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Fixing Up Old Cabinets
by Nikki Willhite - Willhite@aol.com
Description: Tips for updating your kitchen decor by fixing up old cabinets.
When it comes to fixing up old cabinets, I like to see the
glass half
full! If you have new wood cabinets (even if they are
economy grade)
you probably do not want to touch them, nor will your spouse let
you.
However, if your cabinets are old and unattractive, this is an
opportunity
for you to make them special, give them character, and add your
personal
touch to your home.
There are so many ways you can fix up old cabinets. You
can spend
the money to have the doors resurfaced, but that is
expensive,
and you
end up with the same thing everyone else has.
Think paint! Begin by choosing a color scheme.
Remember light orientation--http://www.AllThingsFrugal.com/light.htm.
White cabinets are wonderful for brightening up dark rooms, but
could be
overly bright in a room in a warm climate with a western
exposure.
When you think of color, remember no color stands alone.
You will
want at least one other color for accent. If doesn't have to be
part of
the paint job, but it will be used several times in the
room. If
you can use color from an adjacent room you will blend the two
rooms and
it will look very professional.
After you settle on your colors, look at the shapes of your
cabinets.
Before you begin painting, you can change things. Here are some
ideas:
Take the doors off one of your cupboards and display
some of
your decorative
items on the open shelving. If you like, replace the wood
shelving
with glass. Some of the things that look good displayed in
a kitchen
shelf are cookbooks, canned goods, "Make a Mix" items stored in
decorative
containers, cookie jars, clear storage containers with colored
pasta, spices,
etc.
You can also buy or build something to store your dinner
plates upright.
You've seen them in expensive kitchens--dishes standing up on end
between
dividers. Go to Home Depot, see how it's done, and copy it,
adapting
it to your skill and price point.
Next think about removing some of the wood in a couple cabinet
doors
and replacing it with glass. Most doors can be cut
away,
leaving
2-3 inches around the perimeter, which you can then replace with
glass.
If you don't want people to be able to see into your cupboards,
place a
small drapery pole on the inside and sheer some fabric inside the
doors.
This will add elegance, color and personality to your kitchen.
Use the
same fabric elsewhere in the room if you like that look, or just
blend
fabrics. Small checks and prints look great. Remember when
buying
the fabric to scrunch it up so you will see how it will look
shirred.
Other possibilities for the glass--you can etch it, or use
gallery glass
and leading. You can even forget the glass and use chicken wire.
There are many different paint finishes you can use, in
addition to
adding designs by stenciling and decoupage.
Be sure and choose your paint carefully. Talk to a paint
professional
about your options. It may not take a lot of money, but it is
going to
take some work, and you want to do it right. Also, don't forget
to paint
the inside of the cabinets for a
fresh, clean finish. Remember the importance of details.
Choose new
hardware that goes with the style you have chosen. It may
be your
biggest expenses, but well worth it.
Take the time, and do it right, and you will have something
uniquely
yours that you will be proud of and enjoy for many years, and an
asset
should you decide to sell your home.
Reprinted with permission from:
The Pennypincher
An E-zine for the Frugally Minded
