Cabinet Painting or Replacement? What’s Right for Your Charlotte Home

TLDR

Question: Should I paint or replace my kitchen cabinets in Charlotte, NC?

Answer: If your cabinets are in good shape and you’re not changing the layout, painting is the better choice — faster and more affordable. If your cabinets are damaged or you're planning a major remodel, replacement makes more sense for long-term value.

Should You Paint or Replace Your Cabinets?

Homeowners across Charlotte — from Myers Park to NoDa — are upgrading their kitchens and baths, and one question keeps coming up: Is it better to repaint or replace your cabinets?

Let’s break it down with help from local designers, real estate agents, and painting pros.

Why Charlotte Homeowners Are Choosing to Paint

Painting your cabinets is cost-effective, faster, and lets you keep your existing layout — a big plus in older Charlotte homes where craftsmanship and layout often shine.

“In many of Charlotte’s historic homes, the bones of the cabinetry are solid. A fresh coat of paint preserves character and adds resale value.” — Marissa Kent, Interior Designer at Kent & Co. Design Studio, Charlotte

“Buyers are drawn to homes with stylish kitchens, but that doesn’t always mean a gut job. Professionally painted cabinets offer huge ROI.” — Leah Raymond, Realtor at Nestlewood Realty

Benefits of Painting:

• 60–75% less expensive than replacement

• 3–5 day timeline (vs. weeks for custom cabinetry)

• Retains original layout and charm

• Popular in areas like Dilworth and Plaza Midwood (pictured below)

_{Greek Villa x Sherwin-Williams}

When Replacement Is the Better Choice

Cabinet replacement makes sense if:

• The boxes are damaged or low quality

• You’re changing the floor plan

• You want to switch to a completely different style or material

“In newer homes in Ballantyne or Weddington, we often see builder-grade cabinets that just don’t hold up. That’s when we recommend replacement over repainting.” — Derek Holt, Owner of Holt Renovations, Charlotte

2025 Charlotte Color Trends for Cabinets

According to regional design blogs and Charlotte-based showrooms like Reid’s Fine Furnishings, top color choices this year include:

• Warm Cream

• Dusty Blue

• Olive Green

• Graphite Gray with Gold Accents

For a luxe look, many local designers are pairing these with brushed brass pulls or mixed-metal finishes — especially in South End remodels.

_{Iron Ore x Sherwin-Williams}

_{Pewter Green x Sherwin-Williams}

Ready to Refresh Your Charlotte Kitchen?

Whether you're in SouthPark, NoDa, or the Lake Norman area — our Charlotte cabinet painting experts can help you refresh your space without the remodel stress and expense. Here's a quick cheat sheet if you're still unsure:

Submit an estimate request from this blog and receive a free color consultation!

Local Resources & Partners

• Kent & Co. Design Studio – Modern Southern design based in Charlotte

• Nestlewood Realty – Boutique Charlotte real estate firm

• Reid’s Fine Furnishings – Local showroom for hardware and kitchen finishes

• Craftwork Cabinet Painting Services – Charlotte – Your trusted local team