The Heart of the Home

And one way you can update yours!

Let’s Talk cabinets…

If we had to pick one area of the kitchen that could instantly revitalize the whole space, it would be the cabinets!

And if you’re trying to find a way that you can do exactly that for your kitchen, but you aren’t sure where to start or what your options even are, we’re going to lay out the paths before you.

cabinet replacement

We’ll start with the most obvious: replacing your entire cabinet. This route is going to be the one with the highest price point. It involves the whole kit and caboodle: the purchase of all of the cabinetry as well as the labor of removal of the old and installation of the new.

Often, this decision is partnered with a full kitchen remodel, but it isn’t a requirement by any means. There is a discussion to be had, however, regarding your current counter-tops and whether you will [need to] replace those as well when changing out your lowers. If you want to be as budget friendly as possible and/or you love your counters, you do need to determine if they will be able to be lifted and then correctly reinstalled onto the new cabinets.

cabinet refacing  

Next we have: refacing. In our experience, most people don’t know as much about this option as the others. Refacing is when you keep the cabinet box or frame and only replace the cabinet door or drawer front, including the hardware (knobs, pulls, hinges). It also typically involves adding a new laminate or veneer on the cabinet frame. This route will offer you a more median price range, since you are only updating the “face” of the cabinets and drawers.

With this, you want to make sure that you (or the professionals that you hire) ensure that the cabinet frame is still in great condition and will continue to last you for many years to come. If you see any warping, cracking, sagging, water damage, etc., the frame is not going to be structurally sound and moving forward with a reface would just end up being a waste of money.

cabinet painting

Next is a budget friendly option that can still pack a punch…painting your cabinets. You will be paying for the paint supplies and the labor, (if you hire a professional.)

A few of our photos below are from kitchen projects where the cabinets were in excellent shape, so our clients opted to keep and update the color. (And we would be willing to bet that you can’t tell which ones those are!)

We’ll add the undeniable note that careful & precise application is essential for a finished product that you love.

cabinet Hardware

Lastly, we’ll mention this update that can either be a solo project or partnered with the previous two options. It’s as simple as it sounds—you replace the knob and/or pull hardware on your cabinets and drawers. On it’s own, this will obviously be your most cost effective upgrade. And even by itself, this one can still have the “wow factor”.

We had a kitchen renovation recently where our clients still loved their cabinets, but hated the outdated knobs and so the only thing they touched on the cabinets was exactly that. They renovated almost everything else in the kitchen, but were able to save money on the cabinet front! And the swap was truly *chef’s kiss*.

the paths are laid before you…

Now it’s up to you to decide the best option for your home. Renovations, remodels, upgrades, and updates in the kitchen are always a great return on your investment. And as the heart of the home, it tends to be the most fun place to beautify! You can’t really go wrong with any of the aforementioned choices—as long as you follow the tips we outlined throughout.

But really, the best way to ensure a kitchen that you love is by contacting PJA to bring your dream kitchen to life!