From White to Smoky Blue: Claude’s Stunning Kitchen Makeover

When Claude decided to update his kitchen, he knew he wanted a fresh, modern look without the cost and hassle of a full remodel. His cabinets were still in good condition, but the old white thermofoil doors had started to delaminate. Instead of replacing everything, he opted for a cabinet refacing project using CabinetNow’s Finished Patriot Cabinet Doors in Sherwin-Williams Smoky Blue. The result? A stunning transformation from white cabinets to a bold, modern blue, creating a whole new atmosphere in his kitchen.

Why Reface Instead of Replace?

Claude’s kitchen was still functional, but the worn-out white doors made the space feel outdated. After researching his options, he realized that refacing—replacing just the doors and painting the cabinet frames—was the perfect solution. Not only would it save money, but it would also allow him to customize the final look while keeping his kitchen layout intact.

The Biggest Challenge: Painting the Frames

The most time-consuming part of Claude’s project was painting the existing white cabinet frames to match the new blue doors. Since he wanted a seamless transition, he purchased Sherwin-Williams Smoky Blue in a satin finish for the frames to match his new painted cabinet doors. He noted that the sheen was slightly different from the factory-finished doors, but the difference was subtle due to the application method.

“It was a lot of work,” Claude admitted. “I painted all the frames, inside and out, to make sure everything matched.”

The result? A professionally finished look that makes it hard to tell the cabinets weren’t entirely new. The shift from white to Smoky Blue added depth and sophistication to the space, making it feel like a completely new kitchen.

The Refacing Process: 20 Days of Transformation

Claude’s project took approximately 20 days of work, including:

• Removing old white doors and prepping the frames

• Sanding and priming the cabinet frames for smooth paint adhesion

• Painting the frames using a roller for even coverage in Smoky Blue

• Installing new CabinetNow doors, perfectly painted in Smoky Blue

Why CabinetNow?

Before choosing CabinetNow, Claude researched other vendors but found their reviews lacking. He was drawn to CabinetNow’s solid wood doors and the ability to order them factory-finished in his chosen color.

“I didn’t want to paint the doors myself because it’s very difficult to get a smooth surface without specialized equipment,” he explained. CabinetNow’s pre-painted doors eliminated that challenge, ensuring a flawless look.

Final Thoughts & Tips for Future DIYers

Claude’s biggest takeaway? Refacing is a rewarding project, but it requires patience and effort.

“It’s a lot of work,” he shared, “but the end result is worth it.” He also praised Logan from CabinetNow for being extremely helpful throughout the process.

For anyone considering a similar project, Claude recommends:

• Choosing high-quality cabinet doors to ensure durability

• Investing in good paint for a professional finish on the frames

• Taking time to prep properly, as it makes all the difference in the final look

A Stunning Transformation, One Door at a Time

Claude’s refacing project proves that you don’t need a full renovation to achieve a brand-new kitchen look. By combining CabinetNow’s pre-finished doors with a bit of DIY effort, he created a stylish, modern kitchen with a bold transition from white to Smoky Blue.

Thinking about refacing your own kitchen cabinets? Fill out our Free Quote for Refacing Cabinets form and get connected with our team of cabinetry experts! Explore CabinetNow’s selection of custom cabinet doors today!