Cabinet Character

• Remove doors from some cabinets to create the look of built-in shelves. This gives an open, airy feel to the kitchen. Unless you’re a neat freak, however, you may want to retain some doors to help conceal clutter!

• Include glass-insert doors, which show off pretty dishes. To make, remove the inset panel from a cabinet door (use a router) and clip glass on the back of the frame. For a softer look, staple fabric to the back of the door frame. You also can order new inset-ready doors and add the material of your choice, from metal mesh to pegboard.

• Add detail with crown molding and other trim. Crown molding can give ordinary cabinets more presence and can help adjoining cabinets look more cohesive.

• Install a sink skirt with hook-and-loop tape. A split skirt makes it easier to reach for items stashed behind the curtain. Click here for a sink skirt example.

• Create unexpected doors from salvaged windows, corrugated metal, vintage metal signs, or anything else you can hinge to the cabinet box or face frame. This look works best for two facing doors.

• Select interesting knobs and pulls, which, like jewelry, add a great deal of style and verve.