Afraid to paint in color? Get over it! Color is the one item that can really pull a kitchen together.
- Fast Fix:
The good news about this project is that paint is cheap and the walls in a kitchen are generally confined to smaller areas above, between, and next to the cabinets. The bad news: you'll have to mask off cabinets and countertops with blue tape and sheets of plastic so drips and painting mistakes won't be an issue.As for color – that's the fun part! Take your pick and go conservative with soft gold, sage green, or pale blue, or get crazy and paint the walls barn red, terra cotta orange, or kiwi green. Look for scrubbable paint in a satin or semi-gloss finish.
#4 No-No: A Big Kitchen Without an Island
Chances are you've always longed for a kitchen island. After all, they're a handy place to set groceries, roll out cookie dough, do homework, and sort the mail. So what if your kitchen has no island?
- Fast Fix:
Purchase a ready-made island if you can find one that will fit your kitchen's dimensions. You'll want enough clearance all the way around (generally a minimum of 30") so appliances open easily and people can walk around freely. Absent any ready-made options, if you're handy (or know someone who is), create your own island using stock cabinets (such as a pair of wall cabinets attached back to back) from a home center. It's fine to go with a different finish from what's on your other cabinets, too. Paint the lower part of the island a contrasting color and top with laminate, butcher block, or even luxe-look granite.See More:
Kitchen Island Tips
Kitchen Island Links
Read Page 2: Walls and Islands
See more on Page 4: Windows and Hardware
