A reader kitchen makeover
So, we recently decided to redo our kitchen, but with a twist. Instead of just getting someone in to do all at one, we were going to try and do as much as possible ourselves. Whilst there were nothing really wrong with the kitchen as it was, I wanted to make a few changes.
So, we recently decided to redo our kitchen, but with a twist. Instead of just getting someone in to do all at one, we were going to try and do as much as possible ourselves. Whilst there were nothing really wrong with the kitchen as it was, I wanted to make a few changes.
- Our fridge had been blocking off half of the only window we have in the kitchen, to allow space for a second appliance next to the washing machine.
- The tiles in both our bathrooms, guest loo and the kitchen were the same… So, I have issues? Don’t we all?
- Also, I am really a big fan of splash backs, instead of tiles up to the roof. So wanted to incorporate this into the new styling.
- I wanted to make a more cottage style kitchen
We started off by chopping the tiles off, re-plastering and re-tiling the walls.
- Ordered the new blind for our kitchen from Builders Warehouse.
- We removed the old light from the ceiling and ended up having to fix a huge hole underneath refitting it with the lights we previously removed from our bedroom.
- Added weather strips as well as a draught excluder to the kitchen door, to keep the cold out.
- Added cornices (super, super hard work… This delayed our whole project by a week, not for the faint at heart!).
- I was very excited to have been able to use some of the gorgeous tiles that the ladies from PaperCake Trading spoiled me with, after the profile we did on them for the blog.
- I fixed up the ovens' door handle with Rust Oleum high-temperature spray in Black.
Here’s how we painted the cupboards
- Remove doors and remove their handles or door knobs.
- Make sure that the cupboard doors are free from grime and dust. What I found best is to wipe the doors, after cleaning them with mentholated spirits as it evaporates and leaves the doors dry.
- If you will be replacing or moving the door handles on the door, you need to fill the holes, wait for the filler to dry and sand it lightly.
- Lightly sand the doors with a relatively fine sandpaper.
- Paint a coat of Plascon Super grip multi-purpose primer, using a paint brush in the trim (pattern) of the door and a small foam roller for the rest. This needs at least 4 hours to dry, but better to leave it overnight.
- Paint two base coats of the Rust-Oleum kits’ paint, leaving at least 2 hours of drying time in between using the paint brush with that they supply in the kit.
- We then applied the stain with a paintbrush onto the doors. It dries relatively fast so we found it easier when my husband painted and I wiped the stain with a cloth. You might have to wipe multiple times over the stain to get the desired effect, but DO NOT put stain over again once a first layer is dry, it removes the first layer again!
- Wait at least 24 hours before re installing the doors and adding back or putting on new handles or knobs.
The doors and cupboards used slightly more paint than expected, as we had to put two coats of Rust Oleum Distressed Ivory kits’ base coats on the doors before staining them. Hence, the addition of an additional kit to the costs below.
Loving the little piggy plant that my neighbour brought as kitchen warming prezzie!
Total expenses: (Budget R10 000)
- Basket drawers and hinges – R840
- Blind – R600
- Ceiling paint – R250
- Cornices (12m – Angelico medium) – R300
- Cupboard door with glass – R500
- DeJay plate hangers R32
- Dulux multi-purpose primer – R200 (Kitchen cupboards)
- Labour – R1 100
- Plate cupboard – R500
- Pictures – R450 – Lots&Crates
- Plaster products, tile adhesive and grout – R770
- Rust Oleum Distressed Ivory kit x2 – R700 (Cupboards)
- Silicone (transparent) and gun – R60
- Stove plate covers – R100
- Tiles – R 1 000 – CTM
- Twiggy vinyl's – R300
- TOTAL – R7 702
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