From Drab to Fab: Affordable Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen Cabinets

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and upgrading it doesn’t have to be an expensive or daunting task. A few smart updates can make a huge difference in your home, especially when focusing on the centerpiece of your kitchen: your kitchen cabinet. Whether you're dealing with outdated designs or simply looking to refresh your space, there are countless affordable options to breathe new life into your kitchen:

1. Swap Out the Hardware

Gold Hardware Paired with Lily Ann Cabinet’s Craftsman Black Shaker

Updating your cabinet hardware is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to refresh your kitchen cabinets. Over time, knobs and handles can become outdated or tarnished, but replacing them with modern alternatives can completely transform your kitchen’s look.

An easy and budget-friendly way to elevate cabinets is by pairing them with stylish gold hardware. Gold is not only a popular choice for contemporary kitchens, but it also adds a striking pop of color to neutral cabinets. If your cabinets are a bit dated and you’re not ready for a full remodel, upgrading the knobs and pulls with sleek gold accents can make a big impact. The combination of neutral cabinets and gold hardware creates a sophisticated and timeless look, ideal for achieving a modern kitchen aesthetic.

2. Add Moldings, Trim, or Light Rails

Aristokraft

Adding crown moldings, trim, or light rails to your kitchen cabinets can give them a high-end, custom-built appearance. Moldings create a polished and complete look, especially when installed above cabinets. Light rails, on the other hand, are a practical and stylish addition that allows you to hide under-cabinet lighting fixtures. These simple upgrades are affordable yet add a level of sophistication that makes your kitchen feel brand new.

3. Install Glass Inserts or Open Shelving

The Spruce

Replacing a few cabinet doors with glass inserts or removing them entirely to create open shelving is a great way to add visual interest and break up the monotony of solid cabinet doors. Glass inserts work particularly well with Craftsman Natural Shaker cabinets, showcasing their warm wood tones while offering a peek at your favorite dishware or glassware.

For open shelving, consider styling the shelves with matching dish sets, cookbooks, or decorative items. This can add personality to your kitchen while creating a modern, airy feel.

 4. Update with Functional Accessories

Spice Rack

Sometimes, improving how your cabinets function can make just as much of an impact as how they look. Installing accessories like pull-out drawers, lazy Susans, spice racks, or trash pull-outs can make your kitchen more organized and efficient.

Lily Ann Cabinets offers cabinet solutions that don’t just look beautiful but are designed with functionality in mind. For example, adding a pull-out trash bin inside cabinets keeps the kitchen tidy while maintaining a sleek and modern appearance.

5. Incorporate Under-Cabinet Lighting

Under Cabinet Lighting on Craftsman Black Shaker

Under-cabinet lighting is a game-changer for both aesthetics and functionality. It brightens your countertops, making meal prep easier and safer, while also adding a warm, inviting glow to your kitchen.

LED strip lights or puck lights are easy to install and affordable. This creates a clean, luminous effect that highlights a cabinet’s classic beauty.

6. Add a Backsplash to Complement Your Cabinets

Houzmark

While focusing on your cabinets, don’t overlook the surrounding elements. Adding or updating a backsplash can enhance your kitchen’s style and draw attention to your cabinets. For example, a white subway tile backsplash beautifully complements Craftsman Lily Green Shaker cabinets, making their bold green tone pop. Similarly, a mosaic or metallic backsplash can amplify the sleek look of Craftsman Black Shaker cabinets.

7. Upgrade to Affordable RTA Cabinets

Lily Ann RTA Cabinets using Craftsman Natural Shaker (Uppers) and York Linen (Island)

When your cabinets are outdated or no longer functional, replacing them may be the best option. However, the cost of custom cabinets can be overwhelming. That’s where ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets from Lily Ann Cabinets come in. Our RTA cabinets are not only affordable but also stylish, durable, and easy to install.

Lily Ann Cabinets stands out for its customer-friendly offerings. We provide free design services to help you plan your dream kitchen, free quotes to ensure you stay within budget, and free shipping to many locations. On top of that, Lily Ann Cabinets allows you to order up to two cabinet swatch samples for free, so you can see how the cabinets will look in your home before committing.

Our popular cabinet lines offer a variety of styles to match any aesthetic. For a bold yet timeless look, the Craftsman Lily Green Shaker cabinets bring an elegant, nature-inspired vibe to your space. If you prefer a clean and bright design, the Craftsman White Shaker cabinets are a classic choice. For a dramatic and sleek modern feel, the Craftsman Black Shaker cabinets are the perfect pick. Finally, the Craftsman Natural Shaker cabinets offer a warm, rustic charm that’s hard to resist.

Conclusion

Upgrading your kitchen cabinets do not have to be a complicated or expensive process. From replacing old cabinets with affordable, high-quality RTA options from Lily Ann Cabinets to simple updates like swapping out hardware, adding moldings, or installing under-cabinet lighting, there are countless ways to refresh your space on a budget. Whether you love the bold charm of Craftsman Lily Green Shaker cabinets, the timeless appeal of Craftsman White Shaker cabinets, the sleek sophistication of Craftsman Black Shaker cabinets, or the rustic warmth of Craftsman Natural Shaker cabinets, you’re sure to find the perfect option to fit your style.

Now that you have the kitchen design inspiration you need, it’s time to find the right solid wood grey cabinetry to suit your home. Browse Lily Ann Cabinets’ premium selection of ready-to-assemble cabinetry. To visualize your beautiful new kitchen, visit our 3D design tool to receive a full design package and kitchen mockup!

Get a FREE 3D Kitchen Design!

FAQs

1. What are some budget-friendly ways to upgrade old kitchen cabinets?
Replacing old cabinets with Lily Ann Cabinets’ affordable RTA options is one of the most cost-effective ways to modernize your kitchen. They also offer free design services and swatch samples to help you make the best choice.

2. How can I change the look of my cabinets without replacing them?
Consider swapping out hardware, adding crown molding or trim, or installing glass inserts for a fresh look. For a modern touch, under-cabinet lighting can also make a big difference.

3. What hardware upgrades can instantly refresh my kitchen cabinets?
Switching to modern hardware like matte black, brushed nickel, or brass knobs and pulls can instantly elevate your cabinets. Choose finishes that complement your cabinet color for the best results.