There's a saying that "everybody loves a clown", but it's hard to get past their taste in shoes.
Everybody DOES love an upgrade though, whether for your room, your flight or your wardrobe, so why should your cabinet doors be any different? With the creative use of paint, molding and inserts, you can breathe new life into old cabinet doors and take them from afterthoughts to conversation pieces in the blink of an eye.
Wallpaper Branches Out Who says wallpaper is only for the wall? One of the joys of upgrading your cabinet doors is the chance to make them unique and personalized.
Choose some interior latex paint in a color you love for your cabinet and let it dry.
Now it's time for the interesting part.
Find some scrap wallpaper that really speaks to you, something you'd enjoy seeing on a regular basis.
Then cut it to fit the door panel, spray adhesive on the back and affix it to the panel, making sure to smooth it out as you go.
It's always interesting to find non-traditional uses for everyday decorating material, and besides, why should your wall get special treatment? At least your cabinet doors open and close periodically.
Let's see a wall do that.
Trim is In Maybe you're happy with the color and texture of your cabinet doors, but you'd just like to spruce up their visual appeal.
Adorning the perimeter of the doors with distinctive trimwork is the perfect solution.
Figure out how much molding you'll require by measuring the cabinet doors and including the four corner embellishments in your calculations.
Using a miter box - a wood working tool that guides a hand saw to make precise mitre cuts in a board - cut the molding strips to the proper size.
After painting the cabinet doors, molding and embellishments with a uniform color, you can attach the molding and embellishments with wood glue and you're good to go.
An upgrade doesn't have to mean an overhaul when a little trim will do the trick.
Chalk it Up Even if you hated school, you probably loved writing on the blackboard, or at least running your fingernails down it to annoy the class know-it-all.
Why should the fun stop just because you're all grown up? With some chalkboard paint and painter's tape, you can re-capture your youth, achieve a funky look for your cabinet doors and gain a handy spot to write your shopping list in the process.
But for the dog's sake, please keep your fingernails to yourself.
Photo Op Most photo albums are opened about as often as the 400 page hardcover on your family tree from the last reunion.
So why not display them on something you see and open every day like your cabinet doors? Whether it's a cherished shot of your grandson or a memento of that trip of a lifetime, it's a great way to add your personal touch when upgrading cabinet doors.
Just choose your favorite photo, pair it with the perfect frame and affix them to the door.
Top it off with a new knob and show the world that you really DO have the cutest grandkids on the planet.
By thoughtfully choosing new paint, molding, inserts or all three, you'll be amazed at how easily you can revitalize any cabinet in your house, as well as the room itself.
Or if you prefer, work with a custom designer to make some magic and transform any space.
Either way, you'll achieve a compelling look that friends and family can admire long after the guy with the funny shoes has worn out his welcome.