Cherry cabinets have long been a popular choice in kitchens and other areas of the home, known for their warm and classic appeal. However, as design trends evolve, you might find yourself wanting to modernize the look of your cherry cabinets without the need for a full kitchen remodel. In this article, we will explore creative and cost-effective ways to give your cherry cabinets a contemporary makeover.
From updating hardware and choosing the right color schemes to integrating complementary materials and reimagining the cabinet doors, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to modernize cherry cabinets. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to refresh your space or a designer seeking to transform an outdated kitchen, understanding these modernization techniques will help you achieve a fresh and stylish look while preserving the timeless beauty of cherry wood in your home. Join us on this journey to revamp your cherry cabinets and bring them in line with the latest design trends.
Importance of Modernizing Them
Modernizing cherry cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a fresh and updated look. The natural warmth and beauty of cherry wood can easily be enhanced with modern design elements, bringing new life to the room. Not only will modernized cherry cabinets improve the overall appearance of your kitchen, but they can also add value to your home.
In today’s real estate market, potential buyers are looking for modern and updated spaces. By modernizing your cherry cabinets, you can make your home more appealing to potential buyers and potentially increase its value. This is especially important if you’re planning on selling your home in the near future.
But even if you have no intention of selling, modernizing your cherry cabinets can still bring many benefits. It can improve the functionality of your kitchen, making it more efficient and easier to use. It can also create a more inviting and comfortable atmosphere for you and your family to enjoy.
Modernizing cherry cabinets can also be a fun and rewarding DIY project. With the right tools and materials, you can easily transform your old cabinets into modern masterpieces. This not only saves you money on expensive renovations but it also allows you to customize your cabinets to fit your personal style and taste.
In addition, modernizing your cherry cabinets can also have a positive impact on the environment. By repurposing and updating existing materials instead of buying brand new ones, you are reducing waste and helping to conserve resources.
10 Methods How to Modernize Cherry Cabinets
1. Paint
Painting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to modernize cherry cabinets. Painting the cabinets a neutral color such as white or gray can help to brighten up the space and make it feel more contemporary. If you want to add a pop of color, consider painting the cabinets a bold hue such as navy blue or emerald green. Additionally, consider using a semi-gloss paint finish for added shine and durability. However, keep in mind that painting over cherry cabinets will require some prep work, such as cleaning and sanding the surface before applying primer and paint.
2. Replace Hardware
Replacing your existing cabinet hardware is another simple way to modernize cherry cabinets. Choose hardware that has a sleek, modern design, such as brushed nickel or chrome knobs and pulls. This will instantly give your kitchen an updated look without breaking the bank. You can also consider adding hardware to cabinets that don’t currently have any, such as adding handles to your upper cabinets for a more functional and modern touch.
Additionally, you can also choose to replace the hinges on your cabinets with hidden or invisible hinges for a cleaner, more modern look. This will eliminate the bulky and outdated exposed hinges that are typically found on cherry cabinets. Just be sure to choose hinges that are compatible with your cabinet doors and take the time to properly install them for a seamless finish.
3. Add Glass Doors
Adding glass doors to your existing cherry cabinets is an easy way to give them a more modern look and feel. You can choose from clear glass, frosted glass, or even colored glass, depending on your style preference. This will also allow you to display items inside the cabinets while still keeping them organized and out of sight when not in use.
To install glass doors, you can either purchase pre-made cabinet doors with glass inserts or have them custom made. If using pre-made doors, make sure to measure your cabinets accurately to ensure a perfect fit. You will also need to remove the existing cabinet doors and hardware before installing the new ones.
4. Update Lighting
Updating your kitchen lighting can also help to modernize cherry cabinets. Consider replacing outdated fixtures with new ones that have a sleek, contemporary design, such as pendant lights or sconces above the sink area or island countertop.
Additionally, adding under-cabinet lighting will provide extra illumination while creating an updated look in the space. For a more dramatic effect, consider installing dimmable LED lights that can be adjusted depending on the time of day or mood desired. Make sure to choose lighting fixtures that complement the color and style of your cherry cabinets for a cohesive look.
5. Install Open Shelving
Installing open shelving is another great way to modernize cherry cabinets without having to replace them entirely. Open shelving allows you to display items in plain sight while still keeping them organized and easily accessible when needed.
Consider installing floating shelves with brackets for a clean, minimalistic look that won’t overpower the space or detract from other design elements in the room. Alternatively, you can opt for open shelving units with metal frames and wooden shelves for a more industrial or rustic feel. Whichever style you choose, open shelving will add a modern touch to your kitchen and make your cherry cabinets stand out in a stylish way.
6. Add Accent Pieces
Adding accent pieces such as artwork, vases, plants, rugs, etc., can also help to modernize cherry cabinets by adding texture and interest to the space without being too overwhelming or busy-looking. Choose pieces that complement each other but don’t match too closely so that they don’t blend into one another too much; this will create visual interest without competing with each other for attention in the room.
Additionally, using modern accent pieces in a room with cherry cabinets can help to create a cohesive and updated look. Consider incorporating metallic accents like gold or silver for a touch of glamour, or opt for neutral tones to add a sense of calm and simplicity. Remember that less is more when it comes to accent pieces, so choose carefully and strategically to avoid cluttering the space.
7. Change Out The Countertops
Changing out your countertops is an effective way of updating cherry cabinets if you are looking for something more substantial than just painting or replacing hardware alone.
Consider switching out laminate countertops for granite or quartz which will instantly give your kitchen an upgraded look while still maintaining its classic charm.. Additionally, pairing light-colored countertops with dark-colored cabinetry will create contrast which helps draw attention away from any dated elements in the room, like old appliances or outdated flooring.
8. Install Backsplash
Installing a backsplash behind your sink area is another great way of modernizing cherry cabinets. Backsplash comes in many different styles and colors, so you can choose something that complements both your cabinetry and countertops while still making a bold statement. Subway tile is always popular, but there are plenty of other options available, including mosaic tiles, patterned tiles, stainless steel sheets, etc., so you should be able to find something that fits perfectly with your overall aesthetic.
9. Add Crown Molding
Adding crown molding around the top of your cherry cabinets will draw attention up toward the ceiling, which helps make small spaces appear larger than they actually are. Crown molding also adds dimension and depth, which makes it appear more expensive than it actually is; plus, it helps tie together all of the elements in a room, giving it a finished look.
To add crown molding to your cherry cabinets, measure and cut pieces of molding to the appropriate length.
Use a coping saw to cut out any corners or angles needed for a seamless fit. Then, use wood glue and finishing nails to secure the molding in place. Once everything is dry, sand down any rough edges and paint or stain the molding to match the rest of your cabinets.
10. Change The Layout Of Your Cabinets
Finally, changing up the layout of your existing cherry cabinets can help give them a more modern look without having to replace them entirely. Consider removing some upper wall units and replacing them with floating shelves instead; this will open up space around eye level, making it easier for people who are shorter to reach items stored inside cupboards. Additionally, installing pullout drawers instead of traditional doors can make accessing items easier while giving everything a much cleaner appearance overall.
Things to Consider When Modernizing Cherry Cabinets
When considering modernizing cherry cabinets, there are a few things to keep in mind. This process involves updating the appearance and functionality of your cabinets, without having to completely replace them. It can be a great way to give your kitchen or bathroom a fresh and updated look, without breaking the bank.
Here are some important factors to consider when embarking on this project:
- Know Your Budget: Before starting any project, it’s important to have a clear idea of how much you’re willing and able to spend. This will help guide your choices when selecting materials and hiring professionals.
- Assess the Condition of Your Cabinets: Take a good look at your cabinets and determine if they are structurally sound. If there are any major issues such as sagging shelves or broken drawers, those should be addressed before proceeding with the modernization process.
- Decide on a Design Style: Modernization can mean different things to different people. Some may want a sleek and minimalist look, while others may prefer a more rustic and natural look. It’s important to decide on your desired design style before making any changes.
- Choose Your Materials Wisely: When selecting materials for your modernized cherry cabinets, consider durability, functionality, and aesthetics. Some popular materials include laminate, veneer, and paint. It’s also important to select hardware and accessories that complement the overall design style.
- DIY or Hire Professionals: Depending on the complexity of the project, you may need to hire professionals such as carpenters or painters. However, some aspects can be done on your own if you’re comfortable with DIY projects. Be realistic about your skill level and the time commitment required for each task.
- Consider the Overall Aesthetic: When modernizing cherry cabinets, it’s important to consider how they will fit in with the overall aesthetic of your kitchen or bathroom. If you’re updating other elements such as countertops or backsplash, make sure they all work together harmoniously.
Conclusion
In conclusion, modernizing cherry cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen an updated look. By utilizing paint, wallpapers, and accessories you can make a classic style come alive. Don’t forget too the importance of staging and lighting when considering the overall outcome of the design transformation. Whether you are looking for a contemporary feel or something a bit more traditional, using these tips can help you create a look that stands out from the crowd.
Now that you have all the information needed to modernize cherry cabinets, it’s time to get creative and create something beautiful! Start exploring accent pieces and colors that will enhance the character of your kitchen space and get ready to show off your new cherry cabinet design. Hopefully, this article gave you some helpful tips about how to modernize cherry cabinets successfully, so now that you have the proper knowledge on how to get the job done, why not give it a try today?