Maybe replacing kitchen cabinets isn’t in your budget or you don’t have time to devote to the project. Maybe you basically like your cabinets, but they could just use some updating.
The simplest, most cost efficient way to update them is to change the hardware. Just measure the holes where the current hardware is attached and look for new pieces that will fit the existing holes.
If you plan to refinish door and drawer fronts, you can fill in hardware holes with wood putty, sand, and then refinish as planned. You can choose any hardware you like and simply drill new holes.
If you want to paint existing cabinets, the best way to do so is to remove the doors and drawers and remove all hardware. Sand doors thoroughly with semi-rough sandpaper to create good texture so the paint will adhere well. Wipe away all sanding residue before painting. Make sure paint is completely dry to a hard finish before replacing doors and hardware.
If you want to stain instead of painting, you will need to sand down to bare wood, removing all traces of existing stain or paint. Apply stain in the same direction as the wood grain.
Be sure to sand the cabinet frames well before painting or staining also. You may want to paint or stain the frames to match doors and drawer fronts or you may want to try a subtle color difference, or even a strong contrast to give the area some pop. If you go with contrast, use hardware that contrasts with the doors and carry those contrasting colors throughout the rest of the space.
To dress plain cabinets up a bit, add some molding to create the look of recessed panels. The molding can be simple or very detailed. Be sure to measure well and cut mitered corners. Stain or paint before attaching to cabinet doors or drawer fronts.
Try these ideas for cabinetry in other spaces, including the bathroom!