Sometimes the “ugly” stuff just works better in real life.
- Couldn’t agree more, but I’ll admit I’m a sucker for a little impractical beauty now and then.
- In my 1920s place, I tried to keep the original built-ins—solid wood, not exactly “pretty” by modern standards, but they swallow up everything from soup pots to mismatched mugs. No fingerprints, no fuss.
- Glass-fronts look stunning in photos, but in a house with kids and a dog? Smudges everywhere. Plus, you end up curating your dishes like it’s a museum.
- If you want character without chaos, maybe try a mix—some closed cabinets for the “ugly” stuff, a few glass ones for your favorite pieces. That’s what worked for me.
- Function over form isn’t always glamorous, but it keeps the kitchen feeling like home instead of a showroom.
Sometimes I think the hype is fun, but living with it day-to-day is a whole different story...
Glass-fronts look stunning in photos, but in a house with kids and a dog? Smudges everywhere. Plus, you end up curating your dishes like it’s a museum.
That line about curating dishes made me laugh—so true. I tried glass-fronts once, back when I thought I could keep up with the “Pinterest kitchen” look. Lasted maybe two months before I gave up. The fingerprints were one thing, but the real kicker was realizing how much random stuff I actually use that just isn’t display-worthy. My chipped mixing bowls and hand-me-down Tupperware aren’t exactly Instagram material.
I’ve got a 1915 bungalow, and the original cabinets are these chunky, painted wood things with latches that stick half the time. Not pretty by modern standards, but man, they’re sturdy. There’s something to be said for cabinets that can take a beating and hide all the chaos inside. I did add one small glass-front for my grandma’s old teacups—mostly because they’re too pretty to keep hidden—but everything else is behind solid doors.
Honestly, every time I see those all-open shelving kitchens online, I wonder if anyone actually cooks in them or if it’s just for show. Maybe it works if you’re super tidy or don’t have kids flinging spaghetti sauce around... but for most of us? Give me closed doors any day.
Mixing things up like you mentioned—some closed, some open—seems like the sweet spot if you want a bit of character without losing your mind over clutter. At the end of the day, “function over form isn’t always glamorous,” but it definitely keeps things sane. My kitchen will never win design awards, but at least I can find my potato masher without moving a stack of artfully arranged plates.
If there’s one thing old houses teach you, it’s that “ugly” often just means “built to last.” And honestly? That’s starting to look pretty good to me these days.
Totally agree—closed cabinets are underrated. I tried open shelving in my last apartment because it looked “easy” and cheap, but honestly, it just meant dusting more and stressing over mismatched mugs. Have you found any budget-friendly ways to update old cabinets without a full reno? I’m always tempted by those DIY paint kits, but not sure if they hold up.
I’ve been down the DIY cabinet paint kit road a couple times. Honestly, they’re decent if you prep right—like, sanding and cleaning is non-negotiable, otherwise the paint just chips off in a few months. The kits with a bonding primer seem to last better, but I’d still avoid scrubbing them too hard. If you’re into a more durable finish, I’ve had better luck with a good quality primer and regular cabinet paint from the hardware store, but it takes more effort.
If your cabinets are structurally sound but just look tired, swapping out hardware can make a bigger difference than you’d think. I once replaced some dated brass pulls with matte black handles and it felt like a new kitchen for under $50. Have you ever tried peel-and-stick wallpaper inside cabinets or drawers? It’s a small touch but kinda fun and hides old stains pretty well... Curious if anyone else has had luck with that or if it just peels after a while.
Kitchen Redesign Adventure: Worth the Hype or Not?
I’ve got a 1920s kitchen that’s seen more paint layers than I care to admit. Tried those cabinet kits once—honestly, the prep nearly broke me. You’re right, if you skip sanding, you’ll regret it every time a mug bumps the door. I ended up with chips around the handles after six months, and I swear I followed all the steps. Maybe my old wood just holds a grudge.
Swapping hardware is underrated though. I switched out some weirdly ornate pulls for simple brushed nickel ones and suddenly my cabinets looked less like they belonged in a haunted house. It’s wild how much that changes the vibe for so little money.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper inside cabinets? Gave it a shot last year in two drawers. Looked great at first, but after a few months, one corner started curling up—probably from humidity (my house is basically a sponge). Still, it covered up some ancient stains and made me smile every time I opened the drawer... until it didn’t stick anymore. Maybe there’s a trick to getting it to stay put? Or maybe my house just rejects anything new.
Curious if anyone’s managed to get paint or wallpaper to actually last on old cabinets without going full renovation mode. Sometimes feels like these old kitchens have their own opinions about what they’ll tolerate.
