Does your refrigerator work fine but look dated? Can’t afford to replace it right now? You’re not alone.
Recently a customer submitted before and after photos of her refrigerator, upgraded with Fasade panels. Wondering if there was more of this type of thing out there, I hopped on Pinterest, where my suspicions were confirmed. There are a slew of boards where people share their ideas to give their refrigerators budget-friendly makeovers and many of them are very creative and fun. Who knew? If you want to give your refrigerator new life, but don’t want to spend a lot of money doing it, there are a few methods to choose from. Check out these refrigerator makeover ideas for less:
Appliance Paint
Available in brush- or spray-on varieties, specialty appliance paints are designed to cover plastic or metal. Some are also heat resistant, which you need to use for ovens or range hoods. You can choose from matte or glossy finishes, or even chalkboard for a really unique look.
Peel and Stick Paper
Inexpensive and available at most home improvement stores, peel and stick paper comes in a variety of colors and designs. Julie used a stainless steel contact paper and wrote about the process here.
Magnetic Covers
If you want something a little more durable than paper, look into magnetic covers. Fridge Fronts is an online store that offers dozens of designs and styles for any type of refrigerator format, whether you have a top-mount freezer, French style or side-by-side doors. They’re also available for dishwashers.
Fasade Panels
Of course, Fasade faux tin panels are another great option. Available in traditional, modern and industrial styles and dozens of colors, they’re available in more than 250 configurations. Whether you use them as backsplash, on the ceiling or on your refrigerator, Fasade panels offer the industrious DIYer a fun project that easily updates the look of your kitchen without costing an arm and a leg.
What do you think of these refrigerator makeover ideas for less? Let us know in the comments!
Occasionally on DIYalogue I’ll share an interesting piece of writing or photography that strikes a chord with me. Or, in this case, tickles my funny bone.
This post on Projectophile is a public service announcement of sorts. It’s titled “15 Mid-Century Modern Dream Homes That Will Kill Your Children.”
Here’s a taste:
“The clean lines, the geometric decorative elements, the seamless blending of indoor and outdoor space… I sure do love mid-century modern architecture.Do you know what I love more? My children. And that is why I will never live in my MCM dream home. Because mid-century modern architecture is designed to KILL YOUR CHILDREN. (Also, moderately clumsy or drunk adults).”
I love Clare”s twisted sense of humor. Let me know what you think.
It can be frustrating when you crave change in your surroundings but have limited funds. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy, DIY fixes you can do in no time at all.
6 Ways to Update Your Kitchen For Less
Paint
It’s been said time and again because it’s true: a fresh coat of paint can work wonders on tired walls, trim or cabinetry. At only $15-$25 on average per gallon, you get the biggest decor bang for your buck, along with a little elbow grease. Watch for sales. If you keep an open mind and aren’t married to a particular brand or color, you can score paint cheap at home improvement stores in their “oops, wrong color” shelves.
Or, check out Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores, which are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and used building materials, among other cool finds, at a fraction of the retail price.
Lighting
Light fixtures are an easy way to add interest to any space. In the kitchen, think about the tasks that you do in relation to the layout and counter space and plan accordingly.
Check out secondhand options like Goodwill or thrift stores in your hometown. Clean them up or repaint them and they’re good as new. And, if you don’t love it, you can always switch it out when a better option comes along, and feel good you didn’t overspend. Ikea is another great place to find inexpensive fixtures.
Accessories & Wall Art
You can find great accessories and wall art just about anywhere these days. Or, make your own art. Visit a secondhand book store or your own library and browse through the images for possibilities to frame. Kids’ artwork is another option. Take some of their masterpieces off the refrigerator and frame them to really make them really special.
Backsplash
Of course, another way you can refresh your kitchen for less is with a new backsplash. There are millions of materials to choose from, but for a truly budget-friendly DIY project, two brands stand out.
Fasade faux tin panels are available in a multitude of traditional, modern and industrial styles in more than 20 finishes. They easily stick to the wall with double-sided tape or construction adhesive. Aspect peel and stick tiles come in two formats, metal and glass, and add instant flair to your space. All you have to do is peel and stick!
Hardware
Replacing cabinet hardware and drawer knobs and pulls makes for a dramatic update for very little. You can find them at any home improvement store or specialty cabinet shops at all different price points. Or, take it a step further and remove some of the doors on your upper set of cabinets to achieve a lighter, more open look and have a new option to display some of your favorite dishes and serving platters.
Window treatments
You don’t have to live with tired window treatments. At the very least, clean the grime off your blinds. You’ll be amazed at the amount of dust and grease that accumulates over time. Here’s a great article on how to do that. Or, take down the blinds and try Roman shades or a new valance. These items can be purchased inexpensively at any mass merchandiser. Or, get crafty and sew them yourself.
What do you think of these 6 ways to update your kitchen for less? Have any more ideas? Let me know in the comments!
