Everything But the Kitchen Cabinets

by Jessica Groach
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

Does your kitchen make you tired? It might be those old, outdated kitchen cabinets. Here are some easy, inexpensive alternatives to tearing out your old kitchen cabinets and buying new ones.

The Look

To upgrade old paint or scratched wood, change your kitchen cabinet colors. Brush on a bright hue, like blue or yellow, for a sunny and cheerful kitchen. Or simply replace the doors, exchanging dull brown for white. New kitchen cabinet colors make your kitchen look like new.

Replacing countertops is a good idea, too. There are several appealing options these days, including granite and a wide variety of tiles. Can't afford these options? How about painting on some tiles, or painting a backsplash that looks like tile? The look is the same, and it's as easy to change as a can of paint.

New kitchen cabinet hardware is a little way to make a big difference. Simply replacing the drawer pulls and cabinet handles can take your kitchen cabinets from bleak to chic. Kitchen cabinet hardware is inexpensive, and there are endless styles available at any home improvement store.

The Space

If space is an issue, replace the kitchen cabinet doors with glass. This is a good way to show off your favorite china, and it creates the illusion of space. You could even tear out the kitchen cabinets altogether, repaint the walls, and replace cabinets with shelves. Do you have a countertop that collects clutter? Skirt it with fabric, and voila, instant cabinets! Getting rid of clutter makes a huge difference. Check out home furnishing or office supply stores for neat ways to get organized, and keep that clutter out of sight.
These small changes will make you want to spend more time in the kitchen, and you'll still have plenty of money left over for other home improvements.

About the Author
Jessica Groach, a new homeowner herself, is a freelance writer and writing instructor at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her work has appeared in various lifestyle and business publications, including a Warner Business Book, and she has seven years? experience in advertising and television production.