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Kitchen and Bath Updates When a full-blown remodel isn’t in the budget, try these DIY solutions for giving tired, old spaces a fresh, new style by Kelly Berg
Clean It and Fix It It may seem obvious, but an intense deep cleaning can do wonders. Scrub every little corner of your space. Sometimes what’s old looks old just because it has years and years of accumulated grime. And repair everything that’s broken. Fix the loose handle on the refrigerator. Recaulk. Regrout. Tend to all of those little things that can drive you crazy. As you clean and repair you just might notice your kitchen or bath isn’t quite as bad as you first thought. Or maybe it is. In that case, keep reading.
32 W I N T E R 2 012 MARIN HOME
Get Clutter-Free and Organized There is no substitution for a well organized space. Even a beautifully designed kitchen or bath can be cringeworthy if it isn’t properly organized. Go through each and every cabinet, nook and cranny and get rid of food and toiletries that are just plain old. With everything out, take the opportunity to organize and sort like you’ve never sorted before. Buy new baskets, bins and other organizing containers for all of your loose items. And no, it’s not a big waste of time. Organizing now can help you successfully plan for your future remodel. Tile It Up Some old bathrooms and kitchens come with tile. Some don’t. Sometimes that’s a good thing. If you don’t have tile, consider installing a backsplash behind your sink. Sound complicated? Not necessarily. A few creative options: tile adhesive on a roll, backsplash “kits” and wallpaper. And if you do have tile but are looking for a little more style, try some Mibo Tile Tattoos by 2 Jane or even give them a coat of paint. Yes - you can paint tile! continue >>
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GRAHAM & BROWN
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aybe you’ve inherited a less than stylish kitchen or bath with your new home. Or maybe it’s time to bring a breath of fresh air to your long-time home. Perhaps you’re even considering selling your home and need to make a few changes to get top dollar. Whatever the case, you may very well find yourself in that zone of needing an update for your kitchen or bath but not having the necessary funds, or inclination, to tackle a full-blown remodel. Don’t fear. Kitchen and baths can often be updated fairly inexpensively. Here are a few ideas to get you on your way to creating a fresh, new look for your tired spaces.