How can I update my kitchen on a budget using crafters vinyl and a garage sale find, until I can afford to redo it properly in the future?
So, over Thanksgiving break, I finally tackled a project I’ve been wanting to do for about 3 years now! My cabinets and counters had this awful blue background that I couldn’t stand, but since I’ve been on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford to replace them. The material was some weird thin cover that paint just wouldn’t stick to no matter what I tried. So, I did a quick fix job on my own home, kind of like the “landlord special,” just to hold me over until I can save up enough to do a real kitchen renovation. I used some crafters vinyl I scored at a garage sale for super cheap, and even though you can see some lines up close, I honestly don’t mind. It only cost me about 8 bucks to transform the whole space!
My plan is to paint the bottom cabinets black and the cabinet doors and drawers a dark gray. As for the countertops, well, I’ll deal with those later down the road when I can figure out what to do with them… 🤷♀️ But hey, at least my kitchen looks way better now! 😄
You should definitely consider adding frames as well. It could really change the whole look. And adding pulls would be a nice touch too.
I’m planning to do it all over again properly, but for now, this is just a temporary fix for the time being 🙂
Great work on this!
I would definitely recommend trimming the doors as well. It will make everything look much smoother.
I totally agree that it doesn’t look complete.
I give the go-ahead for the Survival Mode Remodel.
My uncle always says, “Being poor requires a lot of creativity,” and I couldn’t agree more!
I really like it!
I would also paint the frames.
Wow, there’s definitely a ton of stuff cluttering up those counters 😬
Is so rude. It’s obvious she practically resides in her home. I’m guessing from your remark that you have one of those Instagram/Pinterest-worthy homes that always looks perfect. That’s awesome for you! But seriously, let’s spread some kindness! 🙄
Just text: is so rude. It’s obvious she practically resides in her home. I’m guessing from your remark that you have one of those Instagram/Pinterest-worthy homes that always looks perfect. That’s awesome for you! But seriously, let’s spread some kindness! 🙄
Has a point, haha! It may seem like a lot of stuff, but I have reasons for everything there. It’s totally fine if some people aren’t into it.
I admire your perspective! I just want to emphasize that most people’s homes look similar and it’s best to refrain from judging. 🤍
Your attitude is fantastic! honestly … more people should have that. 🙂
I feel that incorporating stylish cabinet handles/knobs will further enhance its appearance. 😊
Looks great! Those who suggested painting must have missed the part where you mentioned that paint won’t adhere.
For a project completed within a strict budget, I believe you did a great job! 👍👍 Your home is yours to enjoy, and enjoy it you will! I envy the abundance of cabinets you have. I also have items that need to remain on my countertops. 😊😊
I also had really old cabinets that were super dark. I finally took the plunge and painted them. The prep work was a nightmare. I started off with gloss off and bonding primer. But I’m really happy I did it.
The photo shows the cabinets in the middle of the project. The bottom ones are now a lovely shade of blue.
You could try using contact paper on your countertops. My daughter did it on hers and 2 years later it still looks great! It’s a cheap and easy solution. She used faux marble. Just a suggestion for you.
That’s exactly what I’m thinking! I actually placed a test strip to check its durability 🙂
I think it might be laminate, so you might need to use a heat gun to peel it off. Have you ever heard of All-In-One Paint by Heirloom Traditions? Many people rave about how it covers everything!
Just wanted to let you know, when you’re ready, you can always paint those cabinets. If they’re solid wood, like they appear to be, I wouldn’t replace them. To paint them, you’ll need to clean them with mineral spirits first, then apply an oil-based primer. It might take some effort to find oil-based primer depending on your location, but it’s out there. I’m in California and I can still find it at certain Home Depots. Apply two coats of primer with good ventilation. After a couple of days to dry, you can start painting. I personally use epoxy paint for cabinets because it’s very durable and doesn’t scratch easily. You could also use an acrylic alkyd paint, which works well for cabinets too. If you want to take it a step further, Harbor Freight Tools sells an electric sprayer for around $40 that does the job and gives you a nice even finish. You may need to dilute your paint a bit to spray it, but it will result in a smoother application.