5 Kitchen Cabinet Update Ideas Inspired By Famous Designers
Dull, outdated cabinets can drag down an entire kitchen – but a full remodel isn’t the only answer. Top designers have shared clever ways to breathe new life into tired cabinetry, using color, texture, and smart details to completely transform the space.
With a few inspired updates, you can turn a purely functional feature into the star of your kitchen while staying on budget.
This article is for informational and inspirational purposes only. Consult professional contractors or designers before making structural changes or major updates to ensure safety and suitability for your space.
1. Embrace Mixed Materials & Contrast Like David Hicks
The legendary British designer David Hicks was famous for his bold contrasts. “Bold colours, mixing antique and modern furnishings, and contemporary art…” Following his philosophy of mixing elements, try combining wood upper cabinets with metal lowers for unexpected visual interest.
Matte black hardware against glossy white doors captures Hicks’ bold aesthetic. Even simpler: paint island cabinets a different color than perimeter ones for an instant designer touch.
2. Let Cabinets Reflect Your Personal Style Like Billy Baldwin
Billy Baldwin, America’s dean of interior design, championed authentic personal expression. “Be faithful to your own taste, because nothing you really like is ever out of style.” Your cabinets shouldn’t follow trends – they should follow your heart.
Love vintage? Add glass knobs and antique-inspired molding. Drawn to simplicity? Choose sleek slab doors in your favorite shade. Baldwin would approve of custom details like a surprising cabinet interior color that makes you smile every time.
3. Prioritize Functionality Like Johnny Grey
British kitchen master Johnny Grey revolutionized cabinet design by focusing on how people actually move and work. Pull-out spice racks beside the stove help improve efficiency while cooking. Varying counter heights accommodate different tasks – lower for kneading, higher for chopping.
Grey explains that “Kitchens need to be more like a pub and less like an operating theatre.” Liberate cabinets from standard heights and depths to serve your specific needs, creating storage that works precisely for your lifestyle.
4. Create Calm With Neutral Palettes Like Kelly Hoppen
Kelly Hoppen’s signature tranquil spaces start with a soothing color foundation. Transform chaotic kitchens by refinishing cabinets in soft taupe, warm greige, or gentle ivory tones that feel timeless rather than trendy.
“My philosophy has always remained the same. It’s about creating calm balanced environments … How people feel in a space is as important as the way it looks,” maintains Hoppen. The emotional impact is as important as aesthetics: cabinets in harmonious neutrals create a peaceful cooking environment that feel more relaxing and balanced.
5. Add Decorative Details Like Bria Hammel
Contemporary designer Bria Hammel knows small touches make big statements. Decorative vent holes punched in cabinet panels add vintage charm without overwhelming the space. “They break up a flat panel and add a bit of whimsy … perfect way to add visual interest … without compromising functionality.”
Simple beading along door edges elevates basic cabinetry with minimal effort. Even swapping standard pulls for handcrafted ceramic knobs adds visual interest to otherwise plain cabinetry. These subtle additions inject personality while maintaining the kitchen’s functional foundation.
