Soft-close is nice, but if the cabinets are still dated, it just feels like putting lipstick on a pig.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I used to think the same—why bother with little upgrades if the big stuff still screams 90s? But honestly, sometimes those small changes make daily life less annoying. Still, holding out for a full reno makes sense if you’re eyeing a bigger transformation.
why bother with little upgrades if the big stuff still screams 90s?
But isn’t it kinda fun to give those “screaming 90s” cabinets a little hush with soft-close? I mean, yeah, a full reno is the dream, but what about the landfill? I slapped new hardware and soft-close hinges on my old doors, and now they’re like vintage with a secret superpower. Is it perfect? Nope. But at least I’m not waking up the whole house for a midnight snack. Anyone else feel weirdly proud of making old stuff work?
Honestly, I get a weird satisfaction from those little upgrades too. Swapping out crusty old knobs for something sleek or adding soft-close hinges is like giving your kitchen a mini facelift without the demolition dust. Sometimes I’ll even paint the cabinet boxes—yeah, 90s shape and all—but suddenly it feels intentional, almost retro-cool. Not every space needs a gut job to feel fresh... small tweaks can totally change the vibe (and save a ton of cash and waste).
Honestly, I’m right there with you—sometimes just swapping out hardware or slapping on a fresh coat of paint makes the whole space feel new. My wallet definitely thanks me for not going full HGTV demo mode. Plus, I kinda like the “vintage” cabinet shapes now... or maybe I’m just used to ‘em? Either way, those little tweaks go a long way.
Totally get what you mean about the vintage cabinet shapes. I used to think ours looked kinda dated, but after living with them for years, I’ve grown weirdly attached. There’s something about the old woodwork and quirky details you just don’t see in newer kitchens. Quick fixes like paint and swapping hardware really do wonders—plus, they’re way less stressful than tearing everything out.
I’ve always wondered if anyone’s regretted going full demo mode, though. Like, after all that mess and money, does it really feel worth it? For me, keeping the original cabinets felt like a win—preserved a bit of the house’s character and saved a bundle. But sometimes I do get tempted by those shiny, modern kitchens on TV... Have you ever felt like you missed out by not doing a bigger reno, or do you think the small changes are enough?
