Decor Spotlight: Cabinet Refacing

I'm dreaming of a kitchen remodel... but one that doesn't break the bank or take forever.  Enter cabinet refacing.

Have you heard of cabinet refacing?  If you like the layout of your kitchen but just don't love the look of your cabinets, refacing may work for you.  The cabinet boxes remain in place and just get a new exterior.  The cabinet doors and drawer fronts, however, are completely replaced.  It's a less expensive way to get a whole new look.   

In addition to being a less expensive alternative, it's a much less invasive way to remodel.  Unlike with cabinet replacing, you have the opportunity to keep your countertop and backsplash undisturbed.  Even the kitchen dishes, pots, pans, and the like don't get displaced, you can keep using your kitchen throughout.  Even if you opt for new counters or backsplash, this disruption is a much shorter time frame than with a traditional kitchen reno.

This is what our kitchen looked like when we purchased our home.  

In our case, I love the layout of our kitchen, two kitchen islands... yes please!  But it's dark and dated.  We have cherry wood cabinets, black builder grade granite, and very little light.  I believe that jumping on the classic white kitchen bandwagon will really brighten up the space.  This coupled with a lighter solid surface countertop, a solar tube, and the addition of undermount lighting, this space will be transformed.

I considered having the cabinets painted, but I've heard mixed reviews on the quality and longevity of this option.  I had a close friend who ended up having to have all new cabinets installed just a few weeks after getting hers painted.  The paint started to strip and peel almost immediately.  Refacing was no longer an option, as her cabinet bases were impacted.  On the other hand, my neighbor had theirs painted a few months ago, and so far they haven't had any issues.  It's definitely the least expensive option, if you like your door and drawer fronts, your willing to take the chance, and you don't mind all of your kitchen items being displaced while the painting is underway.  

Admittedly, I hadn't gotten the renovation underway because I was dreading the disruption to our family.  I cook most nights of the week, my daughter and I like to make breakfast together on the weekends, and I prepare lunches for our son each morning.  Being without a kitchen for weeks is overwhelming.  I still haven't made a decision, but right now refacing seems the better option.  

Cabinet refacing has become a really popular alternative to cabinet replacement.  Many companies now offer cabinet refacing, even Home Depot now offers this service.  It's also not restricted to kitchens.  This same concept could be used on bathroom cabinets and built ins.  What will you reface?