Modernizing Cherry Cabinets: Tips and Tricks

If you’re a homeowner with cherry cabinets, you may be looking for ways to bring your kitchen into the modern age. While cherry wood can seem timeless, it can also make your kitchen feel dated if not styled with care. But don’t worry! There are simple ways to freshen up your kitchen while still utilizing the beauty of cherry wood.

First, modernizing your cherry cabinets can be as simple as incorporating on-trend hardware and accessories. Swap out outdated handles and knobs for sleek metallic options, such as brushed nickel or black matte. Add modern touches like pendant lighting, a farmhouse sink, or a statement backsplash to complement the wood grain and bring your kitchen to a new, modernized level. So, let’s dive into the specifics on how you can make your cherry cabinets look modern!

Section: Tips for Making Cherry Cabinets Look Modern

1. Choose the Right Color Scheme

When it comes to making traditional cherry cabinets look modern, one of the best places to start is by choosing the right color scheme. You want to choose colors that are neutral, bright, and complement the natural hues of your cherry cabinets. Consider painting your walls a light grey or white and adding pops of color through accessories and furnishings.

2. Upgrade Cabinet Hardware

Swapping out your old, traditional hardware for sleek and modern pulls and handles can make a huge difference in the appearance of your cherry cabinets. Opt for hardware in brushed nickel or chrome to give your cabinets an updated look.

3. Install Modern Light Fixtures

Modern light fixtures can instantly transform the atmosphere of your kitchen. Consider installing pendant lights or chandeliers with clean lines and a sleek design to add a touch of modernity to your space.

4. Add Glass Cabinet Doors

By replacing a few of your traditional cabinet doors with glass doors, you can make your space feel more open and modern. Additionally, it will allow you to showcase your stylish dishware and decor.

5. Swap Out Countertops

One way to modernize your kitchen is by upgrading your countertops. Choose a material that complements the natural hues of your cherry cabinets, such as quartz or granite.

6. Incorporate Open Shelving

If you have extra wall space in your kitchen, consider incorporating open shelving. This will allow you to display your favorite dishes and accessories, thereby creating a modern and stylish look.

7. Mix and Match Materials

Mixing and matching materials can add a modern twist to your kitchen. For example, consider adding a stainless steel backsplash or a marble island to complement your cherry cabinets.

8. Add a Pop of Color

Try adding a pop of color to your kitchen through a colorful backsplash or bright accent pieces. This will not only add a modern touch but also create some visual interest in your space.

9. Choose a Modern Sink

With so many stylish and modern sink designs available, it’s easy to upgrade your current sink to something that better suits your kitchen’s aesthetic. Consider choosing a sink with a sleek and minimalist design in stainless steel or white porcelain.

10. Embrace Contrast

Finally, embrace contrast! Pair your cherry cabinets with contrasting elements to create a modern, chic look. For example, consider adding black or white appliances and accessories to your kitchen to create a bold, contemporary style while still allowing your cherry cabinets to shine.

1. Choose a Neutral Palette

One way to modernize cherry cabinets is by toning down the red-toned wood with neutral colors. Neutral palettes such as light grays, whites, and beige can create a calming and fresh ambiance that complements the warm tones of cherry wood. Painting the kitchen walls with a neutral color can allow the cherry cabinets to pop and create a modernized look.

2. Add Sleek Hardware

Updating hardware is a simple and low-cost way to modernize cherry cabinets. Sleek and modern hardware such as stainless steel or brushed nickel can add a modern touch to the cabinets. Choose hardware with simple lines that are not too decorative to keep the look modern.

3. Install Open Shelving

Instead of keeping everything hidden behind cabinet doors, open shelving can create a modern and spacious feel. Replace some upper cabinets with open shelves to create a stylish display of your kitchenware. This will break up the monotony of the cherry cabinets while making your kitchen feel more airy and open.

4. Add Glass Door Inserts

Another way to modernize cherry cabinets is by adding glass door inserts. This will break up the solid wood and create visual interest. Glass door inserts can also be used to display kitchenware or dishes, adding a decorative element to the kitchen.

5. Use Bright Accent Colors

Adding bright color accents to your kitchen can give it a more contemporary feel. Use colorful accessories such as bold-colored rugs, curtains, and decorative items to bring pops of color into the space. This will help to create a fresh and modern look that complements the cherry cabinets.

6. Incorporate Modern Lighting

Lighting can play a big role in modernizing cherry cabinets. Replace traditional light fixtures with modern pendant lights or chandeliers. This will add style to the kitchen while also providing ample task lighting.

7. Experiment with Patterns and Textures

Using patterns and textures is a great way to create a modern look. Incorporating patterned backsplash tiles or textured wallpaper can add visual interest to the space. This will break up the monotony of the cherry cabinets and create a more modern feel.

8. Add Reflective Surfaces

Reflective surfaces such as glass or mirror can add a modern touch to any space. Consider adding a glass backsplash, mirrored backsplash, or a mirrored kitchen island. This will catch and reflect light, creating a bright and modern atmosphere.

9. Embrace Minimalism

Simplicity and minimalism are two hallmarks of modern design. Remove all unnecessary items from the kitchen surface, keep the countertops clear of clutter, and embrace a simple aesthetic to create a modern vibe. This will allow the cherry cabinets to stand out as the focal point of the space.

10. Modify the Cabinets

If you’re really committed to modernizing your cherry cabinets, consider giving them a face-lift. You can modify cabinets by painting them a different color, replacing the cabinet doors with modern ones, or adding details such as molding or trim to create a new look. This can be a more involved process, but it will create a completely new and modern look for your kitchen.

3. Paint or Stain Your Cherry Cabinets

Cherry cabinets are known for their rich and warm tones, but sometimes they can appear outdated. One way to bring them into modern times is by painting or staining them. This is a simple and cost-effective solution that will add instant modern flair to your kitchen.

1. Painting Your Cherry Cabinets

Painting your cherry cabinets is the perfect way to give them a fresh and modern look. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:

• Start by removing all hardware, doors, and drawers.
• Clean the cabinets thoroughly with a degreaser and let them dry completely.
• Sand the cabinets lightly and wipe them clean.
• Apply a primer before painting to ensure the paint adheres properly.
• Choose a high-quality paint that will withstand wear and tear.
• Apply two coats of paint, letting each coat dry completely before applying the next.
• Let the cabinets dry and cure for at least 24 hours before reattaching the hardware and doors.

2. Staining Your Cherry Cabinets

Staining your cherry cabinets will highlight the natural grain of the wood while still giving them a modern look. Here’s how to do it:

• Remove all hardware, doors, and drawers.
• Clean the cabinets thoroughly with a degreaser and let them dry completely.
• Sand the cabinets lightly and wipe them clean.
• Apply the stain with a brush or rag, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Let the stain dry for 24 hours before applying the topcoat.
• Apply a clear topcoat to protect the cabinets and give them a glossy finish.
• Let the cabinets cure for at least 24 hours before reattaching the hardware and doors.

3. Decide on the Color Scheme for Your Cherry Cabinets

Another important aspect to consider when painting or staining your cherry cabinets is the color scheme you want to achieve. Here are some color schemes to consider:

• Neutral hues – A neutral color scheme of whites, grays, or beige will create a classic and timeless look.
• Two-tone – Painting or staining the upper and lower cabinets different colors will create a modern and trendy look.
• Bold accent – For a pop of color, consider painting or staining the island or a single accent wall in a bold color.

4. Know the Pros and Cons of Painting or Staining Your Cabinets

While there are many benefits to painting or staining cherry cabinets, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Here are some pros and cons to keep in mind:

5. Hire a Professional if Needed

If you feel unsure about your ability to paint or stain your cherry cabinets, don’t hesitate to hire a professional. This will ensure you get the best results possible and can save you time and frustration in the long run. Additionally, a professional painter or refinisher will have the knowledge and experience to properly prepare the cabinets and achieve an even and smooth finish.

Thanks for reading, come back soon!

We hope you found these tips helpful in transforming your outdated cherry cabinets into a modern and chic look. With just a few simple updates, you can revamp your entire kitchen and impress your friends and family with your style. Keep in mind that it’s important to have fun and stay true to your personal taste when decorating your home. Don’t forget to visit again for more fun and fresh ideas to create a space that feels uniquely yours. Have a great day!