When it comes to decorating a kitchen on a tight budget, one needs to be patient and creative.
If your steel kitchen cabinets are in fairly good shape you can easily spray paint them for a brand new look.
What you need to realise is that you don’t have to do everything in one go - what you need to do is tackle each project as and when the money is available.
Here’s a list of small projects that will have a big impact on your kitchen’s appearance…
1. Paint steel cabinets
RDP homes come with the basics, and that normally means steel kitchen cabinets. Some older homes, especially those from the 70s, can also have steel cabinets.
If these are in fairly good shape you can easily spray paint them for a brand new look.
Before you start on this project you need to put in a fair amount of preparation to ensure that the finished product looks great.
Using a multi sander and 80-grit sanding pads, remove all the paint on the outside and inside of the cabinets.
A multi sander is the better option for steel cabinets as it allows you to get into corners and tight areas, plus it has a finger pad for sanding small areas.
Treat rust with Rust-Oleum Stops Rust to neutralise any rust and prevent further damage to the metalwork.
Use Rust-Oleum Protective Gloss Enamel on the inside and outside of the cabinets. If you cannot take the cabinets outside to spray them, be sure to open the windows and doors for air ventilation.
It might be a small area, but by adding the right tiles you can update a kitchen in a day.
Only spray on light, even coats and allow each coat to dry completely before spraying on a second coat.
2. Add some detail
Don't settle for boring if you can go bold, especially when it comes to kitchen splashbacks.
It might be a small area, but by adding the right details you can update a kitchen in a day with the right tiles.
Mosaic tiles come in a variety of materials and styles. You can opt for a faux or natural rock or stone finish, a mirrored finish, or ceramic and glass mosaic tiles.
Because there are so many options, it’s easy to find a style that fits in with your budget, regardless of how limited your finances are.
If the existing tiles in your kitchen are still in good condition and you don't want the hassle of removing them, you can apply the mosaic tiles over the existing tiles.
This is not generally a recommended option but it is do-able.
3. Painting options
Don't underestimate what paint can do for a kitchen renovation.
A bit of paint can completely transform a kitchen in a day.
An open plan kitchen allows interaction with the rest of the home. If you have a breakfast bar or kitchen island, friends and family will gather to share their news. An open plan kitchen really is the 'heart' of a home.
If you plan to paint your tiles, don't waste time and money on products that will only last a year or two. Opt for an epoxy paint that will bond with the tile and won't peel off if applied according to the instructions.
To paint the kitchen walls you’ll need a paint that is easy to keep clean. Steer clear of matt or flat paints and go for paints that have a satin or sheen factor.
These paints are far more durable and can be washed regularly. It's important to spend time on preparation before painting, so that walls are squeaky clean before you apply any paint.
And don't forget that even ugly appliances can be painted. Don't ditch a perfectly good fridge because it's scratched - give it a coat or two of paint.
4. Knock down and open up
Modern home designs incorporate the kitchen as part of the home, not as a closed off room stuck out of sight in a corner. If you have the opportunity to knock down walls you will not only have a kitchen that feels larger than it is, you will also enjoy spending time in it.
An open plan kitchen allows interaction with the rest of the home. If you have a breakfast bar or kitchen island, friends and family will gather to share their news. An open plan kitchen really is the 'heart' of a home.
Before you go knocking down walls, check that the walls are not load-bearing. If you don't know the difference, it pays to get a professional in for expert advice.
He/she will be able to tell you if the walls are load-bearing or not, and if they are, make suggestions on the best ways to support and remove such walls.
Article courtesy of www.home-dzine.co.za
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