Day 2 of "10 Days of Color Inspiration"

Day 2 of "10 Days of Color Inspiration"; What are good colors to paint your rooms, and why? Kitchen: Reds and yellows are good as they help stimulate converstion. On a diet? Watch out, reds help to stimulate appetite. If so, paint it a color from your childhood if you had fond memeories from growing up and gathering in the kitchen.

Cabinet Re-do

Recently I wrote about a relatively easy way to update your kitchen cabinets by adding or changing out the knobs and drawer pulls, as well as updating your faucets. Many people would love new kitchen cabinets, but it may not be a priority budget wise. I'm am very much into the "green" and recycling mode and would rather find a way to enhance kitchen cabinets rather than replacing them. Painting is always an option, and I would recommend a glossy high enamel paint (used for boats and cars). This can be messy though, because it is oil based, but the outcome will last a very long time. Another option I just read about in Better Homes and Gardens is using a gel stain. Frames, doors and crown moulding can be lightly sanded and then the gel stain can be applied (try Bartley, which is ideal for vertical surfaces) with paper towels. Simply wipe off with a rag. It can change the look of your cabinets, using a realistic budget-which I am a fan of!

Update your Kitchen on a budget

Everyone seems to have home renovation projects in mind, but we don't always have the money that allows us to do them. One room that is on many people's list for an update is the kitchen. I have big plans for our kitchen too, "someday". That someday couldn't come soon enough, but in the meantime, here are a couple of ideas that might get you started for not a lot of money.

Cabinets can be updated by replacing or adding knobs and drawer pulls. A lot of stores carry open stock so you can select the style and quantity very easily. Lowe's and Home Depot are good places, as well as Target and www.target.com. Also replacing the faucet can really update the kitchen for not a lot of money. So, until you can get to "the big project" why not start out small and have an instant update.