Small Kitchen Cabinet Updates...for Free!
By Kathy Woodard
Walk around a kitchen showroom these days, and you’ll see beautiful custom cabinet set ups with one thing in common...almost all of them have display areas built into the cabinet system. Its a beautiful thing to have kitchen display space without taking up valuable floor space with a china hutch in our most well visited room!
This is an easy do it yourself project, and ideal for the “budget decorator”. And you can do it in an afternoon, for no more than a little elbow grease!
First, choose an upper cabinet that you would like to use as display. It doesn’t have to be the most central cabinet in the space, but don’t hide your cherished dishes and collectibles in the end cabinet!
Now, remove the door. This usually involves no more than removing the hinge screws. Store the door somewhere safe, with the hardware attached in a plastic bag. You may want to replace the door later for a new look, or if you sell or leave the home.
Empty the cabinet, and find new homes for those items, unless they will be your display items. Don’t forget, many of us store things in our kitchen cabinets that are used rarely. Try to move those things into spare bedroom closets, the garage or other storage space to make room for those things you use on a frequent basis. Think about it...move out one pasta maker or juicer you only use once a year, and have room for more of the plates, cups and utensils you use every day!
Remove the adjustable shelving if possible.
Paint the back of the cabinet a color that complements your room, and also the items you will be putting on display. This is a great way to use leftover paint from your decorating projects. If you do not want to paint, or cannot due to a lease, cut a piece of heavy cardboard the size of the back of the cabinets. Cover with scrap fabric, wallpaper, or even contact paper, and place against the back of the cabinet.
Replace the shelves.
Now arrange your china, favorite collectibles or even your family photos on this custom display shelf, and see what kind of style it adds to your room. All without taking up any precious floor space!
You can see a photo of this project at www.DecoratingYourSmallSpace.com/small_kitchen_cabinet_ideas.html
Kathy Woodard is a home and garden writer, author and consultant and is the home decorating expert for LifetimeTV.com. Visit her for more home and garden ideas at http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com and http://www.TheGardenGlove.com. Also visit her at http://www.Women-on-the-Net.com where any woman can learn to make money on the internet!
KW Publishing and Consulting
Kathy Woodard, Editor
PO Box 4755
West Richland, Wa 99353
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