The Tape Trick That'll Give Wood Kitchen Cabinets A Makeover Without Using Paint

Considering how much time we spend in the kitchen daily, it's easy to get bored of the same old design elements. Builders-grade kitchen cabinets are one of them. And the worst part? They're the most visible feature of the room. Now, you could blame the cabinets' dated design all day for drawing attention (in a bad way), or you could turn them into showstoppers by using Washi tape as decor. We think you should go for the latter.

You would think Washi tape is only ideal for arts and crafts, but nope. This decorative masking tape has made its way into the heart of the home, dressing up boring kitchen cabinets in eye-catching patterns and vibrant colors. Of course, the cherry on top is that it's renter-friendly and easy to peel off should you need to. But that's not all. This Washi tape trick also disguises imperfections (like cracks and scratches) on the wooden surface. Oh, and even the most novice of DIYers can try this makeover, so long as you have enough tape and a weekend to spare.

Start by removing the cabinet doors. If that's impossible, use a step ladder to reach upper cabinets (because climbing on countertops isn't the safest option when you're lining a bunch of tape strips up against a cabinet). Either way, always thoroughly clean and wipe down the cabinets before unrolling your tape. Grease, dust, and grime can make it harder for the tape to stick well.

Next up: plot your design. There's an overwhelming amount of patterns, colors, and sizes out there, so you're guaranteed to find something that matches your aesthetic. Consider a multi-colored set, such as the $13.99 WAPETASHI 60 Rolls Washi Tape Set, to create a rainbow effect on your cabinets. Or, go for a subtle but pattern-filled display with Knaid's Minimalist Muted-Colored Decorative Paper Tapes at $15.99 for 40 rolls. Got a lot of charming pastel kitchen ideas on your Pinterest board? Bring the vision to life with pastel-colored, Washi-taped cabinets.

Now comes the time to apply the tape. Fold each strip over the edge of the cabinet and trim off the excess with a utility knife. If you don't feel like wrapping your entire cabinetry, only cover the paneled sections of the doors — though it's certainly a fun way to decorate the boring sides of your kitchen cabinets. Maybe even play around with geometric shapes or a plaid pattern. Or, add Washi tape just to the hardware if they're straight bar handles. In this case, one roll will do the trick.