Half Kitchen Face Lift

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Before remodel by nixonneckweasel

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After remodel by nixonneckweasel

Everyone wants to have a gorgeous, gourmet kitchen. Unfortunately, some people don't have the money or time to dedicate to a full makeover. Previously in Idea Corner, I posted some easy steps to upgrade an outdated bathroom. Now I'll show how to take a kitchen from a simple eatery to a grand entertaining space.

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Removal of backsplash by nixonneckweasel

Reddit user, nixonneckweasel, improved their kitchen drastically with just a couple of projects. The required supplies are:

  •  A hammer
  • A pry bar
  • Putty knives in multiple sizes
  • Concrete
  • Scrapers
  • Backsplash tiles
  • Grout
  • Painter's tape
  • Paint/paint brushes

First, choose the paint color for the cabinets and tiles for the new backsplash. For a more modern look, follow nixonneckweasel's example and go for a black paint and smaller tiles in more muted colors.

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After paint and concrete application by nixonneckweasel

Next,  take out those dated backsplash tiles. Using a hammer, pry bar and putty knives, remove all the tiles above the countertops. Try as much as possible not to remove the mortar and concrete behind the tiles. But if that happens, don't freak out! Just make sure to level the surface with concrete after the removal process is complete.

Following the tile removal, start to paint the cabinets. Make sure to apply painter's tape around the cabinets so paint doesn't get on the walls or backsplash area.

 

Once the paint has dried, feel free to put up the backsplash tiles. Once the tiles are attached to the wall, use grout to secure and seal the backsplash.

And with just 2 projects, a modern kitchen is created for just under $150.

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Final product by nixonneckweasel

 

Looking for a more drastic makeover? Contact Chicago Handyman for affordable prices on full kitchen remodels

Concrete Countertops: Get The Popular Look On A Budget

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Concrete countertops are all the rage in home renovation. Not only is the style industrial, but easier to clean than the more expensive granite or marble. Despite being seemingly cheaper, concrete countertops can run pretty steep. So instead of getting a slab professionally installed or taking the copious amount of time to create concrete forms, get the same aesthetic by applying concrete over pre-existing countertops.

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Here are the needed supplies:

  • 10-pound bag of Ardex Feather Finish
  • Course-grit sandpaper
  • Drywall knife
  • Putty knife
  • Finish sealer
  • Paint brush

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To start the process, sand down the previous counters with the course-grit sandpaper to create a perfect surface for the concrete to settle on. Following this, mix the Ardex Feather Finish and water until it reaches a semi-thick consistency.

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Once the mixture is prepared, apply multiple thin layers to the countertop’s surface. For 100 percent coverage, 3 or 4 layers will most likely be required. To ensure a durable surface, sand thoroughly between each application.

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When these layers are dry, use the putty knife to clean up any mixture that splattered onto walls and create natural texture in the surface. Depending on the desired look, feel free to sand the surface until trowel marks show through or until a smooth concrete look is achieved.

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Finally, pour the sealer over the concrete making sure it soaks through thoroughly before using a paint brush to remove any residue.

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So for just $15 and a few hours, concrete countertops aren’t only affordable but achievable without any back breaking hard work.

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Get the detailed tutorial from The Little Green Notebook.

In search of quality service for more kitchen remodels? Contact Chicago Handyman today!