How to Make Over Your Kitchen Cabinets Without Paint
When I moved into my new apartment, I was told I could paint the kitchen cabinets as long as I used a neutral color. At first, I thought this was pretty cool of the landlord and started visualizing a crisp white or a light, cool gray... something to really open up the small space.
Other ideas I considered were covering the cabinets with fabric/liquid starch, wallpaper, bamboo placemats, or the contact paper makeover I did in a previous apartment. But when I weighed the cost and work vs. the aesthetic value, I also ditched those ideas.
I was frustrated, but resolved to give my mind a rest. I hoped the answer would come to me if I just let go of it for a bit.
Thankfully, the solution did come to me one day while browsing the kitchen aisles at a big box store. There, I across shelf liners. One style in particular really stood out to me, since I wanted a homey, earthy vibe in my kitchen. The name of it is “Burlap,” but I think it resembles grasscloth.
Once I determined the cost and work required would be minimal, I was a woman with a plan. Check out how much of a difference this makeover was. The cabinet faces are slightly darker now, but the additional texture really adds warmth and coziness to the kitchen.
With adding the cost of the double-sided tape, the total project came to about $30. The total time was a few hours. Just like with other DIY projects, the execution is pretty simple but the bulk of the work is in the planning.
1. Draw a diagram of your cabinets and drawers, labeling each. Then measure each and jot down the numbers with their corresponding label.
2. Plan the direction of your cover, if it has a pattern. Since my kitchen is small and not very spacious, I wanted the pattern to run horizontally. This helps give the illusion of a wider room.
3. Calculate how much liner you will need. (This is where you get to recall some of that geometry you learned in school but never thought you’d need to know down the road.)
4. Measure, cut, and label your panels of liner. I lettered my panels very lightly with pencil on the wrong side.
5. Clean the faces of your cabinets. I just used some good ol’ fashioned rubbing alcohol and paper towels. Stinky, but great for removing grime and stickiness.
6. Adhere your panels to the cabinets with the double-sided tape. Trim the edges with scissors and/or an Exacto knife.
I imagine there will be some stickiness from the tape once I decide to move out. But I’m OK with that as long as I take a little time to remove it.
I also added some handles to the cabinets because they didn’t have any. My landlord was cool with this too, so I just bought super cheap acrylic handles from IKEA since they’ll have to stay when I leave.
I also added a few updates to the kitchen, like curtains I sewed from Osnaburg and I placed some plants inside the wall pass-through. As you can see, there’s not much storage space in my new kitchen. I have even more updates in progress to help remedy this, so stay tuned!
Have you ever given your kitchen cabinets a makeover? Do you have any new or unusual uses for shelf liner?
Thanks for visiting! Let’s stay connected!
Not Just a Housewife: Show Me What Ya Got
Ginger Snap Crafts: Wow Me Wednesday
We Like To Learn As We Go: What I Learned Wednesday
Sew Much Ado: We Did It Wednesday!
Fluster Buster: Creative Muster
The Seasoned Homemaker: Lovely Ladies Linky
Polkadots On Parade: Wow Me Wednesday
Domesblissity: Thriving on Thursday
Saving For Six: Think Tank Thursday
I Gotta Create!: Wildly Original Link Party
The Stitchin’ Mommy: Get Crafty Friday
The Answer is Chocolate: BFF Open House Link Party
Chic On A Shoestring Decorating: Flaunt It Friday
My Romantic Home: Show and Tell Friday
The Pin Junkie: Friday Link Party
Simply Sweet Home: Friday Favorites
Liz Marie Blog: Inspire Me Please Linky Party
504 Main by Holly Lefevre: Tickled Pink Times Two
Snippets of Inspiration: Weekend Wind-Down Link Party
Be Different… Act Normal: Show & Tell Saturday
Reasons To Skip The Housework: Skip the Housework Saturday
Sew-Licious Home Decor: Saturday SHOWlicious Craft Showcase
2 Crochet Hooks: Snickerdoodle Sunday
Making the World Cuter: Making the World Cuter Monday
Kitchen Table Art: Making Monday
Huckleberry Love: Much Ado About Monday
Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Ladybug Blessings: Handmade Tuesdays
Sugar Bee Crafts: Take-A-Look Tuesday
A Bowl Full of Lemons: One Project At A Time
House on the Way: Twirl & Take a Bow
I never would have thought to use something like this for cabinets! It adds a new look and a lot of texture!
Thank you! Appreciate your comment!
Interesting way to solve your problem. I like the added texture in the kitchen.
Thanks! It’s not a huge makeover, but enough to cover up those panels!
You did a great job and saved a ton of $ – Thanks for sharing and linking up with us at the #WWDParty. Have a wonderful week.
I appreciate your stopping over to comment! Thanks also for hosting your party each week!
That is pure genius!
Thanks for the compliment and for hosting your party each week!
You had me at “paint free.” lol What an awesome way to add visual texture.
LOL, it had me at paint-free too! I saved a lot of time. Thanks for commenting!
I never would have thought of that! Amazing idea. Thanks for linking it up to Snickerdoodle Sunday!
Thanks for the comment and for hosting the party each week!
How amazingly creative! I love how you added texture and color. Keep up the great work. I saw your link at Art Is Beauty. Ann Marie @ Iris Abbey
Thank you! I appreciate your stopping over to comment!
I know this is a little late but I would like to thank you SOOOOO much. We have almost identical cabinets in our kitchen and I hated them. Now, I actually kind of like them. You are a genius!
Glad I could help! Thanks for stopping by!
How did you apply the tape? Also, how are your cabinets holding up after a while. You did a beautiful job!
Thanks! I used double-sided Scotch tape. Most of it is still holding up well, although a random corner will come undone.