Easy DIY Built-In Cabinet Makeover Using Paint and Contact Paper
- Mama Poe

- Apr 17, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: 52 minutes ago

*Please note: some links provided below may be Amazon affiliate links! At no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from the products below if you click on them and make a purchase.
Our home was built in 1908, but unfortunately, it didn't come with the gorgeous original built-ins you typically picture in historic homes. Instead, we inherited... this.

I'm guessing it was added sometime in the '70s, and while it was functional, it definitely wasn't my style.
The good news? This makeover ended up being one of the easiest DIY projects we've completed in our home. With just a little paint, contact paper, and new cabinet hardware, I completely transformed the look of this built-in for a fraction of the cost of replacing it.
If you're looking for an inexpensive cabinet makeover, here's how I transformed the way this built-in cabinet looked. Simply click any image to view the product on Amazon, or shop everything in one place at my storefront linked below ⤵
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The 3 Biggest Game Changers in My DIY Built-In Cabinet Makeover
Paint
For the paint, I just got a cheap(er) kind off of Amazon. I do typically go to Sherwin Williams for all my painting needs, but I have absolutely no complaints about this paint. I picked a Greige color because I am so confused on if I want to warm my house up a bit or stay more cool-toned. This was a perfect in-between color!
Contact Paper
I again wanted a neutral print. My house is decorated in blues, grays, reds, and tans throughout. Something that tied all these colors together without being too busy was important for me. I loved the idea of a stone print, but felt like brick would look too tacky/in-your-face fake. I also wanted something that would withstand trends. Wallpaper/contact paper is becoming SO trendy at the moment, but I unfortunately don't see it being long lasting. I love the floral grandma prints just as much as the next gal, but I can't see them still being "trendy" in even just 2 years from now. I settled on this Terrazzo contact paper from RoomMates. I give this contact paper 10/10. The image on Amazon is exactly like what I received in terms of appearance. Bonus: it's a forgiving pattern, so if you mess up (like I did, about 10 times...) you won't even notice. I also love that the image is slightly softened because I think it makes it look a little bit more like actual Terrazzo stone - whereas other ones I looked at were so bold that they looked cheap.
Hardware
This is totally personal preference. I picked these cheaper, simple knobs off Amazon. I wasn't absolutely crazy about these, but I liked the price point. At the time I purchased, they were $31 for 25 knobs. So, after transforming this built-in, I was able to match the knobs in our kitchen with these. Double win!
Before & After
Final Thoughts
I'm always amazed by how much of a difference a few inexpensive updates can make.
This built-in went from feeling outdated and overlooked to becoming one of my favorite little corners of our home—all without replacing the cabinet itself.
If you're tackling a similar project, don't be afraid to work with what you already have. A little paint, updated hardware, and peel-and-stick contact paper can completely change the look of a space for far less than a full renovation.
Posted from the heart,
Mama Poe
Continue ReadingIf you're looking for more DIY inspo, check out these posts: 🔨 Front Porch Makeover on a Budget: How We Transformed Our 1908 Porch 🛝 How I DIY'ed Our Unfinished Basement Into a Toddler Playroom (Budget-Friendly + Mom Sanity Saver) |
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