Spruce Up Existing Cabinets

• Over time, grease, dust and dirt build up on cabinets, taking away their original sheen and leaving dull, dingy cabinet doors. Sometimes all you need to do to restore their clean white luster is round up a few supplies that are probably already in your kitchen pantry. Baking soda is a gentle cleaning agent yet strong enough to break down kitchen grime. Mix a little baking soda with some water and, using a soft sponge or soft cloth, clean your cabinets. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. If this leaves your cabinets slightly streaky, rinse them once more with using 1 cup of vinegar to 1 gallon of water.
  
  

Replace Hardware

• Home improvement stores and online shopping sites make it easier than ever to order new hardware for your kitchen cabinets. Replace old, dated brass or wood knobs with new silver or bronzed pulls and knobs. Don't forget to buy matching cupboard hinges that coordinate with your new knobs and pulls. Otherwise, your kitchen will have an unprofessional appearance. If budget is an issue, purchase updated hardware that matches existing hinges.
  
  

Paint or Glaze Cabinets

• Change white cabinets altogether by painting them a different color or antiquing them. Antiquing is a way to give your cabinets an old world look. The method involves applying a special glaze, normally brown or tan, and then using a soft cloth to wipe off most of the glaze, leaving a distressed look. Antiquing works best with raised-panel wood cabinet doors. For a more contemporary or retro look, paint your cabinets an entirely different color. Consult a paint store specialist before painting or glazing to ensure you purchase the proper paint for your cabinets.
  
  

Complete Refacing

• If you can't salvage your old white cabinets by cleaning or painting, replace them entirely. You can have an expert do the work for you or you can custom order doors online or at a home improvement center and install them yourself. As long as the main boxes for your cabinets are in good shape, new doors are all you should need.