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A Fresh Start: What to Do with Old Cabinets
October 4, 2025

Out with the old, in with the new. It’s a phrase we often use when we’re ready for a kitchen refresh. But what do you do with the old cabinets? Before you drag them to the curb, consider this: those sturdy boxes are brimming with potential.
At The Design House, we believe in smart design that honors both your space and your resources. Instead of seeing old cabinets as waste, we see them as the raw material for your next great project. They’re built to last, and with a little creativity, they can find a new purpose, adding character and function to other areas of your home.
Give Them a Second Act: Repurposing Old Cabinets
Think of your old kitchen cabinets as modular building blocks. Their classic box shape, with doors and shelves already in place, makes them perfect for a variety of new roles. This is where you can get truly creative and save money in the process.
Garage Organization
This is a popular and practical choice. Mount the base cabinets to a garage wall to create a workbench with storage underneath.
The wall cabinets are perfect for holding tools, paint cans, and other supplies, keeping your garage tidy and organized.
Laundry Room Storage
Tired of a messy laundry room? Use old upper cabinets to store detergent, fabric softener, and cleaning supplies. A repurposed countertop from the kitchen can even be used as a folding station.
Kids’ Playroom
Create a custom storage unit for toys and books. Old base cabinets can be joined together to form a bench seat with hidden storage, while the uppers can become a bookshelf.
You can paint them a fun color and add new hardware to match your playroom’s theme.
Entryway or Mudroom
Repurpose a single base cabinet as a drop zone for keys, mail, and bags. A repurposed cabinet with the doors removed can be a perfect place to store shoes.
Bathroom Vanity
If you’re doing a bathroom refresh, a kitchen base cabinet can easily be transformed into a stylish vanity. You’ll need to cut holes for plumbing and add a new countertop and sink, but the bones are already there.
Home Office or Craft Room
Cabinets are a home office’s best friend. Use them to create a custom desk, with the cabinets as the base and a new countertop for the work surface. The drawers and shelves are perfect for organizing office supplies, files, and craft materials.
Breathe New Life into the Kitchen: The Art of Refinishing
If your cabinet boxes are in good shape but the doors are just outdated, you don’t have to get rid of them at all.
This is a chance to give your existing kitchen a fresh look without a full replacement. Refinishing can be a great way to save money and reduce waste.
A Simple Paint Job
A fresh coat of paint can change the entire look of your kitchen. You can choose a new color that is a trendy neutral, a bold statement color, or a classic white. Just be sure to properly sand, clean, and prime the cabinets before you paint.
New Hardware
Don’t underestimate the power of new knobs and pulls. Swapping out old hardware for a modern, sleek design or a vintage-inspired look can instantly update your cabinets’ appearance.
Glass Inserts
For some cabinet doors, you can remove the solid panel and add a glass insert. This gives a more open, airy feel to your kitchen and is a great way to display dishware or glassware.
We’re Here to Help – Visit The Design House in Denton, TX
At The Design House, we understand that a home’s interior is a reflection of its owner’s story. We’re your Denton-based home interior specialists, providing everything you need to transform your space. Our family-owned business is committed to delivering superior design, quality products, and professional installation and build services. We add value for every customer by operating with foresight, integrity, and a purpose that brings honor to God.
Whether you’re looking for new cabinets or searching for a creative way to repurpose your old ones, our team is here to help. We’ll guide you through the process, ensuring your project is handled with expertise and care.
Call or Visit The Design House.
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We proudly service the areas of Argyle, Aubrey, Carrollton, Corinth, Denton, Flower Mound, Frisco, Justin, Krum, Lake Dallas, Lewisville, Little Elm, Pilot Point, Ponder, Roanoke, Sanger, The Colony, Colleyville, Crowley, Grapevine, Haslet, Hurst, Keller, Southlake, Celina, Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Bridgeport, and Decatur, TX.
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