DIY Kitchen Makeover: Easy Change From Simple Oak To Fabulous Cherry!

by Kim
(Denair, CA, USA)

before

before

We bought our new home with the basics, as upgrades were so expensive. So we made a very inexpensive, simple change to our kitchen cabinets.

We used a simple-to-use gel stain, which went right over the finished oak - no prepping or sanding was even necessary. Then I added some "Tuscan-style" knobs. It has held up for 2 years now!









Our other simple trick to our plain, white pantry door was a spray-paint of a metallic bronze, then I bolted on an inexpensive metal wall hanging for a fabulous custom look.


I am so proud of what I did all by myself as a non-decorator!


Kim Hicks
Denair, CA (USA)


PS) One last note about my kitchen floor - it used to be vinyl flooring but I found an awesome buy on travertine stone - which was cheaper than ceramic tile :-)


Here's a picture:




Renate's Comment: Kim, this is fabulous. What a transformation - gorgeous new color, awesome 'Tuscan' knobs, superbly elegant floor, and your pantry door looks amazing! Thank you for sharing your work!

Comments for DIY Kitchen Makeover: Easy Change From Simple Oak To Fabulous Cherry!

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pantry door
by: Queen

I love the pantry door. Where can I find the metal piece over it. Where did you find it to be such a perfect match!!!

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No sanding needed!
by: Anonymous

I didn't sand the cabinets at all, but I did make sure they were free of grease, etc., but being they were pretty new, didn't take much elbow grease! Just a simple spray de-greaser needed, & only 1 coat of gel-stain! Of course, a little touch-up here and there after they were dry : )

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cherry cabinets
by: Anonymous

did you sand at all? how many coats did you use and how long did you allow to dry between coats? Thanks! Looks great!

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Exactly the solution I sought
by: Pat

We just bought a new house and it has the builder's kitchen oak cabinets with an open floor plan to kitchen nook, dining room and living room, all of which are OUR cherry or mahogany furniture....this is exactly the solution to fit our budget and not have the mess of replacing the cabinets!!!!! Thanks so much for your posting!!!!

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Beautiful!
by: Michelle

Great job on your kitchen! We are soon to be owners (hopefully) of a home similar to this where the cabinets and countertop could use some sprucing and this is a great way to do it!

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Your results are wonderful!
by: cyndy

... and thanks for posting the name of the gel stain - i'm going to try it on my bathroom cabinets!

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like the makeover
by: Wanasai

Love your imagination - and great results!

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Really elegant ...
by: Tina

Wonderful kitchen, Kim, and I love the knobs - rustic yet elegant. Great choice!

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Gel Stain
by: Kim

Thanks, all! Sarah, the gel stain is by Minwax. I believe Behr has one too. You can get satin or gloss. I used cherrywood gloss. Mahogany also turns out nice.

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Love It!
by: Serena

Thank you for the ingenious metal ornament idea, Kim ... I shall proceed to the DIY store without delay :-)

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Chic & Simple!
by: Eva

Well, that's a DIY kitchen makeover I could handle! I love the idea of bolting a metal wall ornament to your pantry door. It looks sooo chic.

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Looks great!
by: Sarah

I love the look of those cupboards! What gel did you use?

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