Existing Crown Molding Looked Different Once the Cabinets Turned White
Many kitchen makeovers begin with tearing out cabinets, but this one kept every cabinet box exactly where it was. Reddit user u/BakedPenna spent about two months transforming the kitchen for less than $500, using paint, added trim on the existing cabinet doors, new hardware, a subway tile backsplash, under-cabinet lighting, and careful preparation instead of a full remodel.
Rather than replacing the honey oak cabinets, the homeowner updated the original doors with a shaker-style appearance, painted every cabinet and the existing crown molding white, concealed the lighting wiring inside the wall, and finished the room with a classic white backsplash that changed how the entire kitchen looked.
Honey Oak Cabinets Defined the Original Kitchen
The kitchen originally featured honey oak cabinets, dark granite countertops, black appliances, and painted drywall between the countertops and upper cabinets. Crown molding already finished the tops of the cabinets, while the wood flooring and overall layout remained in good condition.
The room functioned well, but the warm wood cabinets dominated the space. Without a backsplash, hardware, or under-cabinet lighting, the kitchen relied almost entirely on the cabinet finish for its appearance.
Cabinet Doors Came Off Before Any Paint Went On
Preparation became one of the largest parts of the project. Cabinet doors and drawers were removed while the cabinet boxes stayed in place, making it easier to sand, prime, and paint every visible surface.
Masking protected the countertops, appliances, and surrounding walls before the finish coats were applied. Keeping the original cabinets eliminated demolition while creating a clean foundation for the makeover.
Cabinet Frames Revealed the Project in Progress
With the doors removed, the cabinet interiors and frames became visible as the transformation moved forward. The photos capture the kitchen between preparation and painting, with shelves exposed and work continuing across every cabinet run.
At this stage, the focus remained on updating what already existed rather than replacing it. The cabinet boxes, layout, countertops, and appliances all stayed in place while the finishes changed around them.
White Paint Changed the Entire Kitchen
Once the cabinets were painted white, the room immediately felt brighter. The existing dark granite countertops and black appliances now created contrast instead of blending into the surrounding cabinetry.
New black knobs and drawer pulls introduced another layer of definition. Instead of uninterrupted wood surfaces, every cabinet door and drawer became easier to distinguish.
Existing Crown Molding Became Part of the Design
The crown molding was already part of the original kitchen, but painting it the same white finish as the cabinets changed how it was perceived. Instead of blending into the honey oak, it now visually connects each cabinet run into one continuous installation.
The cabinet above the microwave also stands out more after painting. Combined with the matching trim, it creates a stronger focal point without changing the kitchen layout.
Under-Cabinet Lighting Went Inside the Wall
Rather than leaving visible cords beneath the cabinets, the homeowner opened sections of drywall to route the wiring inside the wall before repairing the surface.
The collage follows each stage of the process, from exposed drywall and patched openings to the finished backsplash covering the repairs. Once complete, the lighting appears integrated into the kitchen instead of added afterward.
Subway Tile Filled the Empty Wall
Painted drywall gave way to a white subway tile backsplash that now extends across every section of countertop. The backsplash creates a continuous surface behind the work areas while reflecting the under-cabinet lighting.
Together, the tile and lighting give the kitchen more visual depth without changing its footprint or replacing the countertops.
Black Hardware Finished the Cabinet Doors
Small black knobs and drawer pulls completed the cabinet makeover. The darker hardware contrasts with the white paint, making each door and drawer stand out while complementing the black appliances.
The updated cabinet doors also show the added trim that creates their shaker-style appearance, giving the original cabinetry a more custom look without replacing the doors themselves.
White Paint Revealed Details Hidden by the Original Finish
Comparing the finished kitchen with the original highlights how much changed without altering the layout. The cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, and crown molding all remained, while paint, added door trim, hardware, lighting, and backsplash completely changed the overall appearance.
Instead of relying on a full renovation, the project demonstrates how updating the existing cabinetry and surrounding finishes can produce a dramatically different kitchen while preserving much of what was already there.
Image credits: Reddit user u/BakedPenna and imgur.