How To Update Old Cabinet Doors - Cut and Paste With O'verLay's

I have a special post for you today! Ya'll, I am so excited to be participating in my very first Fab Furniture Flippin' Contest! If you have not heard of this, it is where a group of bloggers compete to win prizes by making over a piece of furniture. There is a different theme and brand sponsor each month. This month the theme is "Cut n Paste with Overlays" and we are using decorative panels from a company called O'verlays, to update a piece of furniture.

So let me show you what I updated...

In our basement, we have a built in cabinet/counter area that used to be part of a kitchenette that we ripped out during our basement renovation. We decided to keep this built in, because I thought it would be perfect for a snack/beverage area to use when entertaining. The only problem is that it was painted the ugliest shades of brown and tan that you could find, the cabinet doors were old and had some wear, and the hardware was outdated. (Pardon the mess around it...it's in a renovation zone!)

I decided I would use the O'verlays to cover some of the wear on the cabinets and give the built in a fresh look! I picked the Harper Mini, because I thought the square design would modernize the look and compliment the rest of our decor.

Prepping and Painting:

First, I removed the cabinet doors and the hardware, which I am also replacing with modern ones.

Next, I wiped everything down really well with soapy water and let dry. Since I plan on painting the basements walls I pale grey, I decided to go with a darker grey for the built ins to add contrast. I shopped my stash to find a Behr sample I had purchased for $.50 on the clearance paint rack from Home Depot. (always check the paint section!)

Once I had the doors off, I noticed 2 small holes in the bottom doors from old hardware that needed filling. Once the wood filler was dry, I gave everything a light sanding then wiped the dust off before I started painting.

Once I painted two coats of the grey, I realized how dingy the tile looked, so I raided my stash and found a jar of American Decor Outdoor paint in white. I painted two coats on the tile and the trim to make it pop.

Installing the O'verlays:

Lay the O'verlays on a flat surface and use a utility knife to cut them to size. It was pretty easy to cut them and you can easily sand the rough edges with a sanding block or handheld electric sander.

Once the pieces were cut to size, I measured and marked where I wanted them to fit on the cabinet doors using painters tape. I put several dabs of Liquid Nails on the back of the panels to secure them to the doors.

Once everything was dry, I replaced the hardware and hung the cabinet doors. I cannot believe what a difference the paint and decorative panels made to this built in. It went from a piece that blended in to the wall to a statement piece!

It is perfect for setting up a snack and beverage station in our new family room!

After I took the "Final photos" for this post, I decided to switch out the drawer pull with a more retro looking one from D. Lawless Hardware. I think it looks better with the square pulls. 

BEFORE

AFTER

Head over and see how the host's projects turned out and get inspired by the other participants too!

If you would like to participate in future contests, please contact info@fabfurnitureflippincontest.com to find out how!

Evey's Creations

Saved By Scottie

Ritzy Parties, Inc

My DIY Envy

Disclosure:  A special thanks to O'verlays and D. Lawless Hardware for providing product for this Fab Furniture Flippin' Contest. All opinions are 100% my own.