What's making your kitchen cabinets look cheap? 5 things interior designers say you should fix ASAP

Cabinetry is the base of your entire kitchen design. It's the largest feature and has to be both visually appealing and create enough storage space for your kitchen to be functional. But if your kitchen cabinets look cheap, there are a few areas that could be the cause.

Don't worry, it doesn't require a full remodel. Your kitchen cabinets might be looking cheap for a few different reasons, from the material and installation to the decor and features that surround them.

To help you bring your kitchen cabinets back to life and make them look more expensive, we've asked design experts for the things that often make them look low-budget, and what you should do instead.

5 things cheapening the look of your kitchen cabinets

So much work goes into creating a beautiful kitchen, the last thing you need is a feature making your cabinets look cheap and tired. The good news? There are plenty of ways to fix the issue and even make your kitchen cabinets look more expensive. Here are 5 things to look out for according to kitchen experts.

1. Dated or boring hardware

One of the quickest ways to make your kitchen cabinets look cheap is with the wrong hardware. Budget designs, wonky applications, and finishes that don't compliment your kitchen cabinet color are all things to consider when choosing the right design.

'Many people underestimate the power of custom cabinet handles and knobs! It's amazing how much more luxurious and bespoke any kitchen cabinet can look just by putting intention into choosing special hardware,' says interior designer Kathy Kuo.

'You can find really beautiful and quality cabinet handles and knobs at a great price point, so you can prevent your kitchen from looking 'cheap' while not really spending too much to do so!'

If you're unsure of the best kitchen hardware to choose, kitchen designer Tom Howley recommends choosing timeless, classic finishes. 'Invest in high-quality polished chrome or antique brass taps, pulls, and handles. These act a bit like jewelry, adding glamor and shine.'

2. Bad lighting

You might not think that kitchen lighting could cheapen the look of your cabinets, but the wrong ambiance can not only impact the way the color of your cabinetry reads but can also make your whole scheme feel cold and unwelcoming.

'Poor lighting can undermine the look and feel of a kitchen. A single overhead light or harsh, overly bright lighting can make the space feel stark and uninviting, while inadequate task lighting can make it impractical for cooking and entertaining,' says interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe.

'Lighting should be carefully considered to enhance both function and mood. Layering different types – such as under-cabinet lighting for tasks, soft pendants over an island, and wall lights for ambiance – creates depth and warmth. The goal is to ensure a kitchen is well-lit without feeling stark.'

3. Laminate or MDF cabinet doors

If you've updated your lighting and hardware but something still feels off, it's probably the material your cabinets are made from that is making them look cheap. There are plenty of ways to update a kitchen in a budget-friendly way, but some materials should be avoided.

'Laminate or MDF cabinets can often cheapen the look of a kitchen, as they lack the depth and character of natural materials. While they might seem like a cost-effective option initially, they are difficult to update and can show signs of wear more quickly,' says Lauren.

'Investing in wood cabinetry is always a good choice – it’s more durable, ages beautifully, and can be easily refreshed with a new coat of paint or stain over time. Even if a full timber kitchen isn’t in the budget, incorporating solid wood doors or a high-quality veneer can make a significant difference.'

4. Tired kitchen countertops

Sometimes, looking away from the cabinets themselves and considering the materials and features that surround them will help you to see the bigger picture – and so often, it's the kitchen countertops making your cabinets look cheap.

'Worn or outdated countertops, especially those made from low-cost materials like laminate, can significantly impact the overall perception of a kitchen. Even if the cabinets themselves are of high quality, the presence of inexpensive, damaged, or poorly maintained countertops can make the entire space appear cheap,' says Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport.

'The countertop is often the focal point of the kitchen, and when it looks dated or lacks the durability of higher-end materials, it can detract from the value and appearance of the cabinetry, undermining the overall design,' he adds.

This doesn't mean you have to invest in really expensive countertops like marble or granite. There are plenty of more affordable alternatives that feel elevated and expensive – soapstone countertops are a great alternative for a natural option, or choose porcelain for the look of marble but with more durability.

5. A backsplash in outdated designs and discolored grouting

In a similar vein to countertops, your kitchen backsplash is another feature that can cheapen the look of your cabinets – especially if it's created using outdated tiles or the grout has seen better days.

'Old tile backsplashes – particularly in out-of-date colors or patterns – and discolored grout can instantly diminish the overall aesthetic of a kitchen, making even high-quality cabinets appear dated or cheap,' says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.

'Grout discoloration, in particular, can create an unattractive contrast that draws your attention away from the more expensive features in the room. However, replacing tired tiles can provide an immediate facelift to the entire space and instantly give your cabinets a new life.'

From quick fixes to more considered changes, there are plenty of ways to fix the things making your kitchen cabinets look cheap. If you want to take it one step further, you can think about introducing colors that make a kitchen look more expensive or embracing luxury kitchen ideas.