The Budget-Friendly Material That Can Add Gorgeous Texture To Plain Cabinets

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Kitchen cupboards make or break the room. They're one of the first things you see when you walk in, and they take up most of the visible wall area. They're also one of those features that can be quite costly to change, especially when you want to add texture. Refacing alone can cost upwards of $15,000 on average, depending on the size and style. Fortunately, there's an affordable solution if you like to get crafty – all you need to start are some paint stir sticks and a little elbow grease. You can instantly elevate your kitchen cabinets with this affordable DIY, and there are several ways to go about it depending on your budget and overall desired effect.

The key to this project is in the stacking of the stir sticks into something of a herringbone pattern on the doors. The excess is trimmed away to create smooth, even edges, and the whole thing is stained or painted for a sleek, modern design without the big renovation price. This is one of the simplest ways to refresh your kitchen by adding texture and color in one swoop, and you might even be able to get some of the materials for free.

To start on this project, you need some paint stir sticks, wood glue like Milescraft 5223 Glue Mate, a circular saw, and stain or paint of your choice. Many paint stores give away free stir sticks with your order, so if you're purchasing color for your cabinets, be sure to ask for extra. You can also buy a pack of 30 CRTWDMAN paint stirrers for around $6. Once you've got your supplies gathered, it's time to start putting your stylish new cupboard faces on.

Remove the cabinet doors you have from their hinges, and place the sticks in the pattern you prefer — herringbone is a sleek design option. Once you're happy with the look, glue them in place and trim the excess. Use painter's tape to hold them down as you cut to avoid splintering the thin wood. Sand and paint or stain the doors, and mount them again. If you've ever wondered how to repurpose a paint stirrer around the house, this project is your sign to start in the kitchen. The best part of this texture-forward project is the customization possibilities. Add a border in your choice of trim, swap out hardware to make a statement, or go wild and reface the drawers to match. There are so many ways to make this project your own, and if you use the cabinetry you have, you'll be saving a bundle on what will look like a whole new kitchen.