Upgrade the Hardware
Upgrading the hardware on your stock cabinets is a simple yet effective way to make them look custom and elevate the overall aesthetic of your kitchen or bathroom. This involves replacing the existing hinges, knobs, pulls, and drawer slides with high-quality, stylish options.
Types of Hardware Upgrades
Replacing the hardware on your cabinets is a great way to give them a new look and feel. Here are some of the most common types of hardware upgrades:
- Hinges: Hinges are the metal parts that connect the cabinet door to the cabinet frame. There are many different types of hinges available, including:
- Soft-close hinges: These hinges have a built-in mechanism that slows the door down as it closes, preventing it from slamming shut. They are great for reducing noise and preventing damage to the cabinet doors.
- Self-closing hinges: These hinges are similar to soft-close hinges, but they also have a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically closes the door after it has been opened. This is a great option for cabinets that are frequently used.
- Full overlay hinges: These hinges allow the cabinet door to completely cover the face frame, creating a clean and modern look.
- Semi-overlay hinges: These hinges allow the cabinet door to partially cover the face frame, creating a more traditional look.
- Knobs and Pulls: Knobs and pulls are the handles that you use to open and close cabinet doors and drawers. They are available in a wide variety of styles, materials, and finishes, so you can easily find options that match your kitchen’s design. Some popular options include:
- Metal knobs and pulls: These are a classic choice that can be found in a variety of finishes, including brushed nickel, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze.
- Ceramic knobs and pulls: These offer a more unique and decorative touch. They are available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
- Wooden knobs and pulls: These are a great option for kitchens with a rustic or farmhouse aesthetic. They are often made from maple, oak, or walnut.
- Drawer Slides: Drawer slides are the metal tracks that allow drawers to slide in and out of the cabinet. There are two main types of drawer slides:
- Side-mount drawer slides: These slides are mounted to the sides of the drawer box. They are a more affordable option, but they can be less durable than undermount slides.
- Undermount drawer slides: These slides are mounted to the bottom of the drawer box. They are more durable and provide smoother operation than side-mount slides.
High-Quality Hardware Brands
Several high-quality hardware brands offer durable and stylish options for your cabinets. Some of the most popular brands include:
- Blum: Blum is a German company known for its high-quality, innovative hardware. Their hinges and drawer slides are renowned for their durability and smooth operation. They offer a wide range of finishes and styles to suit different tastes.
- Hafele: Hafele is another German company that offers a wide range of cabinet hardware, including hinges, knobs, pulls, and drawer slides. They are known for their high-quality materials and innovative designs.
- Salice: Salice is an Italian company that specializes in hinges and drawer slides. Their products are known for their smooth operation, durability, and stylish designs.
Replacing Existing Hardware
Replacing existing cabinet hardware is a relatively simple DIY project that can be done with basic tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Remove the old hardware: Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the old hinges, knobs, pulls, or drawer slides in place. Be careful not to damage the cabinet doors or drawers.
- Prepare the new hardware: Before installing the new hardware, make sure that the screws are the correct length. If they are too long, they could damage the cabinet doors or drawers. If they are too short, the hardware may not be securely attached.
- Install the new hardware: Align the new hardware with the existing screw holes and secure it in place with the appropriate screws. Make sure that the hardware is level and flush with the cabinet door or drawer.
Benefits and Costs of Hardware Upgrades, How to make stock cabinets look custom
| Upgrade | Benefits | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Soft-close hinges | Reduced noise, prevents slamming, extends the life of cabinet doors | Moderate |
| Self-closing hinges | Convenience, prevents doors from being left open, enhances kitchen efficiency | Moderate to High |
| Full overlay hinges | Clean and modern look, maximizes cabinet space | Moderate |
| Undermount drawer slides | Smooth operation, increased durability, easy access to contents | High |
| High-quality knobs and pulls | Enhanced aesthetic, durability, improved functionality | Moderate to High |
Enhance the Finishes: How To Make Stock Cabinets Look Custom
Painting your stock cabinets can be a great way to give them a custom look. With a little creativity, you can transform your cabinets from bland to beautiful.
One of the best ways to add character to your cabinets is by using different painting techniques.
Distressing Techniques
Distressing is a popular technique that gives cabinets a vintage or antique look. It involves creating the appearance of wear and tear by sanding, chipping, or scraping the paint.
- Sanding: Use sandpaper to create a distressed look by sanding down the edges and corners of the cabinets.
- Chipping: You can create a chipped effect by using a hammer or a chisel to lightly chip away at the paint.
- Scraping: Use a scraper to create a distressed look by scraping away some of the paint.
Glazing Techniques
Glazing is a technique that involves applying a thin layer of translucent paint or glaze over a base coat. Glazing can be used to create a variety of effects, such as depth, dimension, and color variation.
- Single-Color Glazing: Apply a single color of glaze over the base coat to add depth and dimension to the cabinets.
- Multi-Color Glazing: You can use multiple colors of glaze to create a more complex and unique finish.
- Distressed Glazing: Apply a glaze over a distressed base coat to create a more aged look.
Two-Tone Finishes
Two-tone finishes are a great way to add visual interest to cabinets. They involve painting the cabinets in two different colors, often with a contrasting effect.
- Top and Bottom: You can paint the top portion of the cabinets in one color and the bottom portion in another.
- Accent Colors: Use a contrasting accent color to highlight the doors or drawers.
- Ombre Effect: You can create an ombre effect by gradually blending two colors together.
Painting Cabinets with a Custom Finish
To paint your cabinets with a custom finish, you’ll need to follow a few basic steps.
- Prepare the Cabinets: Clean the cabinets thoroughly and remove any hardware.
- Prime the Cabinets: Apply a primer to create a smooth and even surface for the paint.
- Apply the Base Coat: Apply a base coat of paint in the desired color.
- Apply the Finishing Touches: Apply any distressing, glazing, or two-tone techniques you’ve chosen.
- Seal the Cabinets: Apply a sealant to protect the paint and finish.
Paint Types
There are a variety of paint types available for painting cabinets.
- Latex Paint: Latex paint is a water-based paint that is easy to apply and clean up. It is also durable and long-lasting.
- Oil-Based Paint: Oil-based paint is a solvent-based paint that is known for its durability and gloss. However, it can be more difficult to apply and clean up.
- Chalk Paint: Chalk paint is a popular choice for creating a vintage or farmhouse look. It is easy to apply and can be distressed for a unique look.
Creating a Unique Finish with Paint, Stain, and Glaze
You can create a unique finish by combining paint, stain, and glaze.
- Staining the Cabinets: Stain the cabinets with your desired color.
- Applying a Base Coat: Apply a base coat of paint over the stained cabinets.
- Glazing the Cabinets: Apply a glaze over the base coat to create a distressed or aged look.
How to make stock cabinets look custom – Want to give your kitchen a custom look without the hefty price tag? There are lots of tricks to make stock cabinets look high-end, like adding crown molding or replacing hardware. But if you’re looking for the ultimate in personalization, consider investing in custom kitchen cabinets in Louisville, KY.
They can be designed to perfectly fit your space and style, giving you a truly unique and functional kitchen. Of course, you can still achieve that custom look with stock cabinets by getting creative with paint colors, finishes, and accessories.
Want to make your stock cabinets look custom? A little paint, new hardware, and some clever organization can go a long way. And if you need extra storage, think about a portable storage cabinet on wheels to keep things tidy and easily accessible.
Just remember to keep the style of the portable cabinet in mind when choosing your custom touches for the main cabinets, to maintain a cohesive look.
