Top 10 Kitchen Refinishing Ideas for 2018

Transforming your kitchen doesn't always require a hefty budget. By maximizing the elements you already own, you can achieve stunning results with minimal expense. Kitchen refinishing is an excellent way to breathe new life into your existing setup. Whether it's your cabinets, tile, or countertops, refinishing allows you to refresh these features without replacing them entirely. Take a look at these top 10 kitchen refinishing ideas for 2018, brought to you by Maryland Tub and Tile.

1 – Give Your Kitchen Cabinets a Fresh Coat

If your kitchen cabinets are structurally sound, consider repainting or staining them. Start by sanding or stripping any old paint or varnish, then apply your chosen color. Transform honey oak cabinets into a rich walnut hue, or lighten a dark kitchen with a fresh coat of white paint. A popular trend in 2018 involved using two-tone cabinets, where the bottom cabinets are a darker shade than the top. Painting your upper cabinets white and your lower cabinets a light gray creates visual interest and gives your kitchen a modern twist.

2 – Swap Out Your Cabinet Doors

Outdated cabinet doors can clash with contemporary kitchen designs. Luckily, you can replace them without discarding the entire cabinet structure. While this approach costs more than simply painting the existing doors, it’s ideal if you're dissatisfied with the current style. Ensure the new doors match the dimensions of your current ones and are compatible with your existing cabinets. Once fitted, paint or stain them to blend seamlessly.

3 – Breathe New Life Into Your Countertops

Refinishing your countertops is an economical alternative to replacing them. It takes less time and costs significantly less—typically less than half the price! If your countertops have minor damage, we can repair them before applying the refinishing layer. The result is a polished surface that extends the lifespan of your counters. Choose from a variety of styles that mimic natural stone or opt for a solid color. Stone finishes look sophisticated and hide dirt better than solid colors, making maintenance easier. Contact Maryland Tub and Tile for a free estimate on countertop refinishing.

4 – Update Your Cabinet Hardware

A simple hardware swap can transform your kitchen. Replace outdated knobs, drawer pulls, and hinges with modern alternatives. For instance, swapping brass and white knobs for brushed nickel can make a significant difference. If you're replacing multi-hole drawer pulls, ensure the new hardware aligns with the existing holes. Taking one of the handles to the store as a guide helps avoid mismatches. In case of misaligned holes, drilling new ones may be necessary.

5 – Refresh Your Tile Backsplash

You don’t need to replace your tile backsplash to give it a fresh look. Epoxy refinishing offers a cost-effective solution that covers both the tile and grout, eliminating unsightly stains. Some kitchens look best with crisp white tiles, while others benefit from a stone finish that complements the countertops. Our team in Maryland can help you select the perfect style for your space. Damaged tiles can be repaired before refinishing to ensure a flawless outcome.

6 – Add Crown Molding for a Luxurious Touch

Crown molding can elevate even the plainest kitchen cabinets, giving them an expensive appearance. Although installation might require professional help, it’s an affordable way to enhance your kitchen. Match the molding’s color to your cabinets by painting or staining it. Extend this elegant touch to your bathroom cabinets for a cohesive look throughout your home.

7 – Illuminate Your Space with Under-Cabinet Lighting

Adding under-cabinet lighting is an affordable and straightforward upgrade. Kits are available online and can be mounted easily. This provides additional illumination while cooking or navigating the kitchen at night. These lights look upscale without breaking the bank. Consider adding interior lights to glass or frosted cabinets for a soft ambient glow.

8 – Maximize Storage with Creative Solutions

Increasing your storage capacity can make your kitchen feel tidier and more organized. For instance, the six-inch gap beside your refrigerator is perfect for a roll-out pantry, storing items like cans, spices, and cereals. This frees up cabinet space for dishes and larger food items. In smaller kitchens, focus on creative ways to add storage where needed most.

9 – Upgrade to Stainless Steel Appliances—Affordably

Stainless steel appliances exude luxury, yet many hesitate due to cost concerns. Prices have dropped significantly over recent years. While refrigerators remain the priciest upgrade, consider updating appliances gradually. Local appliance repair shops often sell refurbished models at a fraction of their original price. Keep placement in mind; a slightly dented appliance may be hidden behind other units, saving you money.

10 – Unify Metallic Finishes for a Modern Look

A cohesive design ensures your kitchen feels clean and contemporary. Examine metallic finishes throughout the space—door hardware, light fixtures, faucets, etc. Replace anything mismatched with a uniform finish. Copper is trending in 2018, but satin nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or brushed gold also work well. This final step ties together your refinishing project while keeping costs low.

For assistance with your bathroom renovation, reach out to Maryland Tub and Tile.