This kitchen was sound, but sad, prior to the makeover
There is something quite satisfying about getting a job done by yourself, but a kitchen transformation doesn’t usually fall into that category. When one couple was weighing up options of how to bring their dark, timber-stained kitchen into the modern era, without splurging on costs, they decided the best way forward was to use colour.
Although the cupboard decor was no longer fashionable, the structure of the kitchen was solid and the appliances functioned perfectly well.
To rip up the kitchen and start from scratch would be a costly and unnecessary exercise.
With a small budget, and no prior experience in kitchen makeovers, Avery and Ben Michaels embarked upon the renovation of their dark 1980s wood kitchen using chalk paint and updating the kitchen cupboard and drawer handles.
“We didn’t need new appliances or fixtures or flooring, so I read every article out there about painting kitchen cupboards and decided it was time to go for it,” says Avery.
The kitchen is almost unrecognisable after the paint job.
To cover the dark timber stain, Avery used Annie Sloan chalk paint in Pure (a clean white) to do two coats on the upper cabinets, and Duck Egg Blue to do two coats on the lower cupboards.
Having come up trumps, her advice for would-be renovators is to take detailed stock of the cabinets before you start. Don’t rush in. Rather, prep the space properly.
Annie Sloan chalk paint and a change of handles worked wonders.
“Degrease your cabinets thoroughly with soap,” says Avery. “If you leave just a tiny spot it will show through the paint. “Approach your kitchen remodel with realistic expectations. When you get really, really close and examine the cabinets, they do have some imperfections, but whoever gets that close?”
The soft tones of the kitchen work in well with the couple’s vintage furniture.
Avery says they love their kitchen now, which gives their home that feel-good factor.
“We do love it. It’s bright and colourful and full of light. There’s only one window, which doesn’t provide much natural light. The dark cupboards sucked any brightness out of the room, and the white floors gave off a hospital vibe,” she says.
Painting the upper cupboards white helped them blend into the background and gave the cupboards below an unfitted feel.
“The walls were terracotta, so the newer white paint still had some orange undertones.
“If you’re considering doing it, but you’re afraid of the results, just do it. It’s the most affordable way to dramatically change the look and feel of your kitchen.”
Pictures: Avery Michaels
More: anniesloan.com/australia
The post Magic kitchen makeover — no trades required appeared first on realestate.com.au.