Is your drab looking kitchen cabinet proving to be an eye sore? Then it is time to give your cave-like kitchen an ultimate makeover. And don't worry; you can glam up your cabinets without ripping them apart or spending exorbitant money to replace them. Here are 5 ways to give your kitchen cabinet the makeover it needs.

Change the Hardware

This is by far the cheapest way to revamp your cabinet's look. Take off those chunky old door handles and knobs and replace them with flashy new ones. Even if you pick the priciest accessories for your cabinet, it will still be cheaper than replacing the entire cabinet. While you are at it, take care of the loose hinges too. Fix it, buff away the rust, oil it, and make sure the drawers glide smoothly on their tracks. Also, make sure the hardware you pick blends well with the overall theme you got going in your kitchen.

A Fresh Coat of Paint

If the new hardware didn't do the trick, then the next bet you got is paint. Repainting kitchen cabinets does not have to be a cumbersome task. You don't need to do any sanding or stripping, as all you need is quality acrylic paints. A sprayer will give cleaner finishing than brushes. Rent a sprayer practice on a few obscure spots before painting the entire cabinet. Paint one side at a time and let it dry overnight, before you start with the next side. For tiny nooks and corners, you can use foam-based brushes.

Staining Cabinets

Your newly painted cabinets can get scratched, but with staining, you no longer need to worry about that. It not only adds a glossy sheen to your dull cabinets, but also protects them against extreme wear and tear. Start by removing all the doors and hardware. Staining cabinets, when still attached, is not only tough, but can also lead to unwanted dribbles. Start by sanding the cabinet; use either a sand paper or an electric hand sander for the purpose. Wipe the surface clean of the sand and apply wood conditioner. Finally, start staining the cabinets; you might have to stain several times to get that perfect finishing. Follow the manufacturer's instruction carefully and you should do just fine.

Replace the Cabinet Door

Another cost-effective way to transform the look of your kitchen is by installing a new set of cabinet doors. You do not necessarily have to break your budget for it. Just look in the right places and you should find the one that fits your requirement. Take time to check the pros and cons associated with each option though, as you do not want to put your money that needs "working on" every six months.

Basic Cleaning

It is surprising how basic cleaning can radically change the look of your kitchen. Don't believe us? Try it yourself. Clear the cabinets of unwanted things and use a potent cleaner to get rid of the surface dirt. Try decorating the cabinet doors with interesting crafts.

If nothing works, you can always call a professional for a complete kitchen resurfacing.