Simple DIY Kitchen Remodeling Tips

Summer is the time for “Do It Yourself” projects and below are some great kitchen ideas for you! The tips outlined below are all intended to be easy fixes that anyone can do, no matter what their level of expertise.  If budget is no issue, the chances are good that you would be having someone else do the work for you anyway, which is why the focus here is on money-saving ideas. Since the kitchen is your home’s heart, this space can be a source of inspiration as well as functional.  Let’s face it, more than just cooking happens in your kitchen!  Your kids do their homework there, you entertain friends and family there, and you deal with everyday events there, so why not have a space that says, “This is my place and it works great!”  Here’s what to do.

Refinish Your Cabinets

So your cabinets are yucky… no worries, anyone can fix them to where they look sleek and modern with a quick coat of paint, some sealer, and new hardware.  If your old cabinets have already been painted, the first thing you want to do is remove the existing paint.  Depending on what kind of material your cabinets are made from, will depend on what methods and products you should use to remove the old paint.  The easiest way to figure it out is to take a door off and bring it with you to your local home improvement store.  But, before you remove all the doors and take all the hardware off you should number the doors so that they go back up correctly. After you remove all the paint, you will want to clean everything off thoroughly.  Make sure there isn’t any dust in the nooks and corners by using a toothbrush to detail everything.  

Once everything is clean and dry, you can start painting.  Spray paint will yield the best results, so make sure you talk to a paint store professional about which kind of spray paint will be the best for the look you are trying to create.  When spray painting, it is suggested that you still brush paint the trim, unless you plan to tape off and tarp your entire kitchen!  With that being said, do still tape off everything that needs to be immediately protected and start the painting process with a good primer, finishing up with a quality sealer.  You want to make sure your coats are not too thick to prevent the “ever wet” feeling and stickiness that is sometimes associated with painting multiple layers.  Although it might be hard to do it, you should wait until the paint dries completely between each layer before moving on. Take the time to paint and line the interior of the cabinets as well, because it will make a big difference later on.  The last step after you have finished painting and assembling the cabinets is to update the hardware.  

Create More Storage

One thing that is desirable in every kitchen is plenty of storage. Not only will extra storage keep your countertops clear but also help keep drawers and cabinets uncluttered. If you already have a pantry, take a good look at it and see if you can re-arrange the space differently to accommodate more shelves or hanging racks. If you don’t have a pantry, is there available wall space to add some shelves? Ready-t-install shelving is fairly easy to find at Home Depot, Lowes, or any DIY store and can be put up with just a few simple tools and some time. Hanging a pegboard on a wall and adding several different hooks is another space-saving idea – it will create a functional space for storing pots, pans, baking utensils, or mugs.

There are many things you can do with your existing cabinets to increase storage space. Get creative by adding a wine rack (or wine glass rack) below cabinets, or divide cabinet shelf space into two sections by adding shelf risers. If you are not a do-it-yourself kind of person, you might want to consider hiring a professional to help, but there are a few easy-to-build cabinet storage ideas that you might be able to tackle yourself. For instance, adding extra cabinet shelves: just measure and cut prefinished shelving boards (in the depth of your cabinets) to the desired length to fit your cabinet. Then pick up some extra shelf pins to install the new shelves. Other ways to increase cabinet storage: create lower cabinet vertical rollout-drawers to make use of the space in base cabinets. Adding a knife rack or utensil rack on the inside of cabinet doors will eliminate drawer and countertop clutter. Or, consider creating a large rollout drawer with compartments for various storage containers and lids (so they can be easily found!)

Install A Mortarless Backsplash

Have you ever cooked on a stove that does not have a backsplash?  All the grease splashing out of the pans stain the wall behind it.  By adding a simple backsplash, you will not only be creating a sleek look, but you will also be making it easier to keep clean.  If you are a beginner with this project, you are going to end up dishing out a bit more money to make things easier, but it is so worth it.  The traditional process of tiling a backsplash usually requires a bit more skill than the average person may have, but there are some great products out there that make it simple and quick.  Measure your space and take a picture of it on your phone.  Bring these items with you when you go buy your supplies.  You will want to look for self-adhesive backsplash tile kits. Some are groutless and vinyl, and others have a separate adhesive sheet and will require grouting and a sealer. The latter of the two will yield more professional results, and are still pretty simple. When laying your tiles, start with a centerline straight down your stovetop. If you don’t want to recut tiles, it is best to configure your layout first before installing it. Also, update your outlet covers so they match the room’s new decor.  

Add some Personality to your Kitchen

Accessorize your heart out!  Although your kitchen should reflect a clean and sterile environment, it should still feel homey and comfortable.  Use simple touches like pictures, wall hangings, cookbooks, vases, candles, spices, new lighting, and decorative serving items to create a functional and inviting space all of your own! Choose items that fit the theme of your kitchen to give it some character and personality. Adding plants to your kithen can give the space a sense of warmth, and bring a bit of nature indoors. Just be careful not to go overboard – clutter on countertops or window sills is never in style.