the before and after refacing photos of old oak cabinets

12 Stunning Reface Kitchen Cabinets Before and After Projects You Must See

Refacing your kitchen cabinets can significantly affect the whole interior look.

12 Stunning Reface Kitchen Cabinets Before and After Projects

The best thing of all is it often costs less than replacing the entire storage furniture with the new one.

It will not change the kitchen layout, so it will be a perfect remodeling choice for you who only want the refreshed look and keep the current layout that already meets your needs. Besides, the style options available for cabinet refacing are broad, so anything you want, you can get it.

In this post, we will share with you the 12 most stunning reface cabinets before and after photos to show you how the projects can really make a significant difference in updating the furniture and the kitchen look. Check them all out in the following.

1. Amazing Refacing Project for A New Contemporary Cabinets Look

This cabinet refacing was a part of a kitchen remodeling project. It is reasonable then if in the following pictures you will find that the changes are not only located in the storage furniture but also in some other parts of the cooking space.

It also proves that a cabinet refacing can save almost half the cost of the whole remodeling project since the furniture takes most space in the interior. That is why something like this can be suitable to pick when you are on a tight budget.

before reface - the old base and wall cabinets with raised panel style and medium tone wood look
before reface – the old base and wall cabinets with raised panel style and medium tone wood look. image © kitchenmagic.com

Take a look at this first picture of the cabinets before it gets resurfaced. We cannot find any information about the material used here, but, as you can see in the photo, it had a medium tone wood visual and a raised panel style for the doors and drawers.

Another detail that we can see here is the knobs. These were in round shape and gold color.

before reface - an old cabinetry in the other side of the kitchen
before reface – an old cabinetry in the other side of the kitchen. image © kitchenmagic.com

Other than the base and wall cabinets shown previously, another piece was located on the other side of the kitchen. It had the same color and style, but the difference is that there was a stained glass feature on the upper part.

after the refacing, the cabinet design is dominated in white and get a new recessed panel doors and drawers
after the refacing, the cabinet design is dominated in white and get a new recessed panel doors and drawers. image © kitchenmagic.com

The whole look of the kitchen cabinet after the refacing project is stunning. It is now dominated by white, creating a significantly refreshed look in the interior.

Another detail that we love is the recessed panel style of the cabinet doors. It excellently suits the new contemporary look.

after reface - the other cabinet also get the same styling with new glass doors too
after reface – the other cabinet also get the same styling with new glass doors too. image © kitchenmagic.com

If you are curious about the other cabinet, of course, it gets the same new refacing too. It even gets a new glass door for the upper part, which allows everything stored inside it to be more visible to add another decorative value to the kitchen.

how the whole kitchen looks after the cabinet refacing and interior remodeling
how the whole kitchen looks after the cabinet refacing and interior remodeling. image © kitchenmagic.com

The overall look of the refaced cabinets, together with other detailed changes in the makeover projects, is fantastic. Everything seems brighter and more modern. An idea like this is perfect for switching from traditional to contemporary kitchen interior style.

2. From Warm to Crisp Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

A refacing cabinet is also helpful in changing the ambiance in the kitchen interior design. As an example, you can take a look at the following project.

before reface - the old cabinets with medium tone wood, raised panels, and traditional-looking handles
before reface – the old cabinets with medium tone wood, raised panels, and traditional-looking handles. image © kitchentuneup.com

Here is the picture of the kitchen cabinets before the refacing took place. The interior seemed warm because of the domination of medium-tone wood. Although the countertops were white, those did not seem to reduce the warm ambiance.

Something like this is not a bad thing, actually. However, it is very reasonable for you to desire something fresher after some time if, by any chance, you have the same cabinet styling at home.

the refaced cabinets creates a crisp ambiance and clean look in the kitchen area
after reface – the refaced cabinets creates a crisp ambiance and clean look in the kitchen area. image © kitchentuneup.com

From this picture, we can see how refacing can significantly change everything. At a glance, it only seems that the white color is everything we can find to be different after the project. However, that is not all.

While the cabinet doors are still in the same raised-panel style, if you look closely, you will find that the drawers are different. Besides, all the knobs are replaced with new ones to match the new white color.

The upper glass cabinets experience some changes too. The doors, which used to be on the side, are now moved to the front. It makes more sense now since accessing everything stored inside will be easier this way.

3. Cabinet Refacing for a More Classic Look

Kitchen cabinet refacing is not always about making the furniture look more modern. It can also obtain something like a more classic look as done in the following project.

before reface - traditional kitchen cabinets with a rather plain appearance
before reface – traditional kitchen cabinets with a rather plain appearance. image © countyviewcontracting.com

The original cabinets have wood color for the box and white for the doors. This traditional furniture piece had a vintage look in it at a glance. Although it did have some charm, it looked pretty plain because of the flat panels.

after reface - the classic look resulted from the new color and recessed-panel doors
after reface – the classic look resulted from the new color and recessed-panel doors. image © countyviewcontracting.com

The refacing project gives the cabinet a whole new look. As you can see here, it now has recessed flat panels for the doors and raised for the drawer fronts. Both are solid maple materials.

The color is another significant change resulting from the refacing. The cabinets now look more elegant because of the cherry finish.

The simple yet significant change is the satin nickel hardware. It makes the cabinets look so different than before.

4. A Dramatic, Fabulous Result of a Cabinet Refacing Project

Some kitchen cabinets look too ordinary or even plain, and it can reduce the beauty value of the interior. In this case, a cabinet refacing as done in the following project gives the stunning inspiration we all need.

before reface - the plain-looking kitchen cabinet with light wood color
before reface – the plain-looking kitchen cabinet with light wood color. image © franklin home remodeling center

Before the refacing took place, the function of this cabinet was for the desk and bar section of the traditional kitchen interior. As you can see, it had a light wood tone, which was just fine but could look even more stunning if only it at least had a different color.

The shape of this cabinet was unique. It effectively used the available space in a kitchen corner to gain more functions, including a desk for working or something else.

the new cabinet appearance after the refacing is stunning
the new cabinet appearance after the refacing is stunning. image © franklin home remodeling center

Look how stunning the cabinet looks now. The new cherry veneer and doors are the ones that give the most dramatic changes to this furniture piece. Together with the new granite countertops and the crown molding, they form an elegance that is beautiful and timeless at the same time.

If the glass insert of the wall cabinet doors used to be simply clear, the new one is more gorgeous. In a closer look, you can see that it has some kind of pattern that enhances the beauty of the furniture even better.

Other than the ones that we can see in the picture, the hinges are replaced too. Those are now in soft-close style, giving you extra convenience in using the cabinets.

5. Outdated to Timeless Cabinet Refacing

Refacing is also excellent for dealing with an outdated kitchen cabinet design. Something like this can even boost the property price if the house is meant for selling.

before reface - an outdated cabinet can make a kitchen looks dull too
before reface – an outdated cabinet can make a kitchen looks dull too. image © kitchentuneup.com

This traditional kitchen interior, for example, had an outdated cabinet. At a glance, it looked like it had a vintage style. Unfortunately, it did not seem to create any point of interest and even made the interior look dull.

the new modern and timeless cabinet appearance after the refacing
the new modern and timeless cabinet appearance after the refacing. image © kitchentuneup.com

Thankfully, a refacing project was performed to change the whole look. As shown in the picture, the cabinets get new doors, new drawer fronts, and, possibly, veneer.

The changes erase the dull impression in the interior since it now has a white color that makes everything brighter. It even looks more compatible with the stainless-steel appliances, including the new oven.

6. Modernizing a Kitchen with Cabinet Refacing

Sometimes, a cabinet refacing can only significantly change the entire look of the kitchen interior, even without changing any other things in there. In this case, you can even modernize your kitchen as done in the project shown in the following pictures.

before reface - the cabinets originally has an arched style door and natural-looking finish
before reface – the cabinets originally has an arched style door and natural-looking finish. image © pittsburghdesirablekitchens.com

Here is what the old cabinets looked like. It had a traditional-looking arched-style door as the pairing for the glossy wood finish.

after reface - everything is the same in the kitchen except for the refaced cabinets
after reface – everything is the same in the kitchen except for the refaced cabinets. image © pittsburghdesirablekitchens.com

From this after-refacing picture, you can see that everything else in the kitchen is actually still the same. Those include the countertops and appliances.

Obviously, the cabinets are the ones that look totally different here. It now has a white color with a new square raised door styling that makes the interior gain a more modern look and a brighter visual.

7. Refaced Kitchen Cabinets with Accentuating Black Glaze

You can also consider adding some glazing to the final look when refacing kitchen cabinets. It helps accentuate the details of the doors for a more stunning visual.

before reface - the old kitchen cabinets has an ordinary look with brown color to match the interior scheme
before reface – the old kitchen cabinets has an ordinary look with brown color to match the interior scheme. image © pittsburghdesirablekitchens.com

You can take a look at this kitchen cabinet design as an example. The simple design and brown color that it had actually looked okay. Moreover, it seemed to match the cozy and elegant interior scheme.

the new white color of the kitchen cabinets, complete with black glazing
after reface – the new white color of the kitchen cabinets, complete with black glazing. image © pittsburghdesirablekitchens.com

However, a new face can make everything look even better. In this case, the new white color from a refacing project affects the kitchen’s brightness visual.

It gets even better because there is black glazing too. It accentuates the details on the cabinet doors, making the furniture look even more gorgeous.

8. Fabulous Cabinet Refacing from Brown to Grey

Some contrasting color changes can also result from a refacing kitchen cabinets project. The one shown in the following is the example that we found.

before the refacing took place, the cabinets has brown color and arched, raised-panel doors
before the refacing took place, the cabinets has brown color and arched, raised-panel doors. image © pittsburghdesirablekitchens.com

The brown stained color of the old version of the kitchen cabinets is the most essential detail that you must look at. You can also see that the door is on the raised-panel side with an arched style on the top part.

the refreshed and simpler cabinet look after the refacing
the refreshed and simpler cabinet look after the refacing. image © pittsburghdesirablekitchens.com

A simpler visual occurs after the cabinets get a refacing. The new grey color does not erase the traditional look of the kitchen furniture. Although so, it does create a more refreshed but still cozy atmosphere in the interior.

An even simpler look has also resulted from the door replacement. It comes with a flat panel instead of the raised one.

Another change is located in the handles. At a glance, it looks highly similar to the old ones, but it is different. The new handles look simpler and have a darker tone.

9. Saving Money on Creating New Kitchen Look with Cabinet Refacing

Updating a kitchen look with a cabinet reface while keeping the old backsplash and countertops can save you a lot of money. It is something we can find in the following project example.

before reface - clear-coated cabinets paired with white and grey theme countertops and backsplash
before reface – clear-coated cabinets paired with white and grey theme countertops and backsplash. image © residentialfacelift.com

Here, you can see kitchen cabinets with clear coats. As for the pair, there were grey and white backsplash and countertops.

after reface - the cabinets get a new white color and doors but the backsplash and countertops are still the same
after reface – the cabinets get a new white color and doors but the backsplash and countertops are still the same. image © residentialfacelift.com

After the refacing took place, you can see that the countertops and backsplash are still the same. On the other hand, the cabinets look totally different because of the white color. Doing something like this enables you to save a significant amount of cash while getting the new kitchen look that you want.

FYI, this project gets even friendlier in the budget because the cabinet boxes are not changed here. The only parts replaced are the doors and the color.

10. Bolder with Black Cabinet Refacing

Do you wish to create a bolder kitchen look? If yes, why don’t you try to reface your cabinets and color them in black as done in the project below?

before reface - medium tone wood cabinets in a contemporary kitchen
before reface – medium tone wood cabinets in a contemporary kitchen. image © diyottawa.com

Take a look at these medium-tone wood cabinets. While they looked nice and compatible with the backsplash, countertops, and floor tiles, they did not seem to be the right choice for the kitchen. That is why a refacing would be nice to improve everything.

the new face and black color after the refacing
the new face and black color after the refacing. image © diyottawa.com

This refacing project includes several details. The most obvious one is, of course, the new black color.

About the cabinet boxes, it seems that the project still uses the original one. The one that is replaced is the doors, which are now flat instead of raised-panel. New handles are also installed, and they somehow look compatible with new appliances added along with the refacing project.

Another detail that you should not miss here is the molding. At the top, a new crown is added, enhancing the decorative value to the next level. While at the bottom, a new choice is also added to replace the old one.

11. Refacing Kitchen Cabinets with Ebony Glazing for a Gorgeous, Rustic Look

the before and after refacing photos of old oak cabinets
the before and after refacing photos of old oak cabinets. image © showplacecabinetry.com

If you see these before and after photos of a kitchen cabinet refacing project, you may think that the doors used here are the same, only with another coating. As a matter of fact, those are two different choices.

Before the refacing project took place, the doors were oak with black and round knobs. These somehow look dated, and a refacing would be very helpful in renewing the look.

After the refacing, although the door style looks highly similar, the material is different. It is now alder with natural knots that enhance its rustic visual.

Another difference results from the use of nutmeg finish and ebony glazing. The darker tone creates extra elegance in the interior.

The last but not least change included in the refacing project is the doorknobs replacement. The new ones match the new appliances placed in the kitchen from the style and color point of view.

12. Stronger Modern Visual with High-Gloss Doors and Drawer Fronts Refacing

When you buy a new house and find that the kitchen cabinets do not meet your taste, a refacing can help. An example is shown in the following project.

the pickled oak cabinets with mitered flat panel doors before the refacing
the pickled oak cabinets with mitered flat panel doors before the refacing. image © showplacecabinetry.com

Before the refacing, the cabinets were pickled oak in medium wood tone. The mitered flat panel doors and the choice of drawer fronts here create a more traditional visual.

the high-gloss, sleek grey cabinets after getting refaced
the high-gloss, sleek grey cabinets after getting refaced. image © showplacecabinetry.com

After getting refaced, the cabinets look totally different. It now has a grey color. More importantly, it has a more substantial modern feel because of its sleek, high-gloss appearance.

As shown in the picture, some other changes are found along with the new, refaced cabinets. Those include the new backsplash and appliances. Other than those, everything else is still original, such as the wall paint, floor, countertop, and even sink.

Closing

The reface kitchen cabinets before and after photos prove that such a project can really change the whole look of the storage furniture, which affects the entire interior. As a bonus, something like this is considered more budget-friendly than other alternatives, including purchasing new cabinets.

The refacing project can also help increase the house selling price before being put on the market. The best thing is that such a project does not always cost much. You can get potential buyers’ interest with a small amount of money, which means a more significant sale.

Suppose the refacing is meant to boost the residence price instead of only considering something that meets the styling of the interior. In that case, you can also choose something timeless since style changes in the future won’t affect it. Something like this can also arrest the interest of your potential buyer.

To make the success of a refacing kitchen cabinet project even more extensive, sometimes it is followed with some updates, such as replacing the countertops or updating the backsplash. Although it is optional, it does boost the compatibility between the furniture and the interior even better.

So, what do you think about refacing old kitchen cabinets? Is this the kind of project you would do in the future?