Whether building new or working with builder-grade cabinets in your home, these inexpensive changes will add style and personality. Here are three ways to make your kitchen feel custom without a major overhaul, from paint to hardware.

Paint

Repainting California kitchen cabinet is one of the most popular (and affordable) ways to upgrade your kitchen. A fresh coat of paint can instantly give your room a modern look, and the right technique can even help your new finish last for years.

Add stencils to your doors or drawer fronts if you want flair for a more customized look. For a rustic or farmhouse vibe, you can use crackling glaze to create a weathered finish.

Before you start painting, remove your doors and any hardware from the hinges. Then, label them with a piece of tape and place them on a flat surface to protect your work area. Finally, lightly sand your current cabinet surface before priming and painting.

Reface

A complete cabinet renovation requires a lot of labor, so it can quickly eat into your remodeling budget. Refacing your cabinets rather than replacing them is one way to keep costs down and still get a dramatic change.

Refacing cabinets involves replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts with solid wood or laminate. It also includes skinning the exposed cabinet sides with veneer, which can add a custom look to your kitchen for a fraction of the cost of new cabinets.

This DIY project can be done in two to four days and doesn't require demolishing structurally sound cabinet boxes. You can upgrade your refacing job with under-the-cabinet lighting, crown molding, and other add-ons to make your kitchen more appealing to potential buyers.

Hardware

Cabinet hardware is a great way to spruce up your kitchen without the cost of replacing all of the existing doors. If you're worried about drilling holes into your beautiful new paint job, get reusable putty adhesive from an art or hardware store to practice on.

Adding new lighting can change the entire vibe of your kitchen. If a complete re-lamping is outside the budget, try sconces or under cabinet lights to create more color and character in your space. You could also add pendants to create a focal point over your island.

Glass

A fresh coat of paint can give a whole new look to your cabinets, and it's an affordable option that's easy enough for even novice DIYers. It can also completely change the style of your kitchen from shabby chic to rustic, country, or modern.

If your cabinet boxes are structurally sound, but the doors are dated, consider replacing them with a new door style. You'll save money by avoiding a full remodel and can still upgrade to an eco-friendly material like reclaimed wood or solid bar handles.

To make a bigger impact, you can fill in space by adding reeded, led, or tinted glass or try something more creative like cane webbing or wire mesh. For an easy upgrade, you can find glass inserts from a local glass company that instantly makes your kitchen feel more finished.

Fill in Empty Space

If you can't bring yourself to paint that chipped, grease-caked kitchen cabinetry left by the sweet old lady who lived there before you, add a new touch with glass doors. This aesthetically pleasing upgrade is a great way to draw the eye up and show off your dishware. Consider unique options like reeded, tinted, or leaded glass, or apply a mullion insert.

Adding under-cabinet lighting is an easy way to brighten up your cabinets and make food prep, washing dishes, or reading the recipe much easier. Plus, it can add a more modern look to your kitchen without the cost and disruption of a full kitchen remodel.

Upgrading your kitchen cabinetry is a great way to refresh your entire room. With these budget-friendly ideas, you can create your dream kitchen without breaking the bank!