When people think of a kitchen remodel, they often imagine tearing everything down and starting from scratch. But a remodel doesn’t always need to be that extreme — sometimes, a few thoughtful updates can completely transform the look and feel of your space.
In this project, we focused on two key changes: resurfacing the cabinets and installing a brand-new backsplash. These updates gave the kitchen a fresh, modern look while allowing us to keep the existing countertops the homeowner loved.
Resurfacing the Cabinets
Instead of replacing the cabinets entirely, we resurfaced them. This involves updating the cabinet doors and drawer fronts while keeping the cabinet boxes intact. It’s a smart way to refresh the style of your kitchen, improve durability, and give everything a like-new finish — all without the cost and waste of full replacement.
Resurfacing cabinets doesn’t just mean swapping out the doors — it’s also a chance to customize your kitchen’s functionality and style. You can choose from a variety of door styles to match your vision, and even change the cabinet interiors to better suit your needs, such as switching shelves to drawers or vice versa. Finishes are flexible, too: you might opt for a natural wood veneer, like we used on the island in this project, or go bold with painted cabinet doors, such as the rich blue we added to the perimeter cabinetry. These updates not only refresh the look but also improve how you use the space every day.
Installing a New Backsplash
The backsplash is often the unsung hero of a kitchen, but in this project, it became the main focal point. Instead of a subtle backdrop, the backsplash was designed to bring energy, character, and personality into the space. We selected square tiles, each one showcasing a different flower, leaf, or bird. Together, these unique illustrations created a vibrant, tropical vibe that instantly draws the eye. The mix of organic shapes and playful patterns adds a sense of movement, almost like a living mural across the wall.
What makes this choice so impactful is how it transforms the entire kitchen without changing the layout, countertops, or cabinetry. By letting the backsplash shine, the design captures a sense of joy and storytelling, turning a functional surface into a work of art. Whether you want your backsplash to whisper with simplicity or sing with bold details, this example shows how powerful tile selection can be in redefining a space.
Why This Approach Works
This type of remodel is ideal if you:
- Love your countertops and want to keep them.
- Need to update the look of your kitchen without a full gut renovation.
- Want to save on costs while still making a big impact.
- Prefer a remodel that doesn’t require permits, since cabinet resurfacing and backsplash replacement are considered cosmetic upgrades.
By combining cabinet resurfacing with a new backsplash, you can achieve a stunning transformation that feels like a brand-new kitchen — without the expense, hassle, or permit process of a full remodel.
Thank you to Keane Kitchen for helping realizing this transformation.