7 Easy Ways to Give Old Kitchen Cabinets a Fresh, Modern Look

• Refreshing outdated cabinets can update a kitchen without the expense of a full remodel.
• Simple DIY changes such as paint or new hardware can make the space feel more current on a budget.
• These ideas are practical ways to improve both style and usefulness in the kitchen.

The 1970s left a lasting mark on home decor, and some of that style is making a comeback in kitchens, including colors like avocado green and harvest gold.

Still, if your kitchen has wood or wood-laminate cabinets that date back to that era, the nostalgia may wear thin.

If you want to move on from that retro look without paying for a full kitchen renovation, these simple and affordable updates can help transform the space.

Replace the Cabinet Hardware

New knobs, drawer pulls, and even hinges can make a big difference on worn cabinets. After cleaning the cabinets, simply remove the old white enamel hardware and install the new pieces.

If the new hardware does not cover the existing screw holes, you may need to touch them up. Wood epoxy, sandpaper, and latex gloves are usually enough to handle the fix.

• Cost: Under $100
• Complexity: Beginner DIY

Paint the Cabinets

If you are ready for a larger DIY project, repainting the cabinets can give them a completely new feel. The prep work depends on their condition, but at minimum you will need to remove the doors and hardware and apply primer before painting.

If choosing a color feels overwhelming, try using one shade for the upper cabinets and another for the lower ones for a more dramatic result.

• Cost: Under $100
• Complexity: Intermediate DIY

Cover Them With Contact Paper

If you are not ready to commit to paint or a longer project, contact paper is another option. While many people know it for patterns, it also comes in solid colors that can dramatically change the look of cabinets in just a few hours.

Applying it can take some patience, much like wallpaper, but the finished result can be well worth the effort.

• Cost: $7 for a 17.7 x 118-inch roll
• Complexity: DIYable but requires some patience

Add Glass Inserts to the Doors

Rather than replacing the cabinets entirely, you can update the doors with glass inserts. Depending on the style, glass sheets may cost between $5 and $20. If you do not want the contents of your cabinets to be visible, frosted glass is a good alternative, or you can use glass on just a few doors as accents.

If installing the inserts feels beyond your skill level, hiring a contractor may be the safer choice. Labor can run between $300 and $500 per day, plus materials.

• Cost: $5–$20 per glass sheet
• Complexity: Intermediate DIY; might be better to hire a pro

Remove the Doors

Kitchen cabinets are useful because they hide everyday clutter, but if the retro look feels too heavy, taking the doors off can create a lighter, more open style.

You may need to keep the shelves more organized, but this approach is far less expensive than replacing the cabinets, even if you decide to buy a few new mugs or storage pieces.

If the exposed hardware holes bother you, fill them with wood epoxy and sandpaper, then paint over them so they blend in. For unstained cabinets, a wood paint kit can help match the repair to the grain.

• Cost: $0
• Complexity: Beginner DIY

Replace Cabinets With Shelving

Replacing cabinets entirely can be expensive, often costing between $2,000 and more than $10,000 depending on kitchen size and whether you choose premade or custom options.

Switching to floating shelves, however, can give the kitchen a fresher look without the same financial hit. You will still need to repair the wall, cover screw holes, and repaint, but that also gives you a chance to introduce a new color.

• Cost: $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the type of shelving you choose
• Complexity: Beginner/intermediate DIY

Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes 1970s kitchen cabinets distinctive?

  Cabinets from that era were often made of oak or oak laminate and stained to show off the grain. Because oak is a durable hardwood, it can be a strong base for refinishing if you want to move away from a retro style.

• How can retro kitchen cabinets be made to look more modern?

  Even very dated cabinets can be updated by changing the hardware, such as replacing white enamel knobs with matte black bars.