5 simple ways to make your kitchen cabinets look more expensive

When it comes to refreshing your kitchen decor, it can often feel like there are a limited amount of changes you can make. While other rooms in the home typically have more decor items and soft furnishings you can swap over time, kitchens on the other hand are costly to design and you'll most likely have your kitchen cabinets and countertops in place for years, if not decades. 

But that doesn't mean you can't elevate the feel of your kitchen cabinets. If your cabinets are in need of a refresh but there's no need for a complete remodel, there are simple decorating ideas you can embrace to create a more expensive-looking kitchen. 

Continue reading to learn how you can make your kitchen cabinets look more expensive with minimal effort, with these five ideas from interior designers. 

1. Opt for high quality hardware

Although a fairly small detail, the hardware on your kitchen cabinets can go a long way in transforming the way your cabinets look. 'Investing in high-quality metallic hardware for your cabinets is a great way to give them an extra luxurious look and add a nice pop of visual contrast,' suggests interior designer Kathy Kuo. 

'One of the easiest ways to achieve an instant kitchen glow-up is to swap out your dated cabinetry hardware,' agrees interior designer Nicole Cullum, founder of Color Caravan. 

Nicole Cullum

Nicole Cullum is an interior designer in Taos, New Mexico, and founder of Color Caravan, a charming hand-painted line of wallpaper, textiles, bedding, and home decor.

'Go for cabinetry hardware that has clean, modern lines rather than bulbous knobs or pulls in more contemporary finishes like matte black, polished, antique, or unlacquered brass that will immediately make your cabinetry and your kitchen look more luxe,' says Nicole. 

2. Style the cabinet contents

If the doors of your kitchen cabinets are made from glass, it's important to pay close attention to how you display the contents of them. Ensuring you keep items neatly arranged in a cohesive way will create a more polished look compared to having any clutter on show. 'I love the idea of artfully styling your dishware and glassware on your shelves if you have glass-front kitchen cabinets,' says Kathy Kuo. 

Kathy Kuo

Kathy Kuo is a celebrated interior designer and international guru within the home and lifestyle space. She has 20+ years of experience in the design industry. 

3. Paint your cabinets

'Paint is your best friend when it comes to upgrading your kitchen cabinets,' says Nicole Cullum. 'A coat of paint can do wonders for cabinets from back in the day.' Painting your kitchen cabinets will guarantee a completely new look while being a fairly inexpensive home decor idea.

When choosing the best shade for your cabinets, opting for dark hues such as a deep blue or aubergine color will help create a more expensive-looking finish. 'Bold cabinet colors are taking over 2024,' says Nicole Cullum. 'Pair a deep saturated, but muted cabinet color with a light tonal wall for a sophisticated yet dramatic boost.' 

4. Add under-cabinet lighting

Another way to make your cabinets look more expensive is to experiment with kitchen cabinet lighting ideas. Opt to add subtle lighting underneath the cabinets to fill the room with a cozy ambiance. 'Installing under-cabinet lighting creates a warm and inviting atmosphere in the kitchen, adding a sense of luxury,' says interior designer Soledad Alzaga.

5. Add decorative moldings

Lastly, consider adding decorative moldings to your kitchen cabinets to create a more sophisticated and expensive look. This would work particularly well if you have a traditional kitchen, where you can reflect the style of the room through intricate molding details. 'Add decorative molding or trim to the cabinet doors for a custom look,' suggests Soledad.

These ideas will no doubt elevate the look of your kitchen cabinets while being fairly quick and easy changes to make. If you are feeling inspired to carry out some kitchen DIY, make sure you're aware of these outdated kitchen cabinet trends to avoid.