What Do You Do When a Style Craving Strikes Your Fancy?

Most of us spend hours each week in kitchens we love, preparing delicious dinners, tasty snacks and on-the-fly breakfasts. But what do you do when a style craving strikes your fancy? One way to satisfy your design ambitions (as well as your budget! ) is to use paint to update your kitchen. Slathering a rich coat of colour onto walls, ceilings and chairs is an affordable way to decorate with paint, but paint can be used to cook up all sorts of other kitchen design possibilities too! Painting kitchen cabinets Next to walls, kitchen cabinets are the most obvious element to tackle to refresh your space with paint. Begin by removing all hardware and hinges on your cabinets, or at the very least, carefully tape over them, to protect from any rogue splattering. While painting outside on a tarp is preferable, you can complete this project inside as well; just be sure to cover your appliances, floors and furniture. Wipe down your cupboards with a mild degreasing solution (dish soap and warm water will do! ) and gently sand them so that the paint effortlessly grips the surface. Then prime and cover with colour, using an oil-based or latex paint. Renting a sprayer can speed up this kitchen makeover, but there is nothing wrong with painting by hand either, as long as you have the right brushes for pesky edges and a roller for larger surface areas. Painting your kitchen backsplash Make a splash with your kitchen backsplash! Installing a new backsplash can be pricey but if you've got a spare weekend, you can update your existing tile backsplash with a coat of paint. Simply tape off all cabinets, electrical outlets and counters, and wipe down to remove any lingering grime. Using light-grit sandpaper on the backsplash will also help the paint connect smoothly with the surface. If painting over tile, be sure to use a ceramic primer and paint for the best results, and apply in thin layers with a roller. You will be amazed by the difference a subtle hint of colour can make to your kitchen! Painting wooden kitchen floors AdvertisementPainting a wooden floor is not for the faint of heart, but if you're feeling adventurous it can make a bold and beautiful statement. After moving all of your furniture (remember, lift with your knees! ) and thoroughly cleaning underfoot, it's time to prime. Use a primer that is suitable for your flooring and paint type; a tinted primer makes life easier as well. Polyurethane-based paints work wonders on most hardwood floors and should be applied in multiple thin coats. Keep the room warm and allow 24-hours between each layer for drying so that the paint cures properly. Also, if you can, leave the house while the fumes clear. Painting kitchen cabinet hardware Great design is in the details, making a hardware pick-me-up a fast and simple way to uplift any kitchen's look. You can easily paint your cabinet hardware for an inexpensive update. Remove all hardware from your kitchen cabinetry and scrub clean. Be sure to take note of the type of material you are working with; for example, metal handles should be treated with metallic primer. Spray painting is the most efficient way to achieve even coverage and two to three coats should usually do the trick. Allow a day for drying so the paint really hardens. Then reattach, stand back and admire. Source: styleathome.com