Budget-Friendly Grey, Gold + Pink Kitchen Makeover

Time to show you the budget-friendly, grey, gold and pink makeover we gave my Mom's kitchen!
 
We ran into some small problems along the way, like backsplash tile which never showed up and peel and stick flooring which refuses to stay stuck.  Mom has this weird aversion to backsplash tile, so she was thrilled by the former problem - but kind of bummed by the latter.  There's also still a little more we'd like to do in here: after 20+ years, my Dad finally installed the under cabinet lighting but we still need to paint and install the corresponding trim.  We'd also like to add more art above the coffee station and we're on the hunt for the perfect rug - although my Mom had a cute rag rug already that works well for now.

These little details will be ironed out over the months to come because Mom and I are both fans of slow (read: we're broke) design, but I didn't want to make you wait any longer because I've teased you with this kitchen refresh since the summer! 

So let's get to it!  Here's a look at the before:

Mom's kitchen, which my parents renovated in the 1980s, looked super cute at one time, with a light and bright mint green, peach and white color combo.  She really made the best of a small, dark kitchen on a budget - a classic, all white kitchen still looks good today.  But the wallpaper had long ago peeled off the walls, the vinyl flooring was discolored from the glue, the laminate counters were chipped, and the melamine cabinets had started to bubble (one reason I avoid melamine like the plague).  Her light fixture was missing (long story), the faucet was dented, the fluorescent light fixture about the sink was just a naked bulb.  Plus it was SO cluttered and messy, because it's difficult to care about keeping a space orderly when it looks shabby.  Mom was always complaining about a lack of counter space to actually cook in here, plus a too large dining table - the only space to eat in the house - really made the kitchen cramped.

The kitchen is really in need of a major reno, but that's not in the cards for my parents right now, so Mom and I rolled up our sleeves.  There's nothing a little paint and de-cluttering can't fix!

Here's a look at the kitchen today:



Pictures don't accurately capture how cozy and fresh this kitchen feels now - it just glows, thanks to the soft pink walls and touches of brushed gold.  Here's a closer look at everything we did:

The Cabinets:

The first thing we did was paint the melamine kitchen cabinets with Rust-Oleum's Cabinet Transformations Kit (in Winter Fog, un-glazed) which adheres SO well - even on melamine - with no sanding required.   If you look close, you can still see some flaws where the melamine was bubbling, but it looks so much better than before!  It's also a great way for Mom to experiment with a darker cabinet color, something she's been contemplating for the real reno.

I took photos in different lighting conditions, and you can see how sometimes it reads more pink and sometimes more golden - it's such a pretty wall color/cabinetry combo.

The Walls:

We painted the yellow walls a soft pink (Behr's Shea) because out of all of the paint swatches we considered (numbering in the hundreds, I'm sure), this soft pink looked the freshest and cheeriest under all lighting conditions.  It really brightened the room - even more than white - which was essential for this dark kitchen.  We replaced the baseboard because we found baseboard identical to the to 1950s baseboard elsewhere in the house, but we left the door and window trim.  After an afternoon of caulking (my favorite job), we painted out the trim to match the walls for a seamless look.

The Counters:

To keep things bright, we refinished Mom's laminate counters in a glittering white!  They were in really rough shape, with chips, stains, and missing pieces.  The laminate was even de-laminating from the MDF base.  Click here for the tutorial because I shared some great tips for repairing the laminate counters: we glued back the laminate and where pieces were missing, I built them back up with a mold-able epoxy compound.  Then we used Rust-Oleum's Countertop Transformations Mica (in white) and the counters are now a sparkly white:

It's difficult to photograph, but they just sparkle like crazy when the sun shines in. 
  

The Cabinet Hardware:

I already shared the tutorial for how we refinished Mom's shiny brass knobs - they look so fresh with their new brushed brass look.  Plus we saved a bundle not having the buy new hardware.  
 

The Sink + Faucet:

Although we tried to work with what we had, Mom did buy a new window (she had to replace the windows on the main floor) plus a new sink because her old white acrylic one was just too awful.  We picked up an inexpensive stainless sink to complement her new Pfister Tamera faucet, generously provided by Pfister.  The faucet is something she can use again when she renovates for real (or she can donate it to me for my fish room makeover!). 

 

 
The Table + Art:

Lacking a dining room in the small, post-war home my great-grandfather built, we always ate in the kitchen the way my great-grandparents did.  In the 1980s and 90s, we had a small round table with drop down leaves so it could nestle close to the wall.  In the 2000s my Mom bought new living room furniture and a dining room table in a much nicer teak wood, but it was a bit too big for daily use.  It was challenging to maneuver around it and once Hubby became a permanent fixture, dinner for four was a tight squeeze.  I finally encouraged my Mom to move the dining table to the living room, where there is space, and to put a much smaller tulip table in the kitchen for tea time or brunch for two.  I already shared the makeover of my old tulip table - and the top my father-in-law helped me hack.

Do you recognize the art?  It's my 1960s cat print from the townhouse!  The brushed gold frame, muted pink color palette, and retro vibe are perfect in here. 

The Table Top Lamp:

I feel like this might need explaining?  My Mom LOATHES overhead lighting - especially fluorescent lighting - which is why her naked bulb situation made her cringe.  Eventually, she started using a lamp at the table so she could turn off the overhead lighting during dinner.  When the dining table moved, the lamp moved with it so Mom stole this little brown vintage Lotte lamp from me for the tulip table.  The scale is adorable and the retro look is perfect.  It might seem odd, but it really is nice to have this little lamp on when I come over for tea and gossip.  Even though her overhead lighting situation has greatly improved (with a light fixture - how novel), having this little lamp feels cozy, especially with the days getting so much shorter.




The Coffee Station:

My parents have an elaborate, professional-grade coffee making set up, which they scored for a really good price because they knew someone who owned a coffee shop.  It really commandeered my Mom's minimal kitchen prep space, though.  Between the coffee maker and the microwave -and all of the random stuff piled up on the counter - she had no spot to work.  I suggested she try living without the microwave (I don't have one and never, ever miss it), reorganize a little to find room in her cabinets for the dry goods she stored on the counter, and move the coffee stuff to this little cubby (which originally housed the tiny 1950s fridge).  All of the coffee stuff is together now - along with a vintage cookie jar picked up for a quarter (my Mummu has the exact same one) - and out of the way.  I couldn't help make my Mom's kitchen any bigger, but moving the coffee machine and microwave, and de-cluttering a little, have tripled her counter space, making the kitchen way more functional for her.

The Peel and Stick Tile Floor:

Mom and I were SO excited about this peel and stick tile floor, which brought together all of the colors: the blush pink walls, the grey cabinets, the burnt orange tweed chairs and the warm brown wood tones.  But it refuses to stay stuck in some spots!  We're so incredibly frustrated and currently chatting with the distributor but I'm not sure they can fix it.  We might need to replace it, which we're really disappointed about.  On the plus side, when Mom tackles a renovation for good, now we know that a busier pattern can work, even though her kitchen is small - we were so terrified to commit to anything not white, because that's what was there for so long. 

The Odds + Sods:

In addition to refinishing the cabinetry, counters, replacing and repairing trim, painting the walls and trim and laying down new flooring, we also did some little things.  Mom's naked bulb ceiling fixture was replaced by a fixture she already had.  It had wobbled, so she hadn't put it up, but Hubby took it apart, fixed it, and it looks perfect!  We cut a new sheet of plexi for the fluorescent light fixture and, using a simple bracket, installed that so the light over the sink is no longer a bulb.  Her kitchen door was painted grey to match the cabinets and a door knob was finally installed.  Hubby and I also built a cute pink and gold dog bowl stand for when Szuka visits.  

There you have it - Mom's new kitchen!  I'll be back with a tutorial for refinishing the counters and cabinets - and maybe even a mini update down the road once we fix the flooring situation and accessorize a little more.

Mom is thrilled with how the kitchen looks now and it's sparked a wave of updates and decluttering in the house - we just found the perfect mid-century mod inspired fabric on clearance, so the living room is getting a refresh too (starting with cute new pillows and sheers).

DIY PROJECTS

How to refinish brass hardware
How to hack a pine table top for a mid-century modern tulip base
How to repair and refinish laminate counters
How to make a dog bowl stand on hairpin legs

SOURCES

Wall Color: Behr Shea 
Cabinet Paint: Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations in Winter Fog
Brush Gold Knobs: DIY (Similar)
Counter Paint: Rust-Oleum Countertop Transformations Mica in White
Faucet: Pfister Tamera Pull Down
Tulip Table: Vintage (Similar)
Teak Chairs: Vintage (Similar)
Gold Tweed Fabric: Fabricland (Similar)
Lotte Lamp: Vintage (Similar)
Cat Print: Vintage
Pink Hairpin Leg Dog Bowl Stand: DIY 
Pink McCoy Planters: Vintage (Similar)
Glass Fruit Bowl: Iittala
House Cookie Jar: Vintage (Similar)
Yixing Clay Tea Pot: Similar
Pink Linen Napkins: Similar
Coffee Machine: Pasquini

We found, foraged, and hacked a lot of what went into my Mom's kitchen, but I tried to track down some accessories with the same retro vibe and gold, grey and pink color palette - including some things we pined for and have bookmarked for the real deal reno, like this INSANELY gorgeous gold flushmount light fixture we can't stop drooling over:

Huge thanks to Pfister for providing the faucet and Rust-Oleum for providing the Cabinet Transformations and Countertop Transformations kits as well as the spray paint for the tulip table and DIY dog bowl stand!

A Budget-Friendly Bathroom, Almost Two Years Laters - What Held Up, What Didn't

In preparation for our exciting reno, the bathroom has been largely dismantled and we're down to the studs on one side.  There's no going back!  Before we ripped apart the walls, I quickly snapped a few photos to show how the budget-friendly spruce held up.  Here's what the painted vanity, painted tile, painted hardware, and painted light fixture looked like when everything was freshly done:



And here's that same view, right before demolition commenced (which is why, if you look closely, it's not as clean - seemed like a waste of time to clean in the weeks days before we started to demo):



As a quick reminder, here's what the bathroom looked like when we moved in:



I have to say that I really, really liked the makeover.  Of course, aqua cabinets would have been even better, but I wanted to work with what was there, like the linoleum floors, the mint counters, and the bisque toilet, sink, and shower, because the goal was to spend as little as possible.  When we bought the lakehouse and started tinkering with floor plans, sketching out mini makeovers, and spacing out/budgeting for major renovations, the original plan was to renovate the bathroom last year.  Unfortunately, the delay in selling our townhouse (plus the disappointing sale price), and the resultant delays moving in and tackling the kitchen meant that we just weren't prepared to renovate the bathroom last spring.  Having a spruced up space made delaying the renovation by a year so much easier.  Plus, it helped me figure out what I wanted for the bath renovation in the long run, and I'm grateful for that time to ponder.

So, how did everything hold up? 

The Painted Bathroom Vanity

It held up beautifully!  I am actually very surprised, because the Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations kit required no sanding or priming (click here to read my post about it).  It made me so nervous to skip those steps, but it adhered perfectly and held up to lots of scrubbing and cleaning.  In one teeny tiny area, where we forgot to put a cabinet bumper, the constant opening and slamming shut of the door rubbed off a tiny fleck of paint.  Cabinet bumpers are a must!  I was provided this product by Rustoleum, but would happily purchase it because it was far less labor intensive and messy than sanding, priming and painting (which we did for the kitchen cabinets), but it held up better than primer and paint.  I have had to touch up the kitchen cabinets in a few spots, but I haven't touched up the bathroom cabinetry (I ignored the little fleck because it was so wee).

Then

Now

Would I recommend it?  Yes!  Whole-heartedly - especially to someone who doesn't have ready access to a workshop or garage.  Sanding is so messy, but de-glossing can easily be done indoors without making a mess (as long as there is good ventilation).

Are there drawbacks?  The colour options are limited, but you get it tinted in-store, and I think that an adventurous person working the paint department could custom tint it.  They did that for me for the tile transformation kit because they didn't have the code for the exact white.  So custom colours could be a possibility.  As for other drawbacks, in can be a bit pricey if you're only refinishing a small set of cabinets - but there are kits in different sizes (small and large).  As I mentioned before, the only tricky part with application is the clear coat, which can end up streaky and is difficult to fix so you need to work quickly, in good light, and get an even application the first time.

The Painted Hardware

I am slightly disappointed with the painted hardware, but I think my sanding/prep work is to blame.  Overall, the hardware maintained its lovely matte black finish, but on two knobs the gold peeked through (see photo below).  It was such a bummer!  I didn't prime (the Rust-Oleum High Heat Enamel spray paint I used doesn't require it), so perhaps that would have helped.  I think that the real problem is that I didn't wipe off the residue well enough after sanding.  If I painted hardware again, I'd sand really well and then clean with TSP - that stuff works really well.  Using metal primer would also be a good idea.



Would I recommend it?  Sure!  It's just paint, and if you have hardware with a nice shape but unwelcome finish, it can be a really cost effective way to update it - especially if you're using leftover paint like I did.  If I was really bothered, it would have taken me two second to fix the gold patches.

The Painted Light Fixture

Gah!  That thing bothered me - not the paint makeover, but the fixture itself.  It's just so ugly.  I will admit, though, that it did provide nice light.  I always looked good in this bathroom, sort of airbrushed, which sometimes resulted in a botched makeup application - something I'd realize in horror when I looked in the truck vanity mirror, halfway to town.  I recently busted two bulbs cleaning it, so now I'm even less enamored with it.  I should admit that I am a hair spray fanatic, so everything in the bathroom gets coated in a light dusting of sticky mist.  The matte surface of the paint made it a bit trickier to wipe the spray residue off, but it also disguised it a bit.  I think a glossy finish would be better for something that requires regular cleaning, but there were no problems with the paint - no chips or loss of paint. 



Would I recommend it?  Yes!  De-brassifying the light fixture made me much happier with the bathroom and it helped tide me over until the reno.  It definitely helped me save money because otherwise I might have been tempted to drop $20-50 on a new light fixture, which would have been a total waste.  I'm probably too worried, but because those bulbs do give off some heat I felt more comfortable using the Rust-Oleum High Heat Enamel spray paint (which has a really limited colour and finish selection).

The Painted Tile

Remember how I goofed that up?  If I'd followed the directions during the application, it would have been amazing!  Despite my rookie mistake, the Rust-Oleum Tile Transformation kit still held up - no damage or chipping, and it was easy to clean.  I have seen people cover tile using paint (like Jenny's bathroom makeover), but I can't speak to how well that holds up or cleans.  I can say that the Rustoleum tile paint ends up super smooth, just like ceramic - and not like paint at all.  I'm overly concerned with how well it cleaned, but sometimes I see a bathroom reno or makeover - with decorative crap littering the toilet tank, for example, and sigh, "that can't be easy to clean".  It's the hairspray thing - it clouds my vision.



Would I recommend it?  If you've got hideous tile and are in need of a temporary solution, I can't think of a better way to simply and cost-effectively update it.  I think of these Rust-Oleum products as band-aid solutions, though, and wouldn't recommend doing this and then investing in expensive new cabinets or something - this is for the budget-conscious, because once the grout lines are painted, close up it's evident that it's a faux finish.

After its budget-friendly makeover, the bathroom got a lot of love - especially from Apartment Therapy readers, many of whom deemed further renovation unnecessary.  Some even suggested taking the spruce a bit further and replacing the sink and counter, for a more permanent change.  But there are (were!) many things to dislike about the bathroom, despite my efforts at gussying it up:

The Portal to Nowhere

The shower portal is probably the #1 reason we want to renovate.



I absolutely hate the shower portal, but I'm happy I lived with it for a year and a half, first.  Had we renovated immediately, I would have been tempted by a modern version, because the shower doors do contain the steam better than a shower curtain, which produces a cozier shower experience - until you step out into the frigid bathroom!  Ultimately, what has bothered me the most is how difficult it is to clean!  Okay, yes, I seem to be a bit preoccupied with how easy it is to clean things in the bathroom, but cleaning the glass doors was a nightmare!  Even after vigorous scrubbing, they never looked perfectly clean, plus they got covered in soap scum immediately anyway.  This is the day after I scrubbed them:



See that grime? Oh yeah, and the door didn't properly open and close anymore.  I can't believe I'm showcasing all of this grossness.  I even left my hand lotion and face wash on the vanity for photos - without putting them in pretty bottles.  They're going to revoke my blogger license!!

It is also awkward to clean inside the tub, because the glass panels prevent me from reaching inside easily.  I am SO excited to have a shower curtain again!  It will be easier to clean everything, and it won't produce such a dramatic temperature difference between the shower and the rest of the room.  Plus, I'm excited for new faucets because the existing ones have taken a beating and just look so sad (that's mostly wear - not all soap scum, but it's some soap scum, I'm not going to lie).



The Counter

The laminate counter, although I grew fond of the mint, chipped and began to peel (they were totally popping up in the kitchen when we moved in, but the bathroom was okay at the time).  Covering it with Rust-Oleum's Counter Top Transformations would have helped, but I didn't like any of the colour choices.  If we were living with the bathroom for longer, I would have probably tried it.  The concrete finish everyone is doing looks cute too, but that looks awfully dusty.

 
The Height

This vanity is SO low: only 30" (including the counter)!  I know we were accustomed to the taller, brand new vanity in the townhouse, which made this feel even shorter, but still - it's so short.  It seems like the silliest thing to complain about, but after you wash your hands and accidentally soak the crotch of your pants right before leaving the house - a dozen times - you start to pine for a taller vanity.  I'm very excited for our new walnut vanity, which will be between 36-37" tall - plus we'll have the bonus of double sinks!

So there you have it, some updates on our budget-friendly spruce (what held up and what didn't), and also a little tour of the grossness to better explain why we're renovating.  If you're curious about the makeover process, here are the other posts about making over the space:

Refinishing the Bathroom Cabinets
Refinishing the Bathroom Tile
The Before and After
Styling the Bathroom with Art & Accessories
Summary of Cabinet Refinishing Options

Now, forget you ever saw my grimey shower ;)

Read more »

Cabinet Refinishing 101: Latex Paint vs. Stain vs. Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations vs. Varnish vs. Chalk Paint vs. Wood Conditioner

Want to refinish your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, but can't decide between paint, stain or a specialty cabinet coating systems, like Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations?  Maybe you're thinking just some kind of wood conditioner or varnish would be enough to revive your cabinetry?

I have a few cabinet makeovers under my belt and I've tried different methods and supplies each time.  Some DIY newbies have asked for me to weigh in on the best way to refinish cabinetry, so I thought I'd share my experiences in one comprehensive post, along with some links to other great cabinet makeovers, plus a few pros and cons for the most popular methods.  I've also got a rough sketch for the steps involved, but my steps are by no means meant to be exhaustive - I just want to give you an idea of the work involved.  Also, these thoughts are just based on my experience, so if you've had a different experience (good or bad), I'd love for you to chime in, in the comments section! 
 
REFINISHING CABINETRY WITH OIL / LATEX PAINT:

I've painted two sets of cabinets with latex paint: the half bathroom cabinet in the townhouse and the kitchen cabinetry in the lakehouse.  In the bathroom I used primer & eggshell paint leftover from painting the bathroom wall.  The bathroom was minimally used so chipping/wear was never an issue but the eggshell finish was difficult to clean.  Dust stuck to it and hung on for dear life.

It's impossible to tell, but I changed up the cabinet colour from dingy cream to pale grey:

The kitchen makeover was, obviously, much more dramatic, and my second foray into cabinet painting:

For the lakehouse kitchen I used Zinsser primer and CIL Premier Latex paint in a semi-gloss finish.  Sherry and John, fellow DIY enthusiasts from Young House Love, used a satin finish for their kitchen makeover (Benjamin Moore Advance), which seemed to work well for them.  Personally, I love the semi-gloss finish because it's so easy to wipe down and keep clean.  It doesn't look too shiny, in my opinion. 

STEPS:

• Remove cabinet fronts & remove all hardware
• Putty any holes/damage with wood filler
• Sand putty
• Clean the surface with a de-greaser (I used dish soap and a chore boy scrub pad)
• Sand the surface so the glossiness of the previous finish is removed (although the primer I used said sanding is unnecessary, I did a light sand anyway)
• Vacuum dust or remove with tack cloth
• Wipe down surface with damp cloth, let dry
• Prime, using a brush or spray gun
• Sand smooth any imperfections/raise brush marks (if required)
• Apply paint, using a brush or spray gun (I also used a roller for large, breakfast bar area)

Here's a detailed post about how we painted the cabinet fronts with a paint spray and here's how I painted the boxes.  This link lists all of the supplies we used.

REVIEW OF PAINTING CABINETS WITH LATEX PAINT:  Although I sanded before priming and used a good quality primer, there have been a few spots of paint-loss after an impact or banging furniture against it.  Luckily, touch up has been a breeze and after those first few days of settling in, no other paint loss has occurred.  Paint can take a month to fully cure, so we should have been more careful.  A tutorial on Curbly advocates a rigorous sand/prime/prime/prime/sand/paint system for the extra cautious, which might also help ensure maximum adhesion.  It sure seems like a lot of work, though! 

PROS: Unlimited colour options, various finishes, easily acquired supplies, can dramatically change the look
CONS: Lots of prep (sand, prime, paint for good adhesion), needs time to cure, can show brush strokes
PURCHASE: I bought my supplies at Canadian Tire but you can find Zinsser primer on Amazon.  It's a good base for any furniture/paint project.

REFINISHING CABINETRY WITH CHALK PAINT:

Chalk paint has won over people because you can often skip sanding!  I actually went to an Annie Sloan stockist when I was planning the kitchen makeover because I was lured by the supposed ease of use.  Unfortunately, the colours - even when custom-mixed - were a little antiquey for what I wanted.  If you're curious, there's a whole website devoted to how to use chalk paint.  If you Google or search Pinterest, you'll find tons of cute kitchen makeovers that have used Chalk Paint as well.  Simply Rooms has a good tutorial (obviously I love the color!)

Photo Source: Bella Tucker

STEPS:

• Remove cabinet fronts & remove all hardware
• Prepare surface by cleaning with a de-greaser and let dry
• Make sure the surface is free of lint or dust
• Paint away!  Seriously, no sanding or priming unless an area is uneven or won't take the paint (I've heard some people - even pros - have experienced bleed through and needed to prime)
• Seal the piece using clear wax or furniture paste

PROS: Decent colour selection, limited prep required, distressing is an easy option for a cottage-inspired look, has a chalky finish (which you may like)
CONS: I've heard getting the finish right can be tricky - especially the Annie Sloan wax, it can be more expensive than latex paints, limited availability in some cities, has a chalky finish (which you may not like)
PURCHASE: Most cities have stockists various brands of chalk paint but if you can't track it down in person, you can easily find the right tools and many different brands of chalk paint on Amazon.

REFINISHING CABINETRY WITH  A CABINET REFINISHING SYSTEM:

For the main bathroom and half bathroom in the lakehouse I used Rust-Oleum's Cabinet Transformations system (in the colour Castle).  The steps were a little different than just painting, but with a similar result.  Happily, there was NO sanding (yay!!) because a de-glosser was used instead. 

STEPS:

• Remove cabinet fronts & all hardware
• Clean the cabinets with the included de-glosser, then remove de-glosser with a damp rag and water
• Apply thin coats of the paint (called a "Bond Coat")
• Wait 2-3 hours in between coats, use 2-3 coats for best coverage
• Apply the Decorative Glaze coat (optional - I skipped this)
• Apply Protective Top coat
• Let dry and follow manufacturer's instructions regarding when the cabinets can be used/cleaned

REVIEW OF RUST-OLEUM CABINET TRANSFORMATIONS:  I loved the cabinet finishing system.  Almost everything was included which made things so much easier.  The de-glosser took some time to apply and wash off but it was so much less messy than sanding and priming - really a benefit if you're working inside or don't have a garage.  The paint went on like a dream - so smooth, with such even, beautiful coverage.  Honestly, it was super fabulous stuff.  The clear coat was the only tricky part because touching it up is nearly impossible so it's important to get an even coat the first time - check the finished piece from all angles to spot any matte areas.  Also, the clear coat dries quickly so you need to work quickly.  Once we put cabinet bumpers on, we have had NO areas of paint loss.  No chips, scuffs - and it cleans so easily.  I've even had to scrub the cabinets to get some gunk off and the finish held strong.  I've also tested it on melamine and it works on it too (although it takes longer to get an even finish on melamine- an extra coat, so no big deal really).

I wrote a post about how the entire budget-friendly bathroom makeover, plus the Rust-Oleum cabinetry transformations, held up with wear and you can read it by clicking here.

PROS: Easy application, durable, no sanding, great for beginners because it's a kit with educational materials and everything is laid our clearly
CONS: Clear coat is tricky to apply, de-glosser is time consuming, involves chemicals, limited colour selection, not the cheapest option
PURCHASE: Most improvement stores carry it now, but you can also find the cabinet refinishing system on Amazon.

REFINISHING CABINETRY WITH STAIN:

Although I've stained lots of furniture and other wood projects (like our kitchen counters!), I have yet to stain kitchen or bathroom cabinetry.  One pain is that with water-based stains you typically need to get down to the bare wood, especially true if you want to stain cabinets a lighter colour.  A chemical stripper is great for this - especially on veneered fronts, which you don't want to accidentally sand off.  Finishing the job with sandpaper and a sanding block is time consuming but results in a nice finish.  With solid wood cabinets (or a thick veneer), using a sander is a faster option.

Researching this post I chatted with folks at a local paint and stain shop who delivered the sad news: there's no stain on the market right now that eliminates the need for sanding altogether when refinishing wood.  BUT, I have heard that you can use gel stain right on top of existing finish with minimal sanding.  I have yet to try it, but it sounds like a great option for re-staining cabinetry with minimal fussing.  Basically, you just want the sheen/gloss coat removed.  Jen, from the Creative Cubby has a great tutorial with super clear, step-by-step photos.  It seems infinitely easier to stain cabinets darker than it is to lighten them.  Erin, from Magenta & Lime did a fabulous job staining her kitchen cabinets espresso:

Photo Source: Magenta and Lime

 STEPS:

• Remove cabinet fronts & remove all hardware
• Sand or use a chemical stripper to remove the previous finish - the amount of labor depends on the type of stain used
• Clean the surface of all gunk, dust and goo (TSP is good)
• Apply a pre-stain wood conditioner if required
• Allow surface to dry
• Apply stain, using a foam brush, rag or a sock (you can use a spray gun, too)
• Follow manufacturer's suggestions for dry times
• Apply a sealant/protective top coat

PROS: Can dramatically change the look of cabinetry, some people think stained cabinets look more expensive than painted (so potentially good for resale value), allows wood grain to peek through
CONS: Stain can be blotchy, clean up is messy
PURCHASE: Talk to the pros at your local paint/stain store to make sure you get the right product and supplies.

REFINISHING CABINETRY WITH BY RE-VARNISHING:

When Hubby fell in love with the natural wood veneer of our townhouse kitchen cabinets, I did what any good Wifey would do - set aside my dreams for a painted kitchen and put on my rubber gloves.  I stripped the varnish and sanded the fronts and boxes smooth before applying a new satin clear coat.  Hubby so rarely voices a preferences in decor that it only seemed fair to let him have wood cabinets!  Stripping the cabinets and applying the new varnish took a few days but it really refreshed the cabinetry without hiding the wood he loved so much.

STEPS:

• Remove cabinet fronts and all cabinet hardware
• Using a chemical stripper, remove the previous finish (apply, wait, scrape off)
• Wipe down the surface to remove the gunk
• Using 80 and then 220 grit sandpaper and sanding block, sand the surface smooth
• (With solid wood, you can use a belt or orbital sander, not recommended for veneer - don't want to sand through!) 
• Clean the surface with TSP and let dry
• Using a brush, apply varnish (I used water-based in semi-gloss) in a thin coat, allow dry overnight
• Lightly sand the surface smooth with 180 or 220 grit sandpaper - just a light sand
• Re-apply the clear coat, typically 2-3 coats is sufficient

REVIEW OF REFINISHING CABINETRY BY RE-VARNISHING:  See this post for the full-length tutorial.  I absolutely hated this process because of my own ridiculousness.  I insisted on wearing flip flops and almost seared my toes off when the chemical stripper dripped down to my exposed feet - repeatedly, because I refused to put on shoes.  My memory of this event is coloured and I only remember it as painful.  The cabinets definitely looked 98% better but one slightly water damaged area kept it from looking 100% better.  It was a lot of work and I would have liked a more dramatic look, but both real estate agents and prospective buyers agreed they loved the kitchen with the natural wood finish.  I spent four years thinking of different painted looks I could give the cabinetry, but never truly regretted the decision.

PROS: Doesn't need to be sanded as well as for staining, foolproof (no streaking, chipping, etc), the finish could have an impact (like going from matte to high-gloss) but can also be very subtle
CONS: Messy, doesn't change the look as much as stain or paint, involves chemical and/or laborious sanding, won't disguise flaws like a dark stain or paint can
PURCHASE: Any paint store will carry a varnish and most will have a display so you can see a sample of the finish.

REFINISHING CABINETRY WITH  WOOD CONDITIONER / POLISH:

Alternatively, you can try something like Restor-A-Finish which just wipes on and wipes off.  It won't make a dramatic change, but it can remove blemishes and, quite obviously, restore the finish.  There are a number of different one-step products and homemade solutions out there that will similarly freshen wood cabinetry that might be a little beat-up.  It's a simple way to keep the same look, but update the feel of cabinetry by erasing (many) signs or age and wear.  Centsational Girl has a great post about restoring wood furniture, but the same tips can be applied to wood cabinets as well.

PROS: Perfect for renters who want a fresher looking kitchen without changing the look, simple, foolproof
CONS: Won't change the look much, involves chemicals, limitations to what it can fix
PURCHASE: Resor-A-Finish is a brand I trust and it comes in different finishes to match your wood.  Try to find a sample in stores but if you can't track it down you can find it on Amazon.  

MISC. TIPS FOR REFINISHING CABINETRY:

1. Remove the door and hardware - it will make life so much easier.
2. Use quality painter's tape to tape off areas you don't want to paint/stain and put down drop cloths.
3. Set up a dust-free area to work in and create a little assembly line.
4. Use painter's pyramids/triangles to lift up doors (I use empty yoghurt containers and random surplus building materials but just getting the pyramids is neater and easier, I'm sure).

5. Use a spray gun for door fronts for a smooth and factory-like finish, but don't worry if all you have is an angled brush because it does a lovely job too.

6. Use a small artist's brush to apply paint/stain to the narrow or hard to reach areas.

7. Don't try to speed up dry time with a fan in the early stages - you might blow dust around and it will stick nicely to the freshly painted/stained/varnished surface
8. Keep a damp cloth or rag on hand for the inevitable goofs and spills

Whew, that's a lot!

Hopefully this review of stain vs. paint vs. chalk paint vs. varnish vs. Rust-Oleum cabinet transformations vs. wood conditioner was a helpful starting point for anyone considering a cabinet makeover.  No matter what method you choose, take the time to do the prep work for whatever method you chose and you'll thank yourself later.  Most importantly, don't be intimidated.  There's nothing that can't be fixed!  If you run into a snag, you can always sand and start fresh.

In my experience, no matter what method I've tried, I've always been so happy with the result in the end, because it's better than what I had before!

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