7 Ideas for Updating Wood Cabinets (Without Painting Them)
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If painting, staining, or replacing your wood cabinets is out of the question, try one or a few of these ideas for a fresh look.
1. A white subway tile backsplash
White subway tile can brighten and modernize oak or maple cabinets.
by Melissa via thisblessedhomested.com
via zastko.com
Although peel-and-stick tile is a popular choice with RV owners because of how easy it is to install, real tile has been used successfully in RV’s as well, as in the RV kitchen pictured below.
by Patricia Pradmore
2. Gray walls
Gray is a trendy choice for wall color (“the new beige”), and it happens to complement amber colored wood nicely.
Dark slate walls are bold choice that may be too dark for some spaces, but with light floors and plenty of natural lighting, the look can be stunning.
by Kirsti via lovelylalaland.com
Dark gray peel-and-stick subway tiles and stainless steel hardware and appliances give this RV kitchen a sleek look.
by Rene Bahner-Yonkie
3. Accent with stone or brick
A stone or brick backsplash or accent wall makes light wood seem rustic and earthy.
Although real stone is likely too heavy for an RV, a look similar to the one below might be achieved using a faux stone veneer.
by Erin via howtonestforless.com
Removable peel-and-stick wallpaper offers an affordable and reversible alternative. The RV kitchen pictured below features this wallpaper.
by Sarah Keth
After what was deemed an unsuccessful attempt to paint a “brick” backsplash, this homeowner ended up using brick wallpaper and was very happy with her results.
by Amy via alindalt.wordpress.com
Brick wallpaper was also used in this RV kitchen.
by Terri Anderson
4. Mosaic tiles
A popular choice for many RVers peel-and-stick Smart Tiles, like these that RV owners Emily and Barry installed in their kitchen, pictured below. You can see “before” photos at their blog.
Another RV kitchen upgraded with Smart Tiles:
by Lisa Dondrea
5. Colorful walls
Try choosing a wall color that contrasts with honey colored wood.
by Autumn via itsalwaysautumn.com
Alternatively, oak blends nicely with a neutral wall and gold accents in this bathroom.
by Kate Riley via bhg.com
6. Replace the hardware.
Dark, modern cabinet hardware can give a kitchen a richer look.
by Kim via thekimsixfix.com
Brass cabinet hardware and copper accessories, along with white walls and a natural fiber rug, create a modern rustic feel in this kitchen.
by Julie Blanner via julieblanner.com
Don’t want to spring for new hardware? Try updating them with a can of Rustoleum spray paint, like this RV owner did.
by Melinda via pookieandthebear.wordpress.com
7. Add a decorative insert
This RV owner added sheets of imitation black leather contact paper to the panels of her cabinets. Chalkboard contact paper or any other type of contact paper would work as well.
by Kathy Bross
Do you have a light wood look that you love? Share a photo in the comments!
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