7 Ways to Modernize Cream Kitchen Cabinets

Cream kitchen cabinets are often associated with overly traditional kitchens and dated designs. It makes it challenging for modern-day homeowners to consider these beautiful cabinets for their contemporary kitchen settings. As the demand for warm, neutral cabinetry witnesses a resurgence, several homeowners and interior designers turn to cream kitchen cabinetry to create head-turning, aesthetic visual environments. 

Whether you want to entirely renovate your kitchen or give it a fresh, timeless look, then you must consider installing cream kitchen cabinets with a twist. Instead of investing in traditional cabinet designs, implement the following ways to modernize cream cabinets so they seamlessly integrate into any kitchen style.

1. Update Hardware with Modern Finishes

One of the easiest ways to infuse traditional cream cabinets with contemporary accents is by swapping dated cabinet hardware with modern ones. You can begin by placing black pulls and knobs as they create a striking contrast against the cream cabinet surface. Adding brushed gold hardware adds instant sophistication and warmth. 

If you want a designer, cohesive look, explore handles that span at least 1/3rd of the drawer width. Another option to transform ordinary cream cabinets into contemporary masterpieces is installing long, sleek handles in brushed gold or matte black finish. 

2. Add Glass Inserts to Select Cabinets

If you think cream kitchen cabinets create a monotonous appearance across your kitchen, you can break it by adding glass inserts in the cabinets. The market offers different types of glass inserts, so pick the one that best fits your preferences. 

For example, clear glass inserts are better for displaying curated items, whereas frosted or seeded glass inserts are recommended to add modern texture and hide less organized items. 

To avoid major work, replace only the center panel, keeping the cabinet frame intact. Such simple modifications help lighten the cabinet’s visual weight while maintaining its storage functionality.

3. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting

Place LED strip lighting beneath your cream kitchen cabinets to instantly give them contemporary vibes. These lights illuminate your countertop and make cream cabinets look intentionally modern. We recommend installing warm white LEDs instead of cool lights, as they enhance the cream cabinets’ warmth instead of creating harsh contrast. 

These lights stand out because they can create depth and dimension via subtle glow. If you want a more modern look and feel, explore under-cabinet lighting systems featuring dimming capabilities and wireless switches.

4. Paint Contrasting Island Cabinets

Transform your kitchen into a designer masterpiece by painting your island cabinets in a contrasting color while keeping the perimeter cabinets cream. While there are numerous colors that would beautifully complement cream cabinets, our top picks include deep navy, sage green, and charcoal. These hues create a sophisticated contrast without overwhelming the space. 

This two-tone approach is highly recommended for homeowners who don’t like monotonous appearances in any space. While exploring the color, look for shades that complement your countertop and kitchen palette. 

5. Remove Cabinet Doors for Open Shelving

If you have some old cream kitchen cabinets with high sentimental value, you can repair them a little instead of swapping them with modern cabinets. A strategic approach includes removing select cabinet doors to transform them into open shelving outlets. You can use them to display your best kitchenware, cookbook collection, decorative items, etc. 

While implementing this tip, remember to remove cabinet doors that frame the window or range hood for a balanced visual impact. Once done, paint the cabinet interiors with cream or a complementing shade for a gorgeous, head-turning look. This tip always works wonders because it instantly lightens the kitchen’s appearance while infusing the space with personality.

6. Update Crown Molding and Trim

Whether you plan to buy cream kitchen cabinets or already have them, you can modify their design slightly to infuse a healthy balance of traditional and contemporary vibes. One of the best modifications is replacing old, ornate crown molding with sleeker, simplified profiles featuring clean lines. 

Adding sleek base molding above the toe kick and thin light rails beneath upper cabinets can transform your traditional cream cabinet frames into a contemporary wonder. You can also replace the old trim with a modern one, as its minimal detail subtly replaces traditional highlights earlier presented in elaborate curves and carvings.

7. Add Modern Backsplash Contrast

If you don’t want to make any changes to your cream kitchen cabinets, consider replacing your old backsplash with a modern one. This simple adjustment can change how cream cabinets are perceived in a space. You can replace the old backsplash with interesting options, such as backsplash with geometric patterns, large-format marble-look tiles, elongated subway tiles, etc.

Place them in unexpected layouts so they exhibit a modern contrast against traditional cream cabinets. You can also carry the backsplash to the ceiling behind open shelving or range hoods for a dramatic, bold impact. Another great option is adding darker grout lines with light tiles, as they create a head-turning graphic interest. Changes like these can make your cabinets appear modern without making any direct adjustments to them.

Giving Cream Kitchen Cabinets a New Lease of Life

Cream kitchen cabinets always looked spectacular and elegant, but they started becoming less popular as more modern cabinetry was introduced in the market. Since these cream cabinets possess a distinct visual charm and timeless elegance, it’s natural for most homeowners not to want to replace them with any other cabinetry. 

If you love cream cabinets, you can implement the tips discussed in this article to make them look modern instead of replacing them. However, we recommend implementing only one tip at a time to avoid creating visual chaos in your kitchen.