The right cabinetry can make a big difference in the look and feel of your home. It can also add value and serve as an important foundation for other home renovations, such as kitchen countertops and backsplashes or even flooring. The key to making the right decisions is to understand what options are available to you and how each may affect your budget and long-term enjoyment of your space.
The first step in designing your cabinets is to consider the overall look that you’re looking for. This may seem obvious, but it’s crucial to ensure that you are happy with the style of your cabinets before committing to a plan or purchasing materials.
Next, you’ll need to decide if you want to refinish or replace your cabinets. Cabinet refinishing is a good option for homeowners who are looking to get more bang for their buck, as it’s less expensive than replacing the entire cabinet. It’s also a green option since you are using the existing cabinet boxes and simply changing the doors and drawer fronts.
However, refinishing does have its limitations. If you want to change the door style or wood species, for example, you’ll need to hire a cabinet refacer. Also, the wood grain can sometimes interact differently with paint or stain. This can cause color variations, so it’s important to test your chosen colors in the room to be sure that you love them before committing.
If you’re considering replacement, the first thing to do is assess your skill level and how much time you have to dedicate to this project. Some consumers have mastered DIY projects and may be interested in working on this themselves, while others are better off leaving the project to a professional. Depending on the scope of your cabinet remodel, you may also need to factor in additional costs for materials, tools and labor.
Ultimately, it’s important to make decisions that will elevate your quality of life and provide you with a space that is unique to your personal taste and needs. Although style as it relates to future resale should always be a consideration, living your best life now should be the primary motivating factor.
Once you’ve decided to refinish or replace your cabinets, it’s time to start thinking about the details. Choosing the right hardware, such as doorknobs and drawer pulls, is an easy way to instantly upgrade your cabinets. These details are often overlooked, but the right finish can add a dramatic impact to your space. Plus, there are thousands of choices from which to choose. A new set of sleek drawer pulls in brushed chrome could be just the finishing touch that your cabinets need.
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