Invigorate Your Kitchen with DIY Country Cabinets and Decor
Is your kitchen looking a little dull and dated? Do you dream of a warm, cozy farmhouse kitchen but can't afford a full remodel? With some clever DIY projects, you can give your kitchen a rustic facelift without breaking the bank. Installing new country-style cabinets and farmhouse decor transforms even the drabbest kitchen into a charming, vintage-inspired space.
You'll learn just how easy and affordable it can be to reinvigorate your kitchen with charming farmhouse style.
Choose the Perfect Wood for DIY Country Cabinets
The first step to creating your own DIY country cabinets is selecting the right wood. Choosing wood with natural knots, grains, and imperfections will give your cabinets an authentically rustic look.
Types of Wood for Farmhouse Style
Pine boards are inexpensive and full of rustic character. You can use new pine boards or salvaged reclaimed pine for extra charm. Oak wood has an attractive grain and more polished appearance. For a lighter look, maple boards are a good option. Whatever wood you choose, opt for a natural unfinished look rather than stained wood.
Other Country Kitchen Cabinet Materials
Besides real wood boards, you can use other materials like chicken wire, metal flashing, beadboard, or shiplap for cabinet doors and drawer fronts. The wire and metal add great texture and vintage farmhouse appeal.
Building Your Own DIY Country Cabinets
While constructing cabinets might seem intimidating, with good plans and the right tools it's easier than you think. Follow these key steps to build sturdy DIY cabinets to customize your kitchen.
Planning and Measuring
It all starts with detailed plans. Sketch out the cabinet configurations and dimensions that will work for your space. Measure your existing kitchen layout and desired cabinet locations. Having precise measurements will make the build process smooth.
Cutting and Assembling
Using a circular saw, carefully cut the wood boards down to size according to your plans. Assemble the pieces to form the cabinet box, attaching them with wood glue and nails. Then attach the front frame, doors, shelves, and other components.
Hanging Your Cabinets
Once assembled, it's time to hang your DIY creations! Use painter's tape to mark the precise cabinet locations on your wall. Drill pilot holes then use sturdy wood screws driven into wall studs to mount them.
Selecting Hardware and Finishes
Now your DIY country cabinets are ready for hardware and the finishing touches. Choose vintage-inspired hardware like wrought iron knobs and handles. For a more modern farmhouse feel, opt for black metal fixtures. Painted or stained finishes give your cabinets extra character.
Prepping and Painting Cabinets
To paint your cabinets, start by filling any holes and sanding for a smooth surface. After priming, apply two coats of cabinet enamel for a durable finish. For extra charm, distress your cabinets by sanding edges and corners after painting.
Staining for a Clear Wood Look
For a transparent wood finish, use gel stains in darker woodsy hues. Applying a glaze over painted cabinets can also mimic the look of worn stained wood.
Warm Up Your Kitchen with Farmhouse Decor
Finally, finish your new DIY country kitchen cabinets with decor that brings out all that farmhouse charm. Here are some easy ways to accessorize your space.
Open Shelving with Baskets
Hang wall shelves from reclaimed wood or metal pipes for function and style. Style them with woven baskets, pots, pans, and ceramic canisters. Open shelving gives your kitchen a cozy, lived-in feel.
Rustic Signs and Farmhouse Art
Painted wood signs stenciled with funny kitchen quotes add personality. Frame some vintage botanical prints or still-life paintings for an old-fashioned look above cabinets.
Add life with potted herb plants, succulents, or ferns placed in nooks and corners. Arrange fresh flowers and greenery in glass jars or empty cans for charming farmhouse decor.
With a DIY farmhouse cabinet makeover and simple decor touches, you can bring vintage country charm to your kitchen without spending a fortune. Gather inspiration from our tips and get started designing the warm, welcoming kitchen of your dreams.