Monday, August 07, 2006

WOW! Look what a little paint can do!

Assalm alykom:

This was my last big project of the summer. It was the biggest project by far. We live in a house that is well over 30 years old. I have the kitchen cabinets to prove it. They were in really poor shape. They were packed with dirt that I had tried many things hoping to remove it. I looked into having the cabinets refaced. This is the existing cabinets with a laminate put on the outside. Well, the price tag for this was $7000. This was way above my price range. I then proceeded to check Home Depot and they told me the price would be 30-40% higher than the refacing. Well my next idea was painting them. My husband told me no last year, and that it was to much work. He said the cabinets just needed replacing. This year, I decided to present him with more information to make it more convincing. I searched the internet for all the different ways to go about repainting them, and changing the hardware. I researched all the different kinds of paints, cleaners and hardware for the cabinets. I went to home depot and priced everything and then I presented my case. This year, that approach seemed to work, and he said yes. Here are some before and after pictures of how it all turned out:

The paint that I used is called Kilz Colors It was a real thick durable paint. We did not have to paint so many coats and we did not have to paint a primer before we painted them. Here are some more before and after shots.



The tiled counters were also in bad shape. I took a small grout saw and cut all the grout out . Then, I just regrouted the counter and the wall. I found a product that was called a grout sealer. This is suppose to prevent it from staining when food spills happen. I am still skeptical if it really works. Here is a before and after of this job.

This part of the counter was completely missing all of the tile. I did a little mosaic work on this part. This way I could fit the tiles without having to cut them. Here is the before and after on this.
I have a bar that divides the kitchen from the living room. The wood had started to peel off in sheets. Therefore, I could not paint it because the surface would not be even. I researched it at Home Depot and came up with a few options. One was a laminate that could be glued on to the bar. This was a little pricey and looked complicated. My husband thought we could use vinyl tiles that we use on the floor. So that is what we did. We also painted some molding the same color as the cabinets and placed it along the bottom and the sides. See what you think about the before and after on this one?
After the very expensive estimates I had got for new cabinets, how much do you think this little remodeling job cost me? Well it cost 2 weeks of my time, a little sweat and around $200. I am very pleased with the results and the price! Therefore, if you decide to replace your cabinets, try a little paint for a fraction of the price.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

assalamualikum..

masAllah.what a great job!
umm s

Anonymous said...

saalmualaikom.. well done ,sometimes all you need is a little couragage and a lot of 'Niya' INTENTION.
may Allah bless and encourage us all to use our minds rather than our purses,,
your sister nina

Anonymous said...

assalamu alaikum ummnour,
Alhamduillah...you did it at last. When we spoke about it.. i could not picture it infront of me masha Allah i now see how beautiful it looks. Actually i think you are in the wrong proffession..you should consider taking up your position as a fix it person (smiles). May Allah(SWT) bless you and increase your skills of the fix-it job.
ma salaama
love..Banu

Anonymous said...

Mashallah!!!

Those pictures exceeded anything I had pictured in my mind. You could certainly hire yourself out.
I can imagine the work it took to transfor that kitchen.
Congratulations. You know, I bet you and I could change my garage into that room I want. We just need baby sitters!
Salam
Mayuly

Anonymous said...

As'salaamu Alaikum

Well I have seen these projects with my own eyes. They have truly worked hard this summer. The kitchen is so nice mash'Allah. The table she tiled is also so beautiful that I now want to do mine the same way. Ummnour has really put a thought in my mind that I can purchase a home without riba of course and work on it to make it my dream for me and my grandchildren and insh'Allah a husband. I thank you Ummnour for showcasing your talent, it is very encouraging.

Anonymous said...

Hollie,

You did a BEAUTIFUL job and used some very creative techniques!

I'm sure you are enjoying your bright new space!

Hugs to your kids,
Lyndy

Anonymous said...

Salam, i love it! It's beautiful MashaAllah. And it was so inexpensive i can't believe it. Good for you to have the courage to tackle it on your own. Have fun in the new kitchen.

Anonymous said...

Salaam o alaikum

Ma'sha'Allah, what a wonderful job. You are truly a creative sister. May Allah Bless you!

Anonymous said...

As Salaamu alayki mashaallah this is wonderful where do you leave inshaAllah when i am owner of my home inshaallah i will pay you to remodle if I need any remodling you are jade subhannaallah if i ever have to return to the states I will be calling you LOL
UmmSamyrah
Great Job on All That you do
Allah has truly blessed you with something wonderful and may he continue to bless you and your family Ameen!

Um Nour/Hollie Moore said...

Assalm alykom to All:

Thanks alot to everyone and your great comments on my kitchen project. I just wanted to share it with everyone. I want everyone to know that with a little planning, work and dependence on Allah, you can do things that you thought you could not. For several years now I have been wanting to do the kitchen. I kept saying no that it is to big of a job and too expensive. When I actually decided to do it and research it all, I discovered that paint was realistic and very cheap. So, there is definately words of encouragement here. Thanks again to all who commented and let me know if you need advice on painting. I feel experienced now!

Anonymous said...

Assalaamu alaikum Um Nour:

As I have often told you, and this just emphasizes that fact....masha-allah you are an amzing mother and subhana-allah very creative. You did a wonderful job!!!! I pray allah(swt) continue to bless you and your family, amen. Always a pleasure reading your blogs.

Your sister in Islam
Nortelle

Anonymous said...

Assalaamu alaikee wa rahmatuallahi wa barakatuhu Sister,

MashaAllah, what a great job you did! I can totally relate w/ my old kitchen cabinets that have been waiting for a face-lift. I need your type of motivation...can you come over? I'm in Va Beach, VA. *smile* Thanks for sharing your stories.

BarakAllahu Feeki,
Umm Nazneen
umm_nazneen@yahoo.com

Umm Nuh said...

As salamu aleykum wa RahmatuLlahi wa Barakatuhu,

Dear sister, today I discovered your blog and I enjoy reading it. You are surely very creative Masha'Allah. I like the result of you kitchen make-over and also all the craft ideas which you present as gifts to others; they must be very happy with a handmade presents. I will continue reading you blogs Insha'Allah.

Wa salamu aleykum wa RahmatuLlahi wa Barakatuhu,
Maryam from the UK