made in the USA
This Rhode Island Kitchen Went Bold in Black for Just $2K
Refacing your kitchen doesn’t have to mean a full remodel budget. Ann proved that with a sleek, modern update that feels totally custom — without replacing her cabinet boxes.
For this transformation, she ordered Camden cabinet doors (3/4") in Maple Paint Grade and finished them in a bold, dramatic black. She matched the look with Camden solid drawer fronts (3/4") for a seamless, built-in feel — all for around $2K.
To keep installation smooth and predictable, Ann also had her doors bored for hinges using Bore Pattern U (a popular choice when you want alignment to feel “factory clean”). If you’re not sure what bore pattern you need, this guide makes it easy: Cabinet hinge bore options.
A Modern Black Kitchen Refresh That Looks Fully Custom
Black cabinetry can look either “flat” or incredibly elevated — and the difference is almost always in the details: the door profile, the consistency of the finish, and the way everything aligns once installed.
Ann’s choice of the Camden profile brought that tailored, design-forward look right away. It has presence (without feeling heavy), and it’s a strong match for modern hardware, statement lighting, and clean backsplash lines. Pairing the doors with matching Camden solid drawer fronts kept the whole kitchen feeling intentional — like it was designed that way from the start.
 |
 |
 |
 |
The Smart Way to Reface (And Keep It Around $2K)
If your cabinet boxes are still solid, refacing is one of the cleanest “before-and-after” wins you can do. You keep the layout you already like, skip the demolition mess, and put your budget where it matters most: the parts you see and touch every day.
Ann’s approach is a great blueprint for a high-impact, low-drama upgrade:
- Keep the boxes (assuming they’re structurally sound and level)
- Swap doors + drawer fronts to instantly modernize the look
- Use paint-grade material to get a smooth, consistent finish
- Pre-bore hinge cups so installation stays simple and aligned
Want a step-by-step walkthrough of the overall refacing process? This guide is a great place to start: The cheap way to reface kitchen cabinets.
How to Measure for New Cabinet Doors
The easiest way to avoid reorders and get that clean “custom fit” look
If you want your refacing project to look truly seamless (like Ann’s), measurement is everything. Here’s the simple, repeatable process that keeps installs clean and predictable.
1. Start With the Openings (Not the Old Doors)
Measure the cabinet box openings to the nearest 1/16". Old doors can be misleading if they’ve warped, shifted, or were never sized perfectly in the first place.
2. Confirm Your Overlay Before You Finalize Sizes
Overlay is what determines how much the door covers the face frame (or cabinet edge). If you’re matching an existing hinge setup, your overlay matters just as much as width and height.
3. Label Everything Like a Mini Blueprint
Sketch your kitchen and label each opening (A1, A2, B1…). That way, when the doors arrive, install is fast — and nothing gets swapped by accident.
4. Decide Hinge Boring Up Front
If you want the easiest install, ordering your doors bored for hinges is the move. Ann chose Bore Pattern U. If you’re comparing patterns, use this reference page: Bore options (hinge boring patterns).
Why Maple Paint Grade Works So Well for Black Cabinets
Black is unforgiving — it shows texture, uneven sheen, and tiny surface flaws more than almost any other color. That’s why Maple Paint Grade is such a smart choice for a painted reface. It gives you a smoother surface to work with, and it’s built for clean paint results (especially when you take your time with primer and sanding).
And pairing a bold black finish with a profile like Camden keeps the look sharp but not sterile. It feels modern, but still warm enough to live with long-term.
DIY Perspective: The “Small Decisions” That Make Refacing Look Professional
Ann’s project is a perfect reminder that refacing isn’t just swapping doors — it’s making a few smart choices that protect your time, your budget, and your final result.
- Door + drawer consistency: matching profiles is what makes the kitchen feel “designed,” not pieced together.
- Hinge boring: prepped doors help you avoid alignment headaches and speed up install.
- Paint-grade material: especially important when painting dark colors like black.
- Refacing strategy: keep what’s working (the boxes) and invest in what changes the look (doors, drawer fronts, hardware, paint).
Planning Your Own Cabinet Refacing Project?
If Ann’s $2K transformation has you inspired, start with the basics: a solid plan, accurate measurements, and the right door style. Refacing is one of the fastest ways to get a “new kitchen” look without the remodel disruption.
Read the Refacing GuideMade to order • Custom sizes • Designed for DIY success
