70's Old Kitchen Cabinets Makeover: Budget-Friendly Ideas

How to Give Your 70’s Kitchen Cabinets a Stylish Makeover on a Budget

Tired of those dated avocado-green kitchen cabinets staring back at you every morning? The 1970s had great style—just not in kitchens. The good news is, you don’t need a sledgehammer or a massive budget to refresh your cabinets. With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can transform those retro relics into a centerpiece that works for today’s tastes and lifestyles. Explore retro interior design trends for more ideas.

Start Small: Upgrade the Hardware

You’d be amazed at what swapping out old knobs and pulls can do. Replacing dated brass or white enamel hardware with sleek matte black, brushed gold, or modern silver options can instantly modernize your cabinets. This is a straightforward, beginner-friendly fix that costs less than $100. To learn about the different hardware styles, discover this guide to vintage hardware.

Quick Tip: Spray Paint on a Budget

If you're not ready to part with the existing hardware, give it a coat of metallic spray paint in trendy tones like gold or satin black for a fresh update without breaking the bank. You can also find ideas in our timeless design ideas.

Color is King: Paint Your Cabinets

Painting your cabinets is one of the most transformative changes you can make. A simple coat of paint—paired with some patience—can turn a 1970s kitchen into a modern culinary haven.

How-to Cheat Sheet:

1. Remove cabinet doors and hardware.
2. Sand lightly and wipe clean.
3. Prime (don’t skip this step—it’s vital for adhesion).
4. Paint with your choice of color (a contrasting two-toned palette, such as white uppers and navy or forest green lowers, works wonders).

Costing under $100 with basic supplies, this DIY upgrade is ideal for intermediate-level enthusiasts and delivers maximum impact.

Popular Finishes to Consider:

• High-Gloss: A modern, easy-to-clean option.
• Distressed: Perfect if you're leaning into a rustic or farmhouse vibe.
• Antiqued: Highlights detailing on the wood for a timeless look.

Get Hands-On with Contact Paper

For a quick, renter-friendly solution, consider using contact paper. Available in textures like faux wood, marble, or matte solid colors, it’s an easy way to refresh your cabinets without committing to something permanent (or expensive). During this process, consider having temporary kitchen cabinets for convenience.

Pro Tip: Apply in sections and use a credit card to smooth out air bubbles. Patience is key here!

Add Modern Touches: Glass Inserts and Shelving

If the wood-heavy look of 70s cabinets feels too clunky, try swapping some doors for glass inserts or remove them entirely for open shelving. Glass front cabinets, whether clear or frosted, can make your kitchen feel lighter and more modern.

Not sure about the DIY route? Glass inserts cost $5-20 per sheet, but professional help may run between $300-$500 a day. Alternatively, ditch the doors altogether for open shelving—perfect for displaying dishes and making your kitchen feel airy.

Extra Flair: Small Changes, Big Impact

Little design upgrades can make a huge difference:

• Add crown molding to the tops of the cabinets for a chic custom-built look.
• Install undercabinet lighting to make work surfaces shine and add a modern touch.
• Use pull-out shelves for better organization in those deep, hard-to-reach corners.

And if you really want to dial up your kitchen’s charm, consider a butcher block-topped island or even a plate rack for vintage-meets-modern functionality. For inspiration, check out the kitchen remodeling ideas.

Think Green: Embrace Durable 70s Materials

While those original cabinets might scream outdated, their solid wood construction (common in the 70s) is a major asset today. Instead of gutting them, refinish and modernize. Oak laminate cabinets are also popular for their durability and take well to painting, sanding, or cover-ups like veneer.

Let’s Get to Work

Ready to make your ’70s kitchen the star of your home? Whether you're swapping hardware or going all-in on a two-tone paint job, the options above offer affordable, impactful upgrades anyone can tackle. What’s your next project? Share your kitchen makeover ideas or drop your questions in the comments below!

Ravinte Kitchen Hardware Cabinets Cupboard

Transform your kitchen with the sleek and modern Ravinte Kitchen Hardware Cabinet Handles. This 55-pack of 5-inch, matte black, square cabinet handles delivers a contemporary edge to any cabinetry. Whether you're revamping your 70's old kitchen cabinets or starting fresh, these black drawer pulls offer the perfect blend of style and functionality, making them an ideal choice for a stunning kitchen makeover.

L211101 Adhesion High Bonding Interior 1 Gallon

Revitalize your 70's old kitchen cabinets with the KILZ Adhesion Primer. This high-bonding primer is ideal for adhering to a variety of challenging surfaces, providing a strong foundation for DIY makeovers. Whether you're transforming vintage cabinets or tackling other interior projects, this versatile primer ensures a secure bond that enhances durability and finish quality. Perfect for prepping surfaces before applying fresh paint or wallpaper, it’s a must-have for any renovation. Turn your dated kitchen into a modern masterpiece with confidence using KILZ Adhesion Primer.

RZDEAL Cabinet Kitchen Handles Hardware

Transform your outdated kitchen cabinets with the RZDEAL Solid Brass Cabinet Pulls. This 5-pack of brushed gold pulls is designed to bring a touch of modern elegance to your space, perfectly complementing a 70's cabinet makeover. With a 3-inch hole center, these sturdy pulls are easy to install and will instantly refresh the look of your kitchen. Upgrade your handles to these luxurious, durable hardware pieces and watch your kitchen transform with timeless style and functionality.

Wallpaper Adhesive Removable Decorative Countertop

Transform your kitchen with the CiCiwind Red Brown Wood Peel and Stick Wallpaper. Perfect for a 70's Old Kitchen Cabinets Makeover, this removable decorative countertop adhesive offers a warm wood grain texture that breathes new life into outdated spaces. Measuring 78.7” x 17.7”, it provides a simple and stylish solution for revamping cabinets, walls, or countertops without the hassle. Easy to apply and remove, this faux vinyl covering allows for a seamless transformation that stays on trend, keeping your kitchen looking fresh and modern.