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DIY Kitchen Cabinets Tips and Trends from Industry Expert Katie Shear
An Interview with Katie Shears – DIY Expert & Owner of Florence Revival - Empowering DIY & Home Inspiration for everyone
At CliqStudios, we believe every home renovation journey is unique, and we love celebrating the experiences of industry professionals and DIYers alike. In this special feature, we sit down with Katie, a passionate DIYer who transformed her kitchen with CliqStudios cabinets. From overcoming installation challenges to selecting the perfect finishes, Katie shares her insights, favorite design choices, and expert tips for creating a timeless and functional kitchen.
Key Takeaway
Kitchen cabinets don't have to be ripped out. Sometimes all they need is a fresh coat of paint and new hardware.
Color drenching and curves! Color drenching is not only trendy but timeless! Win Win!
CliqStudios made my dream of inset cabinets come true. They make the process of choosing cabinets and creating a layout easy! And their products are such good quality. I want others to feel empowered to have this same experience.
- Katie Shears (DIY Expert & Owner of Florence Revival)
What inspired you to start DIY projects involving kitchen cabinets, and how did you begin?
We have been doing DIY projects ever since we bought our first house. However, we had never installed kitchen cabinets before. One thing that we have learned along the way is that if we set our minds to doing a project, we can get it done. So after researching how to install cabinets, we felt confident that we could tackle this project ourselves.
What are the most common challenges DIYers face when upgrading or installing kitchen cabinets, and how do you overcome them?
One of the most common challenges when installing kitchen cabinets is not knowing where to begin. With the help of CliqStudios installation videos and other resources we found on the internet, the process was very straight forward.
What advice would you give to someone choosing the right cabinet materials (e.g., wood types, finishes) for their kitchen?
I personally love to choose timeless finishes for permanent pieces in my home. This included the cabinets in our kitchen. My goal was to not choose finishes based on what is trending, but instead on what would stand the test of time. If your choice happens to be trending and timeless, then you're in luck! This is why I chose a inset cabinet in the color chai latte. My other piece of advice is to choose the best materials that your budget will allow for. Solid wood will last much longer than MDF.
Can you share your favorite budget-friendly hacks for refreshing old or outdated kitchen cabinets?
Paint and new hardware. Kitchen cabinets don't have to be ripped out. Sometimes all they need is a fresh coat of paint and new hardware.
How do you approach planning and designing a kitchen layout to make the best use of cabinet space?
I am by no means an expert at a kitchen layout, but there were two things I did know: I wanted the kitchen sink to be under the 3 large windows on the west wall and I wanted the stove to be on the north wall where there was a 5 foot space between two windows. Those two factors plus opening up the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, meant that the fridge had to go along the south wall. After I figured these key elements out, I handed over my measurements to CliqStudios and Elise, their designer, and the layout was born. I'm so thankful they offer this service for free.
What tools and supplies do you consider essential for cabinet installation or refurbishment?
Some essential tools include: a lazor level, box level, drill, shims, cabinet clamps, measuring tape, multi tool, screw driver, stud finder, pencil, hammer, utility knife, circular saw, and table saw.
What’s your process for selecting the perfect color or finish for kitchen cabinets to match a home’s overall style?
I tried to remember that my house is overall a neutral color scheme. From there, I chose a cabinet color that was neutral and timeless. Then I designed the rest of the kitchen around the cabinet color.
Can you please share us a specific DIY Project for which you are proud of?
I am very proud of our bathroom. It is bold and timeless and still remains somewhat netural in its color pallet. It's the star of our home along with the kitchen.
What inspired you to write steps on how to choose and install cabinets with CliqStudios?
CliqStudios made my dream of inset cabinets come true. They make the process of choosing cabinets and creating a layout easy! And their products are such good quality. I want others to feel empowered to have this same experience.
What trends in kitchen cabinets (materials, designs, or layouts) are you most excited about for 2025?
Color drenching and curves! Color drenching is not only trendy but timeless! Win Win!
Katie’s story is a testament to how thoughtful design and quality cabinetry can bring a dream kitchen to life. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or working with a professional, CliqStudios is here to support your vision with expert guidance, high-quality materials, and free design services. Ready to start your own kitchen transformation? Explore our collection and get inspired by real experiences like Katie’s!
