Before starting on this project figure out what type of remodeling is best for the kitchen. There is just simple refacing that is replacing only cabinets and drawers along with resurfacing the areas in between. Then there is remodeling that is used for termite or age ravaged ones or cabinets that are no longer plumb. Most of today's homeowners settle for refacing. It's not as invasive as remodeling that involves a crew of strangers ripping out shelves and drawers. It's also not as disruptive either. A kitchen can be restored to its' working self within two to three days. Another plus point about the process is that it costs less yet gives the same polished rich look as a complete makeover.

If you've decided on refinishing, the next step is then asking what look works best in the kitchen, There are several different types of veneers to choose from; each can glam up the area or transform it into an American classic. The most popular choices are oak, maple and hickory. These look the best in a traditional Colonial or saltbox style house. For hipper looks there are birch, pine, cherry, alder and poplar. A lot of cooks like their cabinets to match their tabletops for an all over chic faux French country kitchen style. Another very hip choice is metal refacing. This is when stainless steel sheets are applied over cabinets and doors. While some may think it looks too much like a restaurant kitchen others think it's a very glam, super sleek look. Metal refinishing does have ups and downs. The good news is that it's long wearing and will look fresh for ages. The bad news is that you can't repaint it. It just won't look right.

A European cabinet trend is also making its way into American kitchens, Cooking spaces in the UK, Italy, France and Germany sport glass door cabinets. These add a certain sophistication and charm, Also glass cabinets make a kitchen appear larger by bouncing back sunlight that streams in from nearby windows. The panes come in a variety of styles. There's clear, perfect for showing off fancy bowls and dishes, ribbed which can come in horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines along with beveling, which is polished angle ground glass with prismatic characteristics. Another choice is bubbled glass, an aged look that that has air bubbles sprinkled through out the pane .You can also opt for cammed which are strips of lead, brass or copper set between the glass panes. Cabinet windows can also come colored or with unique glass insets to match the kitchen's color scheme.

For a really different look there is etched glass in which hydrofluoric acid is used to carve designs into the panes. Another different but great effect is frosted. This is when glass is blown with fine sand for an opaque Art Deco look. Textured or pebbled glass can also be used to add a groovy, modern feel to 21st Century cooking spaces. European cabinets usually sport the mullioned look. This is when thin strips of wood separate the glass panes. They can be either individual panes sandwiched in front and back mullions or as one sheet of glass inserted behind the strips. Mullions match the doors and drawers and really do give an elegant appearance to even the drabbest of kitchens. Keep in mind that if you do opt for glass panes you will have to have your old shelving ripped out and new glass ones put in. This is to continue with the look of the cabinets, and most contractors will recommend this.

Another important aspect is the hardware. Remember to pick out hinges, knobs and pulls that will give the new cabinets an extra special look. For traditional wood refinishing, opt for aged looking brass or pewter handles or knobs. Pineapples and rose garnished ones work well in Colonial themed kitchens while sleek, gleaming steel types work well in metal finished ones. For glass cabinets you can get colored glass knobs that add pleasing hues to the kitchen landscape. If you want to splurge then consider hardware imported from Italy, France or England. You can even find antique ones too at estate sales or over the Internet.

When you get your cabinets refaced or even remodeled, remember to go for the extras. This will be having lazy Susans installed along with sliding shelves and areas for trash compactors and recycling bins. Ask your contractor to put in a spice rack along with door and draw organizers You can even splurge and get appliance garages and fancy yet functional towel racks.

This fall, change the look of the kitchen. Go from drab to fab with just a simple refinishing project. It's a quick project that has long lasting effects!

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