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Affordable Cabinet Refacing in Nashville: A DIY Kitchenette Makeover
Patience, Passion, and a Perfect Finish
When Amy first started her kitchen remodel in Nashville, she didn’t know it would take five years — but she also didn’t mind. Life, as she says, “happens when you’re planning other things.”
Between work, family, and everyday life, her kitchen slowly evolved from outdated wood cabinetry to a timeless space filled with character and warmth. Refacing her existing cabinets rather than replacing them allowed her to preserve the heart of her kitchen while giving it a completely new identity.
“The doors and drawer fronts were the final step,” Amy said. “It took five years from start to finish, but I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.”
Before: Vintage Charm with Room to Grow
Amy’s original kitchen was filled with natural wood cabinetry and classic hardware — solid and sturdy, but showing its age. The traditional doors with large iron hinges and dark finishes made the space feel closed in and dated.
“I loved the bones of the kitchen,” she said. “It just needed a refresh — something that still felt like my home, but more open and light.”
She wanted to keep the existing cabinet boxes intact and instead focus her efforts on refacing — replacing only the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. This gave her the creative freedom to select new styles, paint, and details while keeping the overall structure (and budget) manageable.
During: Thoughtful Design Decisions
Once she decided to reface, Amy began researching cabinet styles and materials that would pair well with her existing layout. She landed on two distinct yet complementary designs:
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Artesia cabinet doors for the uppers — a subtle, Shaker-inspired style with a timeless frame and the perfect surface for glass inserts.
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Valencia slab doors and drawer fronts for the lowers — sleek and minimal, adding modern contrast to the detailed upper cabinetry.
Amy also chose a custom outside edge (OE216) to bring more personality and structure to her cabinetry. This detail softened the straight lines while adding the kind of high-end finish you’d expect from a custom shop.
Shop the Look — Valencia & Artesia
- Paintable hardwood and MDF panel combinations
- Optional glass fronts for upper cabinets (leave panel open on Artesia)
- Custom edge profiles like OE216
- Full range of paint-grade finishes
“I wanted a design that felt intentional but approachable,” she explained. “The mix of slab and glass doors gave it balance — both functional and beautiful.”
The Finishing Touch: A Hand-Painted Olive Dream
For color, Amy went bold — but in a quiet way. She selected a muted olive green that walks the line between earthy and elegant. The tone instantly brightened the space while maintaining a sense of warmth that pairs beautifully with her wood floors and vintage kitchen accessories.
She painted the doors herself using a high-quality enamel finish for durability. The final result was smooth, soft, and timeless — the kind of shade that could live in a modern farmhouse or a 1920s cottage.
“The glass stops really added a nice finishing touch,” she said. “You may notice one glass front door is missing — the risk of DIY! I cracked the glass putting the stops in.”
Even so, the craftsmanship and care behind every detail are undeniable. From the brushed hardware to the crisp paint lines, every inch of Amy’s cabinetry reflects her patience and pride in the process.
After: A Kitchen Reborn
The final reveal is nothing short of stunning. The combination of Artesia glass-front doors and Valencia slab drawers creates visual balance, while the olive green hue gives the space a sophisticated, cohesive look. The updated hardware adds polish without overpowering the design, and the glass inserts provide a glimpse of her curated dishware and vintage pieces.
By refacing instead of replacing, Amy saved thousands of dollars and reduced waste — proving that with the right materials and a clear vision, a kitchen can be completely transformed without a full renovation.
Her total investment? $942.11 — a testament to what’s possible when quality meets creativity.
“Thank you for the quality workmanship — or should I say workwomanship,” Amy said with a laugh. “It turned out just the way I envisioned it.”
Why Refacing Works
Cabinet refacing is one of the most efficient ways to update a kitchen without the cost and disruption of a full remodel. It allows homeowners to:
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Keep their existing cabinet boxes while upgrading the exterior style.
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Choose from custom door styles, materials, and finishes.
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Save significantly on labor and materials compared to full replacement.
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Personalize the look with custom edges, glass panels, or hardware updates.
Amy’s project is the perfect example of how refacing can achieve a custom-built look at a fraction of the price.
Inspired by Amy’s DIY Cabinet Refacing in Nashville?
Whether you’re updating a kitchenette, coffee bar, or a full kitchen, our custom cabinet doors make it easy to bring your vision to life. Choose from unfinished, painted, or glass-ready options — all made to order in the USA.
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