Refresh Wood Cabinets With Sanding, Staining and New Hardware
Have you been eying your old oak cabinets, wondering if there’s any hope left for them? Well, my friend, let me tell you a little secret – there’s always hope when it comes to wood! Sure, those 80s and 90s relics might not be your cup of tea, but with a little elbow grease and a lot of creativity, you can transform them into something truly stunning.
Growing up, I was always a bit of a wood enthusiast – I guess you could say I had a thing for the grained goodness. And let me tell you, I’ve seen my fair share of oak cabinets over the years. Some were downright gorgeous, while others… well, let’s just say they needed a little TLC. But that’s where the magic happens, my friends.
Recently, I came across an amazing article from Kylie M. Interiors that inspired me to share my own wisdom on how to breathe new life into those tired old oak cabinets. She’s got some seriously good tips, and I’ve got a few of my own to add to the mix.
Determine Your Cabinet Style
The first step in your cabinet refresh journey is to figure out what kind of style you’re working with. Are your cabinets shaker-style, with a simple raised or flat panel? Or are they rocking the classic cathedral or arched look? Knowing the right style will help you make the best choices moving forward.
Now, if you’ve got those cathedral or arched doors, I’m sorry to say that it’s going to be a bit trickier to update them. Even if you decide to restain them a lovely new hue, the dated style might still make them look, well, dated. But don’t worry, we’ve got some tricks up our sleeve to help you out.
Stain or Paint?
Okay, let’s talk about the big decision – stain or paint? Now, I know there are some die-hard wood enthusiasts out there who would gasp at the very thought of painting their precious cabinets. But hear me out, my friends. Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint can be the key to unlocking a whole new level of style and modernity.
As the gals over at Making Pretty Spaces point out, painting your cabinets can be a game-changer, especially if you’re looking to appeal to a younger, more contemporary crowd. And the best part? You don’t even need to sand them down to the bare wood – a little liquid sandpaper can do the trick.
Of course, if you’re more of a traditionalist and can’t bear the thought of painting over that gorgeous grain, staining is always an option. Young House Love has a fantastic tutorial on using Minwax Polyshades to stain your cabinets without the hassle of a full-blown sanding project. Just be sure to go a bit darker – those light, orangey tones are so last century.
Hardware Makeover
Now, let’s talk about the finishing touches. You know what they say, the devil’s in the details, and when it comes to cabinets, that couldn’t be more true. Those old, tired handles and knobs have got to go, my friends. It’s time to upgrade to something a little more modern and fresh.
Kylie M. Interiors has some great advice on choosing the perfect hardware for your newly refreshed cabinets. Transitional-style hardware is a safe bet, especially if you’ve got those shaker-style doors. And don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit – using both knobs and pulls can really give your kitchen that custom, high-end look.
Finishing Touches
Now, I know what you’re thinking – we’re almost done, right? Well, hold onto your tool belts, because there’s one more trick up our sleeve. Crown molding and valances, my friends. These two little details can take your cabinets from builder-basic to custom-made in a snap.
Sure, it might take a bit of elbow grease to get them installed, especially if you’re working with those old wood stains. But trust me, it’s worth it. Kylie M. Interiors has some great inspiration on how these little touches can make a big impact.
And if you’re feeling really adventurous, why not try your hand at some open shelving? As the folks at Amber Oliver have shown, it’s a fantastic way to open up your space and give it a modern, airy feel. Just be sure to match the wood tones for a cohesive look.
So there you have it, my friends – the ultimate guide to refreshing those tired old oak cabinets. Whether you choose to stain, paint, or accessorize, the key is to have fun and get creative. After all, that’s what home renovation is all about, right? And if you need any help along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at ABC Home & Building in Aberdeen. They’ve got the expertise to make your cabinet dreams a reality.
