Go Kitchens

How do you make old cabinets contemporary?

I purchased a home with older pine cabinets in the kitchen that have been painted white. The paint is very thick in places and is also peeling (its latex) so I am thinking about stripping it down to the original wood. My question is at that point what can I do to make them look more modern? They are "standard" pine cabinets with recessed center inserts, without any hardware (i.e. handles) other than the hinges which are a dull copper color. The kitchen walls and trim are white.

Public Comments

1. sand them down and do a new coat of paint. replace the hinges and add pulls that are modern....................Of course you could strip and stain them and play it up by decorating the kitchen in the era the house was built, which sounds like 40's?
2. well, you could either get them refaced if the perimeter of the cabinets are nice. you could strip them like you said and finish them in a white wash, or whatever you prefer. you also need new hardware. that really makes a difference on appearance even if you do only that first and do the paint and stripping second to tie you over.
3. You might consider changing the doors out. You would still have to strip the paint off of the cabinet itself, but the time and money you would save by just buying new doors would be well worth it. You might be surprised at how in-expensive new doors might be. Check like home depot or some place like that. Good Luck!
4. I would definitely sand them down, repaint them or re stain them. If you like the look of wood but just not the "cabin" look of pine...you can stain them in any colour you like. Very dark, almost black, walnut or dark cherry is very nice and very popular today. Add new hinges and pulls and your cupboards will look great. You say you have recessed centres, consider replacing one or two of the centres with clear glass, inexpensive and they will cut it for you at your home centre. I don't know where you live but check out www.leevalley.com for absolutely the best assortment of hardware and pulls at great prices.
5. Strip them, of course, and refinish using a bright maple oil base stain,and clear sanding sealer,that's important,clear sanding(sandable is what the stuff is about) dries in minutes, 2 coats,fine sanding sponge, third coat; looks like old time shellac! Of course, you ,must dress out the room in period moldings,furnishings,and hardware; I'm guessing the house is from 1913,and a butlers pantry is what I think questioner is referring to. paintbusters
6. After you strip them, paint them a desired color. First sand lots, then use a primer coat. You can used molding to create another feature if you like. Use a high gloss paint, I did and it looks great. The crowning touch is the hardware you put on them. Choose a style that fits in with your decor.