Five
$150 tricks
to make your kitchen look new
f you’ve looked into kitchen renovation at all, you’ve probably heard some staggering numbers — it costs $15,000 or more, on average, to update one of the most important rooms in the house. In this economy, who has that kind of budget? Yet don’t we all deserve a kitchen we can love, not just live with? Updates that will help you love your kitchen don’t have to come with a heartstopping cost, or involve tearing out cabinets and replacing countertops. In fact, it’s possible to seriously improve the livability and lovability of your kitchen with some designer tricks that each cost $150 or less. Here are five do-it-yourself ways to give your kitchen a whole new look for
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not a lot of money: 1.. The e softerr side Never underestimate the power of fabrics. The softer side of your kitchen decor can have a big impact on its overall look. The right window treatment on that utilitarian window above the sink can really make it pop. New cushions can punch up the appeal and comfort of mundane kitchen chairs. And the right tablecloth and/or placemats can hide a multitude of flaws in your kitchen table. Many budget-friendly discount stores now offer curtains and kitchen accessories that mimic much pricier designer versions. To get the most for your money, avoid the specialty shops and big depart-
ment stores and head to your local discount retailer. 2.. Take e itt to o the e walll Another powerful and budget-friendly way to upgrade your kitchen is to give it a fresh coat of paint and a designer-inspired wallpaper mural. A gallon or two of paint will cover most kitchens, and with some very good brands selling for less than $30, that leaves you plenty of money left over for a mural. You can find wallpaper murals for less than $100 at DecorPlace.com. Use your mural to create a focal point in the room, draw attention to an architectural feature or make a windowless space feel more open and airy. Wallpaper murals are easy enough to do it yourself, and save
money on installation. 3.. Metall magic Next, turn your attention to some of the easy-to-replace metal accents in your kitchen that might be looking worn or dated. These could include cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, electrical faceplates, even the kitchen faucet. All are easy enough to switch out for most do-it-yourselfers and you can easily replace all these items — including the faucet — for less than $150 if you shop wisely. Remember, to improve the look of a kitchen, these accents don’t need to be pricey designer name-brands, they just need to be new. New items will SEE PAGE 11
Pacific Isle Contractors Ltd. Since 1987
“We are so pleased with the results of the renovations we had done on our home in Manoa.” –Doctor Jill Call for a free in home consultation
Ph. 306-0843
New Construction • Additions • Kitchen/Bathroom Remodeling • House Painting Lic.#BC-19251
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10 | HAWAII RENOVATION | JULY 18, 2010
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