It can depend a bit on what the condition of the boxes are. If they are in good condition, you can go ahead and replace those doors and drawer fronts. If the boxes have laminate on them, that can be a bit more difficult if you are wanting to match to it. If your boxes are in a laminate you do not want... that might require replacement.

Boxes are in good condition. They match the doors. Everything is the same beige sort of color.

If you can match the new faces to the boxes, or want to. Then you can get new faces. If you want to change the color, then you would need to address the boxes. Unless you want to do a contrast on purpose- like the boxes are beige, but the faces in butter yellow, or navy, or something. It can work if the rest of the kichen is included in the idea, but it can look like a sore thumb if it isn't done well.

Yes, we are thinking of the modern European shiny laminate look which we know would have to be done to the doors and boxes. We assume this would be costly but wondering if it would still be a better price than replacing all cabinets from scratch- in which case we would go for a totally different look. We don’t know much about laminated but since the cabinets we inherited are already laminated, we had the idea of modernizing what we have

post photos so we know what you’re looking at? might elicit more ideas.

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I added the pics here because I couldn’t edit my original post

Gosh, refacing with new laminate is the last thing I’d do there. The cabinets are simple, clean, look good, white/neutral.

I thought you were dealing with mustard yellow or avocado green or something!

I’d replace appliances and sink with stainless, new faucet. Add color and interest with decor, plants atop the uppers, backsplash. If you want shiny, the backsplash can be bling. Not sure what the closet is used for, potential there for pantry, coffee bar, etc. Maybe new counter, I’d be partial to polished stainless steel there.

But enough about me (us), what about you? What else bugs you about the kitchen? What overall effect are you hoping to achieve?

If you want to go for the glossy look.. It looks like you only have two exposed box ends there. The other two are hidden by the fridge. You might be able to do a refacing. Make sure whatever company you choose can do your boxes like your doors.

If you want actual Euro cabinets and they aren't- you would need to replace the whole thing.

The pics look like a nice modern kitchen with some fairly Euro lines, just not glossy. You probably can gloss up what you got if that's all you are wanting out of doing this.

If you do go in another direction with this.. what direction did you have in mind?

So, I think the pics make it look better than they are, lol! They have some yellowing and the seams are a little separated. It’s livable but up close you can see the color change and the kick plates definitely need changing bc they’re separated. The whole house hadn’t been updated since 1995. Even the bathrooms have seashell shaped sinks. Someone commented that they need palazzo pants when they walk in. But our aim is to update the most inexpensive way with minor touches that make an impact since we will not be living there.

examine the condition of the cabinet carcasses. It would probably be worth it to explore new fronts only. . for part time use there is a lot of storage so its hard to make the case to replace everything for the storage that you have. if the cabinet boxes are fine w adjustable shelves and ability to insert rollouts in a couple , i'd be satisfied w new doors and drawer fronts. I think you could get new fronts only cheaper than a refacing project.

depending on the source for new fronts, a shift to a different grain and tone might be an improvement as youd have contrast w the floor. there is no contrast anywhere....gloss wont help that.

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Refacing those, and leaving the old boxes, isn't going to make that kitchen appealing. The cabinets are the best part. Either plan a redo, or leave it alone.

I have refaced laminate. It's a little messy: rough up the existing laminate, apply contact cement, let dry, apply, and run router around the perimeter. You would have a wider edge to see or cover, and you may find the doors warp without applying a balance sheet on the back side. You may have better luck buying new fronts.

Something like this picture you attached or as you mentioned, definitely adding some other colors or backsplash for contrast are definitely options