and pretty!!

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    I agree with the two aboveposts.

    I think the cabinets are more fine. For me, its the dated travertine backsplash.

    I would start by getting a light color to match the lightest color in the granite.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    You want them LESS shiny? That would absorb all the light? If you have done painting before, and you are sure you want a matte, DULL look, then I'd do the clear matte poly over the fronts only. But test one to see if you really like the look.

  • 5 years ago

    Fingerprints will dull the shine. Got any kids?

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    If the lighting makes the uppers shine more - it's not unheard of to change some in a 'good accenting spot'.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Might matter too which walls are seen most - from another room. Just questions ya know... about stove hood - is that still a 'good thing'? From here, seems that large amounts of uppers are spaced well [on 3 walls], so if hood become another look... might not look odd.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Possibly a blend if a simple shape -- in color like the backsplash. You have s.steel already, but idk if that would be ideal.

    Cupboard Kitchen and Bath Discounter · More Info



    Modern Farmhouse East Coast Style · More Info


    Cupboard Kitchen and Bath Discounter · More Info


  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Hood not as deep? or detailed, less prominent:

    • AVAILABLE SPECIES Alder, Cherry, Hickory, Maple, Red Oak
    • AVAILABLE SIZES: H 24 / H 30 / H 36"
    • W 30" | D 7-1/4"



    Castlewood Chimney Style Range Hood Front - H 30" | W 30" | D 7-1/4", Alder, No · More Info



    Cupboard Kitchen and Bath Discounter · More Info



    Cupboard Kitchen and Bath Discounter · More Info


  • 5 years ago

    I agree that the most dated feature is the backsplash, which doesn’t seem to go with the counters anyway.

  • 5 years ago

    I agree with those who say replace the backsplash, the range hood and the corbels. Your cabinets are great as they are.

  • 5 years ago

    Very Tuscan which was beautiful in it's time. To start I would leave cabinets alone but replace backsplash and cabinet handles, and remove the dated korbels. See how you like the look then and take it the next step if needed. Of course, if you have a generous budget for an update, go for new countertops too.

  • 5 years ago

    It’s a beautiful kitchen. I wouldn’t change a thing!

  • 5 years ago

    The cabinets are beautiful. Don’t touch them. The granite too, is lovely. What’s dating your kitchen is the two tiered island, the big honking ornate wood hood, and of course, the backsplash.

  • 5 years ago

    I also really like your kitchen. For some variety, change some of the kitchen door fronts to glass and since you don’t want high shine, an opaque glass. Or put in another type of insert- fabric, cane, or whatever you fancy. I like you counters too. Personally, I have a granite countertop and even after 20 +years, I still love it. But changing out the backsplash may totally lighten the energy of the room. Also add a few plants or meaningful art or pottery to the room. Best wishes!

  • 5 years ago

    Have to believe the 4 cab doors between hood and window is your area of issue w shine/gloss. it does merit adjusting the spotlight if you can that is coming from a couple of fixtures. since it is not an issue elsewhere so much get some seeded glass doors or the like for those door fronts. glass is reflective naturally but the wood w high shine in this wood and style is quizzical and in some ways a fault. Id work on those four.

  • 5 years ago

    Agree with much of what has been said and suggested. Take off the corbels, if possible and redo the backsplash first. Adjust the lights that are shining directly on the cabinets and if that’s not possible, change some of the doors to glass. After you do that, changing the hardware to black might also make it look a little more modern. I’m concerned that if you start removing much of the ornamentation you may end up with spots underneath that don’t match the finish.

    Your cabinets are in beautiful condition - toning down the Tuscan look is just a couple of steps away.

  • 5 years ago

    Thanks, everyone. Lots of good points. Yes Yes, I agree the whole kitchen is dated. It was like that when we moved in (not my choices!)

  • 5 years ago

    And what you update now will be dated in a few years……something to keep in mind. I also have cabinets I didn’t & wouldn’t choose but found that changing the cabinet knobs and pulls and going big & fun with the lighting fixtures gave me a look I now love.