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Cheer Up Your Kitchen Windows and Hardware

More Fast Fixes for Your Kitchen

From , former About.com Guide

Cheer Up Your Kitchen Windows and HardwareSmith&Noble Window Ware
#5 No-No: Boring Window Coverings
What's dressing your kitchen windows? Dusty cafe curtains, broken metal mini-blinds, or frou-frou valances should be retired permanently.
  • Fast Fix:
    Remove the offending outdated window fashions and fill any holes left in the wall or woodwork after removing the hardware. Replace with a sleek wood blind, stylish shutter, or soft and pretty Roman shade. Keep your new window treatments looking fresh by dusting and vacuuming regularly.

    See More:
    Window Treatment Info
    Window Treatment Basics

#6 No-No: Cabinet Handles from the 1970s
Little painted wooden handles and knobs date a kitchen faster than a pink appliance. Bring your kitchen's look into the current century by replacing the old hardware with fresh new choices. This will give your cabinets an instant facelift.

  • Fast Fix:
    Unscrew the existing hardware and examine the holes left in the cabinet doors and drawers. You should be able to find replacement hardware to fit into the same openings, so take an old handle with you or draw a template using a piece of paper and a punch. Note: Backing plates can be purchased to go underneath the new handles; these hide any previous holes and can help disguise worn areas on the cabinets as well.

    See More:
    Dress Up Your Cabinets
    Cabinet Hardware Sources

Go on to Page 2: Ugly Kitchen Lighting and Cabinets
Page 3: Walls and Islands

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