How to Make Your Kitchen Look Custom with 3 Effortless Upgrades

When it comes to transforming your kitchen, it’s often the smallest design choices that make the biggest visual impact. According to Alecia Taylor, a designer at CabinetNow, one of the easiest and most stylish upgrades you can make is adding floating shelves. Recently featured in a Food Republic article, Taylor shared her favorite go-to tip for clients who want to boost both function and style without committing to a full gut renovation.

“Floating shelves are a great way to bring character into a kitchen while maintaining an open and airy feel,” Taylor says.

And she’s right — whether you're a minimalist or a maximalist, open shelving adds a custom designer touch while keeping daily essentials close at hand. But there’s more to it than just mounting a slab of wood on the wall. Read on for Alecia’s top styling advice — and how you can take your kitchen refresh even further with range hoods and custom cabinet doors.

Start with Statement-Making Floating Shelves

If you’re replacing upper cabinets, floating shelves are an elegant alternative. But the key to making them look intentional — and not like an afterthought — is all in the details.

Choose premium wood finishes like:

• White Oak for a rich grain pattern
  
  
• Maple for a smooth, modern finish
  
  
• Black Walnut for bold contrast
  
  

Not only are these woods durable, but they pair beautifully with natural stone countertops and modern cabinet colors. Also choose from trendy colors to match your cabinetry!

Pro Tip: Don't forget the hardware. Brass or black metal brackets can add contrast and highlight the shelf design. Or, for a seamless look, opt for true “floating” mounts that disappear into the wall.

Make Shelving Feel Built-In and Curated

Where you install your shelves matters just as much as what you put on them. Aim for heights that are accessible but not disruptive to your work zones. If your shelving wraps around a corner, even better — you’ve just created a bonus coffee nook or bar area.

To style your open shelves like a pro, Alecia recommends:

• Mixing functional pieces (like everyday dishes) with decorative elements
  
  
• Keeping clutter at bay by grouping items by color
  
  
• Layering in artwork, ceramics, or even cookbooks to add depth

Bonus Hack: Want your kitchen to feel more cohesive? Replace your old cabinet doors with custom ones in the same finish as your new shelves for a unified, high-end look.

Don’t Stop at Shelves — Upgrade Your Range Hood

If you’re updating your kitchen’s upper wall space, the range hood is another opportunity to add character. Our custom range hoods come in 14 styles and 17 material finishes, offering everything from modern curves to farmhouse classics — all shipped in just 10 days.

Pairing a wood range hood with matching floating shelves can tie the space together beautifully. Whether you're designing a modern Scandinavian-inspired kitchen or leaning into a rustic farmhouse look, the right range hood becomes both a focal point and a functional upgrade.

Refacing: The Ultimate Style + Budget Combo

Replacing full cabinetry isn’t always necessary. If your cabinet boxes are still in good shape, refacing them with replacement cabinet doors is one of the most impactful changes you can make.

Here’s why refacing is worth considering:

• It’s more affordable than a full remodel
  
  
• You get custom sizing, so it fits your exact space
  
  
• CabinetNow offers finishes in painted, stained, wood veneer, and thermofoil

You can even order glass-ready doors for a semi-open look, or mix and match styles — think slab doors on lowers and shaker on uppers — for a kitchen that feels curated and intentional.

The Takeaway

From open shelving and stylish range hoods to high-end cabinet doors, refreshing your kitchen doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A few thoughtful swaps can elevate the entire room.

If you’re ready to update your kitchen with custom floating shelves, reface your cabinets, or add a show-stopping range hood, explore our full selection at CabinetNow.

And if you're looking for the design inspo that sparked this guide, check out our mention in Food Republic.

Want help with a design plan? Our experts are here to help — get a free quote and design consultation today.