Today, I’m sharing 3 details that really make a difference when remodeling some existing cabinets.
Of course, it’s always good to go for new cabinets if you can. There’s not that much savings when you think about all the work that could possibly go into redoing existing, however, I repeatedly have clients that prefer this route. So, I’m sharing some of our secrets with you, if you happen to need some modification to your cabinetry, and can’t go for new.
Just remember, the "befores" are all very low-grade quality cabinets and we are updating them to look as good as possible.
1 - Change out the hinges
I recently had an email from a reader who asked this question about one of my remodels…. “It looks like you changed out the hinges in this project to something different. What did you change them out too?”
Knife hinge - cabinetry modifications
She was referring to this project where we took these ugly cabinets and made them look so much better by changing out the moulding, taking them to the ceiling, painting them, and then yes, also, changing out the hinges. I barely remembered that and had to go back and ask my contractor on that job, to see what was used. He used hinges like these. Knife hinges.
I always prefer Euro hinges, but when you’re remodeling and using existing cabinets that have this type of framing and cabinet door, you are limited in the style of hinge that can be used.
Before (During construction) - Standard, exposed hinge to be replaced
After - Modified cabinetry with new knife hinges replacing exposed hinges
This exposed hinge is just the cheapest around. So, if we can do something better, although it might not be ideal, well, we’ll take it. It’s also making a difference in this kitchen we’re remodeling now, one that I shared a few weeks ago. You can see it’s coming along nicely and we are changing out the hinges in the same way, with the knife hinges.
Progress shot - cabinetry now goes to ceiling and furr down has been removed. Cabinets have been painted and new hinges were used.
Before image- Kitchen remodel with existing cabinetry and furr down above.
2 - Undercabinet lighting
Another item we are adding into this remodel is LED tape undercabinet lighting. It’s super slim, easily applied, cool to the touch, and creates a continuous wash of light in a white color (not blue or yellow tinted if you buy the right color/quality). LED does require a transformer somewhere, but boy, what an improvement over the big fluorescent lights or those yellow rope lights.
Here's an example of how the color of dated accent/task lighting can distort the color in a kitchen.... from one of my projects, pre-construction.
We used to use halogen puck lights, they had nice white light, but they generated sooooo much heat, created the light cone effect at the backsplash and would burn out too. LED is the best thing since sliced bread, IMO, and you won’t have to change it out for 30 years or so. :-)
Here’s how we installed it in my kitchen. It’s located at the front of the upper cabinet, applied at an angle, taped onto a painted strip of wood. That way the light is cast toward the back of the countertop and backsplash, and it doesn’t reflect into the countertop if the counter is a polished finish. Perfect application.
LED undercabinet lighting used in my kitchen remodel, angled so as not to reflect into the countertop below.
Here's the angled piece of wood under the upper cabinet that they will install the LED light strip on.
The light really is white, it's just my poor photography skills that don't render the color accurately. :-) Here are pics of my own kitchen remodel. I love it!
3 - Drawer glides
Lastly, changing out the drawer glides can just make a huge difference in the function of your cabinetry. Full extension is the bomb, I’m telling you! It enables you to fully use your drawer and keeps items from getting stuck in the drawers.
The usefulness of a cabinet is improved dramatically with this detail. Here’s a link to some of these full extension glides with soft closing feature.
Standard drawer glides found in many builder homes.
We installed new full extension glides in this remodel, before painting these cabinets, and they made such a dramatic improvement in function.
We did it with this remodel project and have done it with others when it can be afforded. It's a wonderful functional luxury.
Want to read more tips on dealing with existing cabinetry in a remodel? Try this post.
Why Your Custom Cabinetry May Not Be All That
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