Kitchen cabinets - WWYD?

The kitchen cabinets in the home we are in buying look like this:



Would you paint these cabinets, stain them or leave as is?

What sort of hardware would you get?

Is it possible to change to undermount hardware (where the hinges don't show)?

The countertop is staying and we are replacing the appliances with stainless steel appliances if that makes a difference.

Re: Kitchen cabinets - WWYD?

I would change the hinges (not sure if you can do undermount- but at least do smaller, German hinges).. and then change the hardware- i wouldn't paint/stain the cabinets really- just leave them as is and change the hardware...

although honestly- if I were you- I wouldn't do anything- I'd live with it and save money until I can replace the cabinets. If you use the same base cabinet footprint and get the same sized appliances, you can use the counter again.

Re: Kitchen cabinets - WWYD?

If you really don't like them, you can definitely paint them. My SIL did and they look really good. She also changed the hardware. I am not sure of the hinges but I bet if you took them to HD/Lowes or a hardware store they could advise you on another hinge you could use.

One of the easiest ways to update a kitchen it to paint cabinets and change hardware, so if you think you aren't going to touch the kitchen for a few years, I would definitely consider painting/changing the hardware!

Re: Kitchen cabinets - WWYD?

OMG the house we just bought has the same cabinets! I think we're going to try to change the hardware..I actually like the look of the wood, and prefer it to painted white (or another color).

Re: Kitchen cabinets - WWYD?

I would paint the cabinets white and if the drawers had hardware too i'd probably keep it the way it is. But since i'd want to add hardware to the drawers i'd change it all, even the hinges. I like when the hinges show actually, so I'd take an old hinge to HD and see if they can match the size to some new ones to match new hardware and drawer pulls.

Re: Kitchen cabinets - WWYD?

IMO i would just change the hardware and hinges. Its inexpensive and changes the look

Re: Kitchen cabinets - WWYD?

I would paint them white and get new hardware. You might be able to fill in the old holes from the hinges with wood filler and then sand the doors down a little and the primer and paint, but that is really time consuming, but do-able. So if you don't want to go through all that work, I would just try to replace the hinges with something more modern to go with the new hardware.

Sanding, and staining a new color is also an option, but again time consuming. Even if you just update the hardware and hinges, it will be a big change and maybe a change you can live with for now until you can redo the whole kitchen.

GL!