Transforming Your 70s Kitchen Cabinets: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ah, the ’70s – a time of disco, bell-bottoms, and groovy home decor. While some elements from that era have made a comeback, like avocado green and harvest gold, your outdated kitchen cabinets might not be giving you those nostalgic feelings. If you’re looking to refresh your kitchen without breaking the bank on a full renovation, we’ve got some easy and affordable tips to help you bring your cabinets into the 21st century.
Why Upgrade Your 70s Cabinets
- Outdated appearance
- Increase the value of your home
- Improve functionality and organization
- Make a personal style statement
Quick Fixes to Redo Your 70s Cabinets
1. Replace Cabinet Hardware
You’d be surprised at what a difference new drawer pulls, knobs, and hinges can make to your old cabinets. Simply unscrew the existing hardware, clean the cabinets, and attach the new pieces for an instant upgrade.
- Cost: Under $100
- Complexity: Beginner DIY
2. Paint Them
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider giving your cabinets a fresh coat of paint. Choose a color that speaks to your style and personality. You can even paint the top cabinets one color and the bottom cabinets another for a fun twist.
- Cost: Under $100
- Complexity: Intermediate DIY
3. Cover Cabinets in Contact Paper
For a temporary solution or a quick update, consider using contact paper to give your cabinets a new look. It’s easy to apply and comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
- Cost: $7 for a 17.7 x 118-inch roll
- Complexity: DIYable, but requires some patience
4. Add Glass Inserts to the Doors
For a modern touch, consider adding glass inserts to your cabinet doors. This can give your kitchen a fresh and updated look without the cost of completely replacing the cabinets.
- Cost: $5–$20 per glass sheet
- Complexity: Intermediate DIY; consider hiring a professional
5. Remove the Doors
If you want to open up your kitchen space and showcase your dishes and glassware, consider removing the cabinet doors altogether. This can give your kitchen a more open and airy feel.
- Cost: $0
- Complexity: Beginner DIY
6. Replace Cabinets with Shelving
For a more drastic change, consider replacing your cabinets with floating shelves. This can give your kitchen a more modern and open feel, and allows you to showcase your dishes and decorative items.
- Cost: $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the type of shelving you choose
- Complexity: Beginner/intermediate DIY
Tips for DIY Cabinet Redo
- Oak is a durable hardwood commonly used in 1970s cabinets, making it a great base for refinishing.
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match hardware finishes for a trendy look.
- Consider adding pops of color to the walls behind your cabinets for a fun contrast.
- When adding glass inserts, choose frosted glass for a more subtle look.
- Removing cabinet doors can instantly make your kitchen feel more spacious and modern.
Final Thoughts
Transforming your 70s kitchen cabinets doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little creativity and some elbow grease, you can give your kitchen a fresh new look without breaking the bank. Whether you opt for a simple hardware upgrade or a complete cabinet overhaul, these tips will help you bring your kitchen into the modern age while still paying homage to its retro roots.
Remember, your kitchen should reflect your personal style and be a space that you love to spend time in. So don’t be afraid to get creative and make your cabinets truly shine. Happy renovating!
