How HGTV's David Bromstad Updates Kitchen Cabinets Without Replacing Them

In the kitchen, function tends to trump fashion, but just because you don't want to spend a small fortune renovating doesn't mean you can't do something to make it feel like a new space. In fact, giving your kitchen a whole new look could actually be cheaper and easier than you think. HGTV star David Bromstad, known for his show Color Splash and My Lottery Dream Home, believes that all you really need to update a kitchen is some paint. But before you start taping up your floorboards, he's not talking about the walls — Bromstad suggests targeting the cabinets for a fun, fresh feel. 

Since cabinets generally take less paint than a whole room would, it is usually the cheaper option, and according to Bromstad, it's also the perfect place to get a bit creative with color. Though he has been quoted as recommending pink in an Apartment Therapy interview, splashing some color on your cabinets doesn't have to be limited to any one shade. It's actually a great place to explore some bolder, riskier options — it's not difficult or expensive to repaint, it takes up less visual space in your kitchen, and it works well as a vehicle for adding in an accent color. Because this is such an easy project, if you're prepared, you can reasonably paint your cabinets in just one day.

Like we said, you aren't limited to pink, but if you are wanting to try it out there are a couple of tips to help you choose the right one. The reason Bromstad recommends it is first and foremost because it is fun. Diving into a more unique color is also a stepping stone to embracing more unique style choices altogether. Depending on the pink you choose, however, it can also appear pretty neutral, like this timeless pink shade Joanna Gaines says will never go out of style. Even switching up a white for a pale pink can give your room a subtly fresh feel without a complete re-do. 

When you are deciding on a pink, you want to first consider the colors that appear in that room as well as the rest of your home. Pinks can either lean more cool (blue) or warm (red) toned, and you want whatever color you pick to fit within the color story that already exists — particularly for elements that will not be changed in the renovation. You will also want to be sure to swatch some paint options on your cabinets so that you can view them in direct light, sunlight, overhead light, and at night — seeing it in all different scenarios will give you a better idea of how it will look on a day-to-day basis as lighting changes. To get the best results, Bromstad recommends painting large pieces of cardboard and tacking them onto your cabinets so you get a good look at your options without affecting the existing wood. 

Though Bromstad favors pink, that doesn't mean that you have to go for this color in order to take inspiration from his designs. If you still want to lean into something more bold, however, there is a color Bromstad suggests that you shy away from: blue. The reason, he has said, was because it is too safe. If you like cooler tones, he suggests going for green instead. There is a lot of room to play with this shade, with options ranging from a deep forest to a pale mint. Black could even be used if you want to go for a neutral but bold feel. 

Besides the color you choose, Bromstad also likes to keep things from looking too matchy-matchy. To prevent this, he is a fan of choosing different styles for your upper and lower cabinets, but if you don't want to invest in a whole new set, opting for different colors is a cheaper alternative that will give you a similar result. If you still aren't sure how to achieve this eclectic style, Bromstad has a list of color tips to help you decorate any room. With a bit of guidance, you're sure to settle on a color story you love.