The WoW Style

Ready to Assemble (RTA) cabinets are a go-to for budget-conscious homeowners looking to enhance their kitchen or bathroom without breaking the bank. 

However, one of the main criticisms of RTA cabinets is that they can sometimes look too DIY or cheap once assembled. 

But here’s the good news: with a little creativity and effort, you can transform your RTA cabinets to look like they belong in a high-end, custom kitchen. 

In this article, we will discuss seven design tweaks used by professionals to make RTA cabinets look top-tier and much more expensive than they really are.

1. Opt for High-Quality Materials

One of the first things that can affect the look and feel of your RTA cabinets is the quality of materials used. Typically, RTA cabinets come in budget-friendly options, often featuring particleboard, plywood, or MDF. While these materials can be durable, the surface finish and overall appearance can sometimes feel lackluster.

Why it matters:

Choosing a higher-quality material is a simple and effective way to make a noticeable difference. Solid wood options such as maple, oak, or cherry are excellent choices, offering natural beauty and sturdiness. 

If you prefer a more affordable alternative, consider cabinets made from high-quality MDF. MDF is a versatile material that can be painted smoothly and has a very refined, modern look. It also provides a superior finish when compared to standard particleboard.

MDF with a veneer or laminate finish can look just as polished and elegant as real wood but at a fraction of the price. Furthermore, opting for materials with a higher density and finish will allow you to elevate the overall aesthetic of your kitchen, making it look much more like custom cabinetry.

Pro Tip:

Make sure to check for soft-close hinges and drawer slides. These subtle features not only enhance functionality but also add to the high-end feel of the cabinetry. They eliminate the harsh noise of slamming doors and drawers and provide a smooth, quiet operation — a small upgrade that can really impress.

2. Upgrade the Hardware

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest impact. Upgrading your cabinet hardware is a quick and easy way to make your RTA cabinets look much more high-end. The knobs, handles, and pulls on your cabinets play an outsized role in their overall appearance.

Why it matters:

Many RTA cabinets come with basic hardware that’s functional but plain. Swapping these out for stylish, high-quality options can instantly change the look and feel of the cabinets. Whether you opt for sleek, modern hardware or go for classic vintage-style knobs, changing out the hardware makes a big visual difference.

Consider the style of your kitchen when selecting hardware. If you’re going for a modern and minimalist design, matte black, brushed nickel, or chrome pulls can add a clean and sophisticated touch. On the other hand, if your kitchen has a more traditional feel, antique brass or polished gold handles can create an elegant and timeless look.

Pro Tip:

Don’t forget to also consider the size and placement of your hardware. Over-sized pulls on smaller cabinet doors can make a statement, while more delicate and smaller hardware suits smaller spaces and cabinet designs. This attention to detail will elevate your kitchen’s overall vibe.

3. Custom Paint and Finishes

A standard RTA cabinet often comes with a basic finish that may not be very exciting or stylish. A simple way to transform your cabinets is by adding a custom paint job or finish. Professional cabinet makers and designers often use high-gloss or satin finishes to give the cabinetry a polished and elegant appearance.

Why it matters:

The finish you choose can entirely change the look of your RTA cabinets. A custom paint finish provides the opportunity to incorporate your personality and style. Whether you go for a soft neutral palette or a bold, statement-making color, paint can completely update the visual appeal of your cabinets. A rich, dark stain or a light, airy paint can also enhance the kitchen’s ambiance and make your cabinets feel more expensive.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can try a two-tone finish, using different colors for the upper and lower cabinets. This approach adds depth and contrast to your design, making your kitchen feel more high-end.

Pro Tip:

Make sure to prepare the surface properly before painting. Sanding, priming, and using a quality paint designed for cabinetry can help achieve a smooth and durable finish. A professional-grade paint sprayer will also help in achieving a more uniform and even coat, giving the cabinets a flawless look.

4. Add Decorative Molding

One of the most professional-looking design tweaks for RTA cabinets is the addition of decorative molding. RTA cabinets are often simple in design, but adding molding can give them an ornate and custom feel. Molding can be added to the top, sides, or bottom of the cabinets to enhance their aesthetic appeal.

Why it matters:

Molding adds texture and depth to your cabinets, making them appear more detailed and sophisticated. Adding a crown molding at the top of your cabinets and base molding at the bottom will instantly make them look more like luxury cabinetry. Molding can even cover up any seams or joints, giving your cabinets a seamless, polished look.

There are many types of molding to choose from: traditional crown molding, sleek baseboard molding, and even more intricate styles that feature curves, beads, and patterns. No matter your kitchen’s aesthetic, adding molding will make your cabinets stand out.

Pro Tip:

Stick to a simple, understated molding design for modern kitchens, or go for more intricate and detailed molding styles for traditional or rustic designs. You don’t need to overdo it — even subtle molding can add just the right amount of elegance to your cabinets.

5. Incorporate Glass Inserts

Adding glass inserts to your cabinet doors can create a high-end look and give your RTA cabinets an elevated appearance. Glass-front cabinets are a fantastic option for showcasing dishware, glassware, or decorative items.

Why it matters:

Glass inserts bring an open, airy feel to your kitchen. They can make your cabinets feel less bulky and more spacious, which is especially helpful in smaller kitchens. The glass adds a touch of elegance, making the cabinets look more like custom, built-in pieces.

You can choose from various types of glass for the inserts, such as clear, frosted, or textured glass. Clear glass allows you to display your items, while frosted or etched glass adds a bit of privacy and texture without sacrificing the sophisticated look.

Pro Tip:

Consider adding LED lighting inside the glass-front cabinets to highlight your display items. This additional feature will not only illuminate your treasures but also provide a warm, inviting glow that makes the cabinets feel luxurious.

6. Use Built-In Lighting

Lighting plays a huge role in how your cabinets appear. Adding built-in lighting can showcase the features of your RTA cabinets in a new light. Whether you add under-cabinet lighting or install lighting inside glass-front cabinets, this small addition can make a big impact.

Why it matters:

Lighting highlights the fine details of your cabinetry, including the textures, colors, and finishes. Built-in lighting can emphasize the sleek lines of modern cabinetry or draw attention to the intricate molding and craftsmanship of traditional designs. Additionally, lighting adds ambiance to the kitchen, giving it a cozy, inviting, and luxurious feel.

Under-cabinet lighting, in particular, casts a soft glow on your countertops, making the space feel more polished and complete.

Pro Tip:

LED strip lights are an easy and energy-efficient option for under-cabinet lighting. If you have glass-front cabinets, use LED puck lights inside to create a bright and professional-looking display.

7. Pay Attention to the Cabinet Layout

One of the most important steps in making your RTA cabinets look like high-end custom work is the layout. While the cabinet style and finish are important, the way they are arranged in your kitchen can make or break the overall look.

Why it matters:

Custom kitchens tend to have well-thought-out layouts that are functional and aesthetically pleasing. If your cabinets are placed in a haphazard manner, they can appear less cohesive and less polished. However, by planning out a logical and attractive cabinet layout, you can mimic the fluid, well-organized look of a custom kitchen.

Think about how your cabinets flow with the rest of your kitchen’s design. Open shelving, corner cabinets, or even an island can make a huge difference in how your space feels.

Pro Tip:

Work with a designer to optimize your cabinet layout, ensuring that it’s both practical and beautiful. A well-planned kitchen layout will create a seamless transition between your cabinets and the rest of the space.

Conclusion

Making your Ready to Assemble cabinets look like high-end custom cabinetry doesn’t require an expensive remodel. 

With a few simple upgrades — such as choosing the right materials, upgrading hardware, and adding decorative molding — your cabinets can look polished, refined, and just like those found in luxury kitchens.

By incorporating glass inserts, custom finishes, built-in lighting, and paying attention to the layout, you can make your RTA cabinets the standout feature of your kitchen. 

These design tweaks are the same strategies professional designers use to transform ordinary cabinets into extraordinary, high-end pieces that make your kitchen shine. 

So, whether you’re renovating on a budget or simply looking for ways to enhance your space, these seven tweaks are the perfect way to elevate your RTA cabinets and create a stunning kitchen.