Maple cabinets were a staple of 90s kitchen design, known for their warm tones and durable finish. However, as design trends have evolved, many homeowners are looking for ways to update their maple cabinetry without completely replacing it. The good news is, with a few strategic updates, you can breathe new life into your kitchen while retaining the natural beauty of maple wood.
1. Refinishing or Painting: Assessing Your Cabinets
Before deciding on a course of action, it’s important to assess the current state and style of your cabinets.
- Dated Arch Detail: If your upper cabinets feature a dated arch detail, consider replacing these doors. Opt for painted replacements to instantly refresh the look of your kitchen.
- Mixed Styles: If you have a combination of arch-detailed upper cabinets and modern shaker-style base cabinets, a two-tone approach might be ideal. Paint the uppers in a complementary color and stain the base cabinets to showcase the wood grain, balancing modernity with durability.
2. Mixing Paint and Stain: Achieving a Modern Aesthetic
A popular trend in kitchen design is to mix painted and stained finishes, creating a dynamic yet cohesive look.
- Base Cabinets: Stain the base cabinets to maintain the durability of the maple wood while highlighting its natural beauty.
- Upper Cabinets: Paint the upper cabinets in a color that complements the stain, modernizing the space and adding visual interest.
3. Updating Hardware and Hinges: Small Changes, Big Impact
Swapping out old hardware is one of the easiest ways to update your cabinets.
- Handles and Knobs: Replace outdated hardware with modern styles. Larger handles are trending and can make a significant impact on the overall look.
- Hinges: Don’t forget to update the hinges to match the new hardware. Take one of your cabinet doors to a hardware store like Home Depot or Lowe’s to find the perfect match.
Adjusting for New Hardware:
- Filling Holes: If you’re switching to larger handles or different styles, you may need to fill existing holes with wood filler. For instance, if you’re going from smaller to larger handles, fill the top hole and use the existing bottom one, drilling a new top hole as needed.
4. Adding Trim or Molding: Elevate Your Cabinets
One way to give your maple cabinets a custom, built-in look is by adding trim or molding.
- Enhancing Cabinet Height: If there’s more than a foot of space between your cabinets and the ceiling, consider adding a row of 12-inch upper cabinets. This not only extends the cabinetry to the ceiling but also creates additional storage.
5. Updated Backsplash: A Fresh Backdrop
The backsplash is a key design element that can complement and modernize your maple cabinets.
- Modern Tile Patterns: Pair your maple cabinets with a green subway tile in a modern installation pattern, like a straight stack vertical, to add a contemporary touch that balances the warmth of the wood.
6. Installing Glass Doors: Lighten Up the Look
Glass doors can make a big difference in opening up your kitchen visually.
- Customizing Existing Doors: Depending on the style of your current cabinet doors, you can remove the center panel and replace it with decorative glass. This simple update can lighten the look and give your kitchen a more modern, airy feel.
7. Open Shelving: A Modern Alternative
For cabinets that just don’t work, consider replacing them with open shelving.
- Fresh Look: Removing upper cabinets and replacing them with open shelving can provide a fresh, modern appearance. It also offers a great opportunity to display attractive dishware or decorative items, adding personality to your kitchen.
8. Complete Remodel: Transforming the Entire Space
For some kitchens, a complete remodel is the best way to achieve a modern and cohesive look. This approach allows you to start fresh, rethinking the layout, cabinetry, and finishes to create a space that perfectly suits your style and functional needs.
- Reimagine the Layout: A full remodel lets you adjust the kitchen layout, making it more open and functional. You can expand the kitchen island, rearrange appliances for a better workflow, or add custom features like a pantry wall.
- Update the Cabinets and Finishes: Replace outdated cabinets with a blend of custom cabinetry in sleek, contemporary finishes. In this example, a two-tone approach with deep navy base cabinets and crisp white uppers creates a sophisticated contrast.
- Incorporate Modern Lighting and Hardware: Add statement lighting, like crystal chandeliers or modern pendant lights, to elevate the elegance of the space. Complement with high-end hardware in gold or matte black for a polished, upscale finish.
- Upgrade Countertops and Flooring: A full remodel also allows for upgraded countertops, such as quartz or marble, and new flooring that ties the space together, creating a seamless, luxurious look.
Updating 90’s maple cabinets doesn’t require a complete overhaul. By refinishing, painting, updating hardware, and making structural adjustments like adding trim or swapping in glass doors, you can transform a dated kitchen into a contemporary, functional space that maintains the timeless warmth of maple wood. With these thoughtful updates, your kitchen can achieve a modern look that blends durability with visual appeal, ensuring it remains the heart of your home for years to come.
Ready to give your kitchen a fresh, updated look? Contact us today for a complimentary discovery call, and let’s bring your vision to life! Whether it’s a simple refresh or a full remodel, we’re here to help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams.