Back in 2006 I completely revamped my house myself. By the time I got to the kitchen I had basically run out of funds, and I hated the modern navy blue cabinets and metal handles.
I priced up new doors, but even the cheapest were going to cost too much. I wanted the panelled effect.
I visited my local timber yard, and was stunned when the charged me just £6 for the wood to panel the doors. I had given them precise measurements for 38 separate pieces, and they cut them all to size perfectly.
I then sanded the doors down really well, and attached the panelling with No Nails, and left to completely dry.
I then coated them with Primer, and again left them to dry.
I then bought my chosen colour in vinyl satin, and mixed it with a clear diamond hard varnish 50/50.
I then gave the doors 3 coats, allowing each to dry rock hard.
The effect was exactly what I had wanted, is still pristine 9 yrs later, and cost me a grand total of £35! (Including 9 wooden door knobs).
Good luck!