We recently had the chance to transform a kitchen in Laguna Beach, CA with a sleek, modern high gloss white acrylic cabinet refacing. The homeowners wanted a clean, European-inspired look without tearing their entire kitchen apart — and cabinet refacing was the perfect way to get there.
Even though the original cabinets were traditional face frame cabinets, we were still able to achieve a Euro-style, flat-panel look by refacing the exterior and installing new doors and drawers. Once the project was complete, the kitchen felt brighter, bigger, and much more current.
A Euro Look Using Existing Cabinets
For this project, the goal was simple:
- Clean lines
- High gloss white surfaces
- Minimal reveals
- Modern, European feel
Instead of starting from scratch, we worked with the existing cabinet boxes and transformed them with high gloss white acrylic. After refacing the cabinet frames, we installed:
- New flat-panel doors and drawer fronts
- All new Blum soft-close hinges and drawer hardware
The combination of glossy panels, tight reveals between doors and drawers, and soft-close hardware gave this kitchen a completely new personality. It looks and feels like a high-end European install, but the original cabinet structure is still there underneath.
How the Cabinet Refacing Process Works
A lot of people are surprised at how quickly and cleanly cabinet refacing can be done. In most cases, including this Laguna Beach kitchen, the entire transformation is completed in about 4–5 days.
Here’s how the process typically works:
1. Protecting Your Home
Before any work starts, we:
- Cover the floors and countertops
- Protect nearby surfaces and finishes
- Set up plastic barriers to control dust as much as possible
The goal is to keep your home clean and livable while the work is being done.
2. Removing Old Doors & Drawers
Next, we remove and haul away:
- Old doors
- Drawer fronts
- Moldings
- Worn-out hinges and drawer glides
You’re left with the bare cabinet frames, which become the foundation for the refacing work and any layout tweaks.
3. Making Any Layout Changes or Modifications
Cabinet refacing doesn’t mean everything has to stay exactly the same. As part of the process, we can:
- Add or remove drawers
- Convert door cabinets into drawer banks
- Upgrade or relocate waste roll-outs
- Add new cabinets to fill gaps or improve storage
- Replace older “improvised” cabinets with properly built ones
If you want deeper drawers, better pantry access, or more functional storage, refacing is a great time to make those changes. We can even install new cabinets where needed and integrate them into the refacing so everything matches.
4. Prepping & Laminating the Cabinets
Once the layout is set, we prep the cabinets for their new finish. That includes:
- Lightly sanding the exterior surfaces
- Cleaning and smoothing the cabinet frames
- Getting everything ready for proper adhesion
Then we laminate the visible parts of the cabinet boxes with the new material.
For this Laguna Beach project, that meant high gloss white acrylic sheets, which give a very crisp, reflective finish. In other projects, we may use:
- Real wood veneers for a natural look
- Thermofoil for a durable, low-maintenance finish
- Other specialty laminates depending on the style
The lamination is carefully cut, applied, trimmed, and finished so the cabinet frames look like they were built that way from the start.
5. Installing New Doors, Drawers & Moldings
Once the frames are refaced, it’s time to rebuild the visible parts of the kitchen:
- New doors are installed with Blum soft-close hinges
- New drawer boxes are installed with soft-close undermount glides
- New moldings are added to match the updated style
- Any convenience hardware (like trash roll-outs or lazy Susans) is installed or upgraded
After that, we install the cabinet pulls or handles chosen for the space. Hardware is a small detail that makes a huge difference in the overall feel of the kitchen.
6. Clean Up & Final Adjustments
Finally, we:
- Adjust all doors and drawers so they line up perfectly
- Clean the cabinetry and work areas
- Remove floor and counter protection
- Do a last walk-through to make sure everything looks and works as it should
By the end of the week, the kitchen feels completely renewed — without weeks of demolition or living in a construction zone.
Why High Gloss White Acrylic?
High gloss white acrylic is a great choice for homeowners who want that modern, European, “showroom kitchen” look. Some of the benefits include:
- Brightens the space – Glossy white surfaces reflect light and make the kitchen feel larger and more open.
- Easy to wipe clean – The smooth surface cleans up easily with a soft cloth.
- Sleek and minimal – Works perfectly with modern appliances, simple hardware, and clean lines.
- Pairs well with many materials – Looks great next to wood floors, concrete, stone, or stainless steel.
In a place like Laguna Beach, where natural light and ocean-inspired interiors are popular, high gloss white can help create a bright, airy, contemporary feel.
Why Work with Caliber Woodcraft?
Based in Lake Forest, CA, Caliber Woodcraft specializes in:
- Cabinet refacing
- New custom cabinetry
- Euro-style and traditional designs
With around 20 years of experience, the focus is always on:
- Using high quality materials
- Applying solid, proven techniques
- Staying within each customer’s budget
- Building cabinetry that holds up over time — both in looks and function
Whether you want a high gloss modern kitchen like this one in Laguna Beach, a warm wood kitchen, or a mix of both, the goal is always the same: cabinets that feel right for you, not something generic.
Frequently Asked Questions About High Gloss Cabinet Refacing
1. Will high gloss white show fingerprints and smudges?
High gloss can show fingerprints more than a matte finish, especially in heavy-use areas. The good news is that acrylic surfaces are easy to wipe clean, and many people feel the crisp, modern look is worth the extra occasional wipe-down.
2. Do you have to remove my countertops to reface my cabinets?
In most cases, no. Cabinet refacing is usually done without removing countertops, especially if you already have stone like quartz or granite in place. We work carefully around them.
3. Can you make layout changes during refacing?
Yes. While we’re not doing a full gut remodel, we can absolutely:
- Add drawers
- Convert lower cabinets into drawer stacks
- Add or move waste roll-outs
- Replace older box cabinets with new ones
These small adjustments can make a big difference in how your kitchen works.
4. How long does a project like this usually take?
A typical high gloss cabinet refacing project takes around 4–5 days, start to finish. Larger or more complex jobs may take a bit longer, but it’s still much faster than a full remodel.
5. Are soft-close doors and drawers included?
Yes. When we install new doors and drawers, we use soft-close hinges and undermount glides so everything closes smoothly and quietly.
6. Does refacing last as long as new cabinets?
When done properly with quality materials, refaced cabinets can last many years. The doors, drawer fronts, and hardware are all new — and the laminated frames are built for daily use.
7. Do you only work in Lake Forest and Laguna Beach?
No. Caliber Woodcraft serves homeowners throughout Lake Forest, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, and the greater Orange County area.
Ready to Modernize Your Kitchen?
If you love the idea of a clean, high gloss, European-style kitchen but don’t want to start from scratch, cabinet refacing might be the perfect solution.
You keep your existing layout, avoid major construction, and still get a kitchen that looks and feels completely new.
📞 Call or email today to start the conversation about your project.
Let’s turn your existing cabinets into something you’re excited to come home to.