You’ve made significant progress in your kitchen renovation by completing the foundational steps outlined in our previous articles. In our first article What to Do First When Updating Your Kitchen, we emphasized starting with minor layout changes, such as reconfiguring cabinets that touch the floor, modifying kitchen islands, accommodating exhaust hoods or pull-out microwaves, and swapping complicated moldings for straight-line modern styles, all while keeping your existing cabinets for a budget-friendly approach.

East Hill cabinet painting project

In the second article, Next Steps After Minor Cabinetry Changes in Your Kitchen Renovation, we covered addressing existing tile flooring (removing tiles or cleaning and sealing grout), selecting and installing countertops and backsplashes, and refinishing existing wood floors last to protect them.

Now, you’re ready for the final phase: painting your cabinets and selecting hardware to bring your modern kitchen remodel to life. This guide, designed for homeowners researching kitchen renovation ideas, provides expert insights from PNP Craftsmen, who can also epoxy-fill and redrill cabinet panels to accommodate your chosen handles.

Step 1: Choose Your Cabinet Paint Color

Painting your cabinets is one of the most transformative steps in your kitchen renovation. The right paint color enhances your space and ties together your countertops, backsplash, and flooring.

At PNP Craftsmen, we recommend using high-quality 2K Urethane paint, known for its durability and smooth finish that resists daily wear and tear. With custom color matching available, you can achieve any look—from bold navy to classic white to rich, modern green.

Hints for Choosing the Right Cabinet Color

  • Pick Countertops and Backsplash First
    Choose your countertops and backsplash before finalizing your cabinet color. These hard surfaces define your kitchen’s color palette and overall tone. For example, a quartz countertop with light veining pairs beautifully with a classic subway tile backsplash and complements both light and dark flooring.

  • White Cabinets Remain Timeless
    For over two decades, PNP Craftsmen has found that white cabinets remain the most popular choice. Their clean, bright look works well with any countertop, backsplash, or flooring, making them a safe and stylish choice.

  • Coordinate or Contrast
    Coordinate your cabinet color with your countertops and backsplash—or go for contrast. Pair dark granite with white or light gray cabinets for a striking look, or choose a soft sage green to complement a natural stone backsplash for a calm, organic feel.

  • Consider the Mood
    Think about how you want your kitchen to feel. Soft grays and whites create an airy, minimalist vibe, while darker tones like navy or charcoal add sophistication and depth.

  • Try Peel-and-Stick Paint Samples
    The easiest way to test paint colors today is with peel-and-stick samples from Benjamin Moore. They’re cost-effective, clean, and environmentally friendly—plus, they let you see how a color looks under your kitchen’s unique lighting conditions.

PNP Craftsmen can perfectly match any color with 2K Urethane paint, ensuring a flawless, long-lasting finish.

Step 2: Select and Install New Hardware

Updating your cabinet hardware—such as knobs, pulls, or latches—is a simple, affordable way to give your kitchen a fresh, modern look. According to PNP Craftsmen, changing hardware is “the icing on the cake” of any renovation.

Tips for Choosing and Installing Hardware

  • Explore Modern Trends
    The most popular hardware trends for 2025 include matte black bar pulls for a timeless look and satin brass edge pulls for a modern yet warm aesthetic.

  • Consider Functionality
    Choose hardware that’s comfortable and easy to use. Latches can look decorative but may be less practical for everyday use. Bar pulls remain a functional, affordable choice that complements almost any kitchen design.

  • Customize Placement
    If your new hardware doesn’t match existing holes, PNP Craftsmen can epoxy-fill and redrill your cabinet panels to fit any style or size of handle. Having your new hardware on hand before installation ensures a seamless process.

  • Coordinate Finishes
    Match your hardware finish to other fixtures like faucets and lighting for a cohesive look. Matte black and brushed nickel are timeless, while brass adds warmth and a touch of luxury.



Close-up of matte black kitchen cabinet pulls installed on white drawers

Step 3: Professional Painting and Finishing

With colors and hardware selected, it’s time to paint your cabinets. PNP Craftsmen specializes in cabinet painting using high-quality 2K Urethane paint for a smooth, durable finish that withstands daily use. Their process includes fixing dents and dings before painting, ensuring your cabinets look brand new.

Here’s why professional painting is essential:

  • Flawless Application: PNP Craftsmen uses custom-mixed 2K Urethane paint and professional spraying techniques, delivering a factory-quality finish that’s both beautiful and long-lasting.

  • Surface Preparation: Professionals address imperfections, such as dents or old hardware holes, for a polished result.

  • Durability: 2K Urethane paint offers a high-performance finish that’s ideal for cabinets and easy to clean, ensuring your kitchen stays vibrant for years.

Schedule painting after countertops and backsplashes are installed to avoid splatter, but before wood floor refinishing to protect the new floor finish.

Why Professional Painting Matters

  • Flawless Application
    PNP Craftsmen uses professional spray techniques to achieve a smooth, even finish that looks and feels brand new.

  • Surface Preparation
    Before painting, all dents, dings, and old hardware holes are filled and sanded for a seamless final result.

  • Durability and Easy Maintenance
    2K Urethane paint offers superior resistance to daily wear, moisture, and cleaning, keeping your kitchen looking fresh for years to come.

Scheduling Tip:
Schedule painting after countertops and backsplashes are installed to prevent paint damage—but before wood floor refinishing to protect your new floors.

Why This Order Matters

Following the proper renovation sequence ensures your project looks polished and professional:

  • Painting after countertops and backsplashes protects new surfaces.

  • Saving wood floor refinishing for last avoids damage from paint drips or hardware installation.

  • Choosing cabinet colors informed by your flooring, countertops, and backsplash ensures a cohesive design.

  • Professional installation and finishing by PNP Craftsmen streamline the process and keep your project on schedule.

Additional Tips for a Successful Kitchen Update

  • Work with experts who handle painting, carpentry, countertop, and backsplash installation.

  • Order your hardware early to avoid project delays.

  • Rely on PNP Craftsmen’s color-matching expertise for precise, vibrant cabinet finishes.

Conclusion

After completing layout adjustments and addressing flooring, countertops, backsplashes, and refinishing, the final steps in your kitchen renovation—cabinet painting and hardware selection—will complete your transformation.

Choose cabinet colors that complement your countertops and backsplash using durable 2K Urethane paint. Consider timeless white or explore modern hues tested with Benjamin Moore peel-and-stick samples.

Select hardware like matte black or satin brass pulls to elevate your kitchen’s style. With PNP Craftsmen’s ability to epoxy-fill and redrill cabinet panels, your installation will be flawless.

Whether you’re exploring small kitchen remodel ideas, modern kitchen designs, or cost-effective renovation tips, PNP Craftsmen is your trusted partner for expert painting, carpentry, and finishing services.

Contact PNP Craftsmen
Schedule your consultation today at www.pnpcraftsmen.com
or call (212) 279-3668 or (516) 678-8191.

“Completed modern kitchen renovation with white cabinets, brass hardware, and quartz countertops.”