The Same '80s Style Cabinets Look Brand New After A Backsplash Redo

Heavy wood cabinetry paired with large square floor tiles and a bland color palette can make your kitchen look as if it stepped out of a time machine straight from the '80s. While some folks might cringe at the sight and begin preparing for a full remodel, not everyone can afford an expensive kitchen refresh. After all, the average cost to replace all of your existing kitchen cabinets is around $15,000, which doesn't include any costs associated with other upgrades to the project. Instead of draining the wallet, some homeowners choose to work with what they have, giving their outdated '80s kitchen a modern facelift without completely removing the cabinetry. As TikTok creator @kaleigh.elizabeth.g proved, a simple coat of paint and a new backsplash addition can radically improve the look of a dated kitchen, brightening the overwhelming warmth of the wood and inviting more pattern into the bland space.

Thankfully, there are plenty of helpful tips and tricks for painting solid wood cabinets, which can help you pull your kitchen out of the '80s. Also, backsplashes come in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, so you can find one that suits your needs. When comparing costs to a full-scale remodel, DIYing your cabinet painting could range from $200 to $600, while installing a new backsplash yourself could be around $100 to $500. This means you could save thousands by keeping your existing '80s installations and sprucing them up yourself. Of course, professional painting and backsplash installation could increase the overall cost.

Homeowner @kaleigh.elizabeth.g on TikTok went toe-to-toe with their dated kitchen to transform the space from '80s bland to modern and refreshing. Using a fresh coat of paint and adding a backsplash were some of the most notable and budget-friendly solutions, though the homeowner also added new countertops and fixtures. To try this in your space, start by removing the hardware from your original cabinets, as well as taking off any drawers and doors. Sand the panels and use a primer if needed. Then, use a glossy, latex-based paint in a color of your choosing. The homeowner used Retreat by Sherwin-Williams for a more modern look.

Aside from updating the cabinets themselves, adding a modern backsplash can also greatly aid the design. The homeowner opted for white hexagon tiles with darker grout for a high-contrast look. However, you don't have to go with this option. Knowing which backsplash material works best for your space and how shape and color can impact your design could sway your preference. For example, you might use a classic subway tile or a custom zellige tile, depending on your style and budget. Additionally, if you want a greater remodel like the homeowner and are interested in updating countertops as well, you could go for something trendy like a countertop and backsplash design combo that we're seeing in more kitchens, such as natural stone countertops and a statement backsplash.