Weekend Transformation

This total kitchen renovation cost less than $800.

Once plain and only adequate, this kitchen is now the hub of the home. Anyone with a free weekend can refashion their space into a fun, fresh room.

The inspiration for the color scheme came from beautiful pottery that was already in the kitchen. Warm yellow tones with touches of red and green were incorporated into the space. Painting the existing cabinets white and covering them with a gold glaze softened the harsh sterility. With new hardware, the cabinet transformation was complete at little cost.

New countertops created maximum impact. Ceramic tiles, placed on top of the existing countertops, are affixed to the old surface with grout. At just more than $2 per square foot, this is a less expensive option than installing a new laminate surface. Plywood was used to extend the breakfast bar by 1 foot on the side and end. Bar chairs, purchased at an unfinished furniture store for $60 each, were stained light green.

A large fan on the wall above the breakfast bar detracted from the new look of the kitchen. A corkboard, placed between two canvas frames purchased from an artsupply store, was covered in fabric to create a message board and clever disguise.

Inexpensive wicker baskets turn open shelves into an organizational space. Each basket bears a monogrammed name of a family member on a square of red-and-white-striped fabric.

All of the hardware, paint, wood, and other materials, including a new sink, were purchased at a local home-improvement store for around $450, and the accessories cost less than $100. REBECCA G. WARREN

QUICK FIX: GLAZING CABINETS

Glazing is a very simple and quick process. The most difficult part will be deciding on a color. When choosing one, keep in mind the base paint color it will cover. It is important to make sure that the tones you combine complement one another. You may need to paint your cabinets first to achieve the desired look.

Purchase a premixed tinted glaze, or buy a clear glaze and have your local paint store mix in the desired color.

Be sure to clean the cabinet surfaces thoroughly before applying the glaze. Once dry, apply the glaze with cheesecloth or a lint-free cloth according to the manufacturer's instructions. When the first coat is dry, repeat until the desired effect is achieved.

To create a textured look, make a slightly darker glaze by adding a bit more paint to the mix. Then use a brush to dab the glaze directly onto the cabinets. Any imperfections or mistakes only add to the character and charm of the cabinets.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation May 2004
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved