When is the right time to update your kitchen cabinets?

Posted on January 23, 2025

Update your kitchen cabinets with replacement kitchen doors

How do you know when it’s the right time to update your kitchen? We all feel envious when someone we know gets a brand new kitchen, even though the price of this can be completely eye-watering. But it can make us look at our own kitchen and realise how tired it’s starting to look.

…But does that mean it’s time to change? If our kitchen is still perfectly functional and looks ok, does it really matter if we don’t have the smartest kitchen on the block?

In this article we take a quick look at:

  • Three signs it’s time to change your kitchen cabinets;
  • Three ways of updating your kitchen cabinets.

Three signs it’s time to change your kitchen cabinets

Aside from the kitchen envy we mentioned earlier, there are specific things you can look for which will help you decide if it’s time to change your kitchen cabinets.

  • Your kitchen cabinets no longer function as they should

One of the great things about a completely new kitchen is that everything functions properly. At least that’s the theory. Many people spend thousands of pounds on a new kitchen only to find fundamental design flaws that undermine the functionality of the kitchen. So if you are doing any kind of kitchen upgrade or improvement, functionality is key. And if your kitchen cabinets are not functioning as they should, it’s definitely time for a change.

For example, are there one or more kitchen cabinet doors that you can’t open if another nearby cabinet or appliance is being used? Or are drawers sticking, and perhaps need to be lifted to pull open? Or is the interior of the cabinet badly designed, so that you can’t ever reach anything at the back? 

All of these issues can easily be addressed, and we will see how later in this article.

  • Your kitchen cabinets are visibly damaged

The kitchen is the hardest working room in your home, and bits of wear and tear are sadly inevitable. However, if one or more kitchen cabinets are showing visible signs of damage, then it’s time to replace them.

Three common types of damage that can happen to kitchen cabinets are:

  • They are warped or swollen due to water damage. A constant water leak can mis-shape your cabinets so that they become impossible to close. It can also lead to bad mould inside your cabinets.
  • The surfaces are stained or scratched due to breakages or spillages occurring in the kitchen.
  • The carcass or fixtures of the cabinet itself are damaged either due to general wear and tear or undue strain.
  • You dislike the style or colour of your kitchen cabinets

Even if your kitchen cabinets are still in good condition, sometimes you are simply ready for a change. Your tastes may have changed, or you may want to repaint your kitchen a completely different colour and the old cabinets just won’t look right any more.

This is just as valid a reason for change as anything else. Your kitchen is one of the rooms where you spend most of your waking hours, so it makes sense to create an environment that you enjoy being in, and which makes you feel good.

Three ways of updating your kitchen cabinets

The good news is that if you have decided that it’s time to update your kitchen cabinets, there are various options available. It doesn’t have to mean a complete kitchen redesign and refurbishment, with the hefty price tag that entails. Here are three ways to consider updating your kitchen cabinets that are much more budget-friendly than a completely new kitchen.

  • Buy brand new kitchen cabinets

If some or all of your kitchen cabinets need completely replacing, perhaps due to the kinds of damage we explored earlier, this can be done without having to remodel the rest of your kitchen. DIY Homefit supplies a range of kitchen cabinets of various sizes, which could replace existing cabinets like for like.

And if you are replacing a few kitchen cabinets, take the opportunity to iron out all those little glitches that annoy you. For example, you could make sure that doors open out a different way so as not to bump into the ones next to them. Or that the insides of your new cabinets are configured with clever storage solutions so that you can make the most of every inch of space without having to be a contortionist to do so.

Check out our range of kitchen cabinets here, and also our inspiring kitchen storage solutions that include pull-out shelving, carousels, door racks and much more.

  • Refresh your cabinets with replacement kitchen doors

If the carcases of your kitchen cabinets are still in good condition, an ideal way to update them is to add replacement kitchen doors. This gives you the freedom to completely change the look of your cabinets – and your overall kitchen – at a fraction of the cost and effort of a new kitchen.

To find out more about replacement kitchen doors, why not take a look at DIY Homefit’s four ranges of stunning replacement kitchen doors:

Our ranges of replacement kitchen doors are available in over 80 High Gloss, Matt, Woodgrain, Smooth and Textured finishes which gives you incredible flexibility to choose the exact design, colour and size combination that is perfect for your kitchen.

  • Upcycle your kitchen cabinets

Sustainability is increasingly important to many of us in 2025, so another option to consider is whether there is any way to upcycle your existing kitchen cabinets to create a completely different look. Depending on their condition, and the materials from which they are made, it may be possible to paint or stain them a different colour and give them a new lease of life.

If you want to try this, you could also add new handles or knobs to finish off your new creation. DIY Homefit supply some fabulous ranges of kitchen handles in all shapes and sizes, that could be the perfect finishing touch to your upcycled cabinets, and bring a breath of fresh air to your kitchen.

We hope that this article provides some useful ideas about when is the right time to update your kitchen cabinets and the best way to go about this. Whether you are interested in new kitchen cabinets, replacement kitchen doors or changing your kitchen handles, remember that DIY Homefit is here to help. Why not get started by taking a browse through DIY Homefit’s gallery of kitchen pictures for further inspiration for your kitchen.

And do visit us again soon here at DIY Homefit for more home and lifestyle tips.