5 Ways I Upgraded My Cabinets Without Replacing Them

Originally, I wanted to rip out all of my old cabinets and replace them. A full kitchen renovation sounds dreamy, but it also sounds expensive—and messy. So instead of gutting everything, I decided to get creative with a cabinet upgrade. I gave my cabinets a major facelift without replacing them, and I’m so glad I did. Here’s how I upgraded my cabinets without replacing them!

1. Extended Them to the Ceiling

You know that awkward gap between the top of your cabinets and the ceiling? I decided to fill it in! I built up the tops of the cabinets using simple plywood boxes and then added triple crown molding to match the rest of my home. The result? Seamless, built-in-looking cabinets that feel way more custom.

I also swapped out the hardware with pieces from the Rejuvenation Lennox Collection. It’s amazing how much a few good knobs and pulls can elevate the entire look!

2. DIY Inset Cabinet Look

Actual inset cabinets can cost a fortune, but I found a workaround. I added trim to the cabinet faces to fake that inset look and swapped out the hinges to match. It gave me the clean, classic style I wanted without the expensive price tag. And honestly? It looks like the real deal. See the whole process here in this blog post!

3. Custom Curved Toe Kicks

This is one of my favorite upgrades. I made custom curved toe kicks using plywood, a jigsaw, and a simple template I drew by hand. They were surprisingly easy to make, and they give my cabinets a soft, furniture-like detail that’s super charming.

I know some people worry about cleaning under them, but here’s the truth: my vacuum fits, and cleaning is no problem at all.

4. Covered the Exposed Cabinet Bottoms

This cabinet upgrade is subtle but makes a huge difference. I used thin plywood to cover up the exposed undersides of my upper cabinets. You know that unfinished look you get when you’re sitting down at the island and can see all the wires and gaps? Gone. This instantly made everything feel more polished and intentional.

5. Swapped Out the Cabinet Doors

If you’re looking for one big change that doesn’t require a total overhaul, this is it. I replaced just the cabinet doors with a more modern style from Nieu Cabinets that better fits my space. It made a world of difference and gave the whole kitchen a fresh, updated look—without the cost (and chaos) of replacing the cabinet boxes. Check out the before and after!

This kitchen is literally a dream come true! I’m so happy with how it turned out. See the full kitchen reveal here!

Let me know if you have any questions!

– Cass

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