The Complete Guide to Updating Cherry Kitchen Cabinets

Cherry cabinets can make for a beautiful and warm kitchen aesthetic. However, trends change and over time those once-gorgeous cabinets can start to look outdated and dreary. Instead of undertaking a full kitchen remodel, you can give your cherry cabinets new life with simple DIY updates.

In this complete guide, we'll walk through all the options for refinishing, replacing hardware, and accessorizing to create a fresh modern look. With a little elbow grease and creativity, you can transform the heart of your home into a space you love spending time in.

Reasons to Give Your Cherry Cabinets a Makeover

There are several great reasons to consider revamping your dated cherry kitchen cabinets:

• Modernize the look of an outdated kitchen
• Freshen up the space without replacing cabinets
• Increase your home's value by creating a trendier kitchen
• Make the space feel brighter and more inviting
• Correct any signs of wear and tear
• Customize the cabinets to match your personal style

Even if your cherry cabinets are structurally sound, their dreary 90s style can feel dark and dated. With a few upgrades, you can transform them into a contemporary showpiece.

Preparing for Your Cherry Cabinet Project

To ensure your makeover goes smoothly, it's important to do some prep work. Here are some tips:

• Thoroughly clean cabinets to remove grease and grime
• Fill any holes or cracks with wood filler
• Lightly sand to rough up the finish
• Remove doors, drawers, and hardware
• Set up a workspace with good ventilation
• Gather all necessary supplies before starting

It's also helpful to make a plan for your updates. Set a budget so you don't overspend. Decide which projects you'll DIY and which you may want to hire out - refinishing cabinets can be tricky. Make a timeline for your remodel so it stays on track.

Refinishing Cherry Cabinets

One of the easiest ways to give cherry cabinets new life is by refinishing them with stain or paint. Here are your options:

Staining Over Cherry

Staining over your existing cherry finish allows you to go darker while retaining a natural wood look. To prepare, make sure to degloss and thoroughly sand the cabinets first. When applying stain, use a pre-stain to help the color absorb evenly into the dense cherrywood. Opt for oil-based wiping stains, which penetrate deeper than gel stains.

Consider a rich walnut or espresso hue to give your cherry a modern update. Use a satin, rather than high-gloss, top coat for a more muted look. Finish by reinstalling the doors and drawers to enjoy your like-new stained cabinets.

Painting Cherry Cabinets

For a lighter, brighter kitchen, you could paint your cherry cabinets instead of staining. Painting allows you to choose virtually any color from deep navy to cheery yellow. Proper prep is crucial for painted cabinets to ensure the paint adheres correctly. Remove doors and thoroughly degrease, sand, fill holes, and apply primer.

Opt for a high-quality cabinet paint like Benjamin Moore's Advance. Roll on two coats, letting each dry thoroughly. Finish with a protective clear topcoat in a matching sheen. Clean lines of painted cabinets can lend a modern farmhouse feel. Have fun choosing novelty knobs and pulls to complement your fresh painted cabinet color.

Updating Cabinet Hardware

Replacing outdated hardware with modern handles, knobs, and hinges is an easy upgrade that can completely transform the look of your cherry cabinets.

Knobs and Pulls

Swapping in new knobs and pulls lets you customize your cabinet style. Sleek bar pulls in a brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze finish will create a contemporary vibe. Or go for vintage appeal with bin pulls in a distressed finish.

Make sure to measure for the correct sizing. Standard cabinet pulls range from 3-5 inches. Go for smaller knobs for drawers and larger pulls for doors. A mix of knobs and pulls can add personality.

Hinges

If doors sag or don't close properly, new hinges are in order. Upgrade to self-closing hinges for cabinets that shut neatly every time. Concealed hinges hide the mechanics inside the cabinet for a seamless look.

Use a drill to remove old hinges and install new ones in the same placement. Take doors off during installation for easier access. Improved hinges paired with fresh knobs and pulls make for an updated cabinet facade.

Other Hardware

Look at the rest of your cabinet hardware like latches, slides, and shelf pins. Replace any pieces that are loose or damaged. Upgraded hardware improves functionality and provides a more unified look.

Additional Cabinet Updates

Beyond refinishing and hardware, extra touches like new countertops or lighting can enhance your updated cherry cabinets.

Countertops

Countertops make a huge visual impact. Options like butcher block, laminate, or tile pair nicely with refinished cherry cabinets. Measure carefully and have materials cut for a seamless installation. If your countertop layout remains the same, you may be able to install the new top right over the old.

Backsplash

A fresh backsplash protects your walls and ties your whole kitchen together. Self-adhesive tile or metal panels make for easy DIY installation. Or opt for a peel-and-stick wallpaper backsplash forfaster application without grout mess.

Under Cabinet Lighting

Hardwired or plug-in LED lighting brightens up your work area. Opt for narrow strips that provide task lighting right where you need it. Touch-activated pucks are ideal for accenting a focal area.

Glass Cabinet Doors

Swapping solid doors for ones with frosted or colored glass inserts creates an airier, more open look. Kits are available to retrofit existing doors by adding the glass panel. Make sure to properly measure existing doors first.

Accessorizing Your Updated Cherry Cabinets

Accessorizing allows you to add personality while complementing your fresh cabinet style. Try these tips:

• Line shelves with decorative contact paper or shelf liner
• Display collections of glass jars, containers, or pottery
• Organize interiors with sliding racks, lazy susans, or pull-out shelves
• Add whimsical knobs and pulls in an accent color
• Incorporate baskets, turntables, and risers for a layered look

The right accessories put the finishing touch on your amazing kitchen transformation!

Be sure to clean and care for your updated cherry cabinets properly to keep them looking like new. Use mild soap and water rather than harsh chemicals. Dry immediately after to avoid water damage. Reapply protective sealer yearly. Follow any specific care instructions from your paint or stain brand.

With the right prep work and TLC, your refreshed cherry cabinets will maintain their modern charm for years to come. No need for a full remodel when a few DIY updates can give your kitchen a whole new look!