Tricks to make over your kitchen on the cheap (and easy)
If you want to give your kitchen a fresh look but you're not ready to spend thousands on a full-scale renovation, here are a few ideas to give your space an overhaul for minimal cash.
Wallpaper your fridge. It's not as easy-or crazy-as it sounds. All you need is a roll of wallpaper, a quart of rubber cement, and a sponge brush to transform the most blah, 20 year-old refrigerator into a groovy design statement. Measure your fridge and cut out a swatch of wallpaper accordingly. Apply the rubber cement directly onto the surface of the fridge with a sponge brush. It dries fast, so work quickly to apply the wallpaper. If there are any bumps or creases, use a heavy book like a squeegee to smooth out any bubbles. Trim any overhang with an X-Acto knife. If you're renting, fear not-the wallpaper will peel right off and you can use a bit of Goo Gone to remove any residual glue.
Re-paint. If you've got 80's-era laminate cabinets and are tired of looking at them, the best thing you can do is give them a coat of paint. Start by removing all the doors, drawers, and hardware and give them a good cleaning. Apply a coat of shellac-base primer-sealer, which works on any kind of cabinet surface (Formica, wood, etc.). Let it dry for at least an hour, then apply a coat of oil-based paint (which is more durable and washable than water-based paint). If repainting your cabinets seems like too much work, choose one wall to paint in a pop color.
Pay attention to details. Swapping out the hardware on your cabinets is another simple, high-impact fix, and only costs a few dollars per door. If you're not sure what kind you want, it may be worth it to buy several you like and test them out in your kitchen-just keep the receipt and return the ones you don't go with. Even buying new dish towels to put on display can reinvigorate a space. Look for pairs in a similar color palette with contrasting prints. And add a small area rug at the foot of the kitchen sink in a coordinating hue.
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