Do you dream of that magazine worthy kitchen with shiny granite countertops, beautifully crafted cabinetry and a family happily gathered for a meal? But your reality may be dated Formica, worn or faded cabinets and tight spaces around the table.
We all know the kitchen is the heart of the home and it is the room where your remodeling dollars give you the most return on your investment. But when gutting your kitchen and getting new cabinets and countertops is not in your budget, you do have other options. Here are some ideas so manageable that you can Do-It-Yourself.
Wood cabinets
Kitchen cabinets can be painted. If done right, the new look can last many years. It will take time and patience but can save you thousands on replacement cabinets. Only consider painting them if they are structurally intact, meaning: drawer fronts are solidly attached to drawer, the wood is not cracked and warped, and doors close properly. Of course, you can make little repairs, like new hinges, but you want to invest your painting time on a solid foundation.
Laminate Cabinets
So many homeowners think they have no option but to replace worn laminates. When properly prepped, laminate cabinets can be painted and sealed for long wear. Prime the laminate surfaces with a primer designed for glossy surfaces like Gripper by Glidden or KILZ. They create a porous surface for your top coat of paint. The key is preparation, dry time and patience. Read the labels for guidelines. If you want a great textured look for your cabinets, cover the laminate sides in bead board paneling. Cut the panels to size, glue and nail the panels in place. Trim it with molding and paint it to match the cabinet fronts.
Hardware
Ladies love new jewelry so why not adorn your cabinets with new bling, too. New handles or knobs can update your kitchen easily and affordably. For a well put together look, match hardware to your lighting or plumbing fixtures. Consider changing knobs to pulls. When replacing pulls, be sure to measure your existing holes so you choose the right sized pull. They generally range 3-4 inches.
Countertops:
Laminate/Formica countertops can be given a facelift, too. RustOleum offers a countertop recoating system from their Transformations product line. This award winning system allows you to paint and seal laminate in a two part system. Allow two days to complete the makeover plus two-day dry time. It fully cures in seven days and is available in five colors. For more details watch the how-to video and review testimonials at the RustOleum Transformations website.
You can completely transform your kitchen for a fraction of a total renovation price tag. To complete the look, add a new coat of paint to the walls, updated lighting and hang new art. When tackling a comprehensive project like this one; be patient, read directions and let your creativity flow. Be sure to take before and after photos so you can fully appreciate the fruits of your labor.
