Mar
19
Cabinet Hardware: Tips on Upscaling your Decor
You know all about recycling. But have you ever heard of upcycling?
Recycling is all about reducing and reusing, taking waste products like glass bottles, melting them down, and creating a raw product for something new. Granted, recycling generally reduces value: recycled paper product is now worth less than the original sheet of paper, right?
Upcycling, on the other hand, converts the original product into something with more value. Turning a basic X-large T-shirt into a hip new skirt is one example. Turning that old, boring cabinet set into a chic, new piece? That’s another example, and it’s easier than you think. Better yet? It’s also way cheaper than replacing your cabinets entirely.
Here’s a quick and easy guide for upcycling an old decor…
Swap Out the Hardware
The hands-down easiest way to give your furniture a quick makeover? Swap out the cabinet hardware! You’ll turn a basic cabinet into something sleek and modern—no painting, no refinishing. Check out brands like Baldwin hardware for traditional knobs and pulls. For something a little more eclectic, check out the offerings from Emtek hardware.
Consider Painting It
Don’t let an impending paint job get you down. It’s much easier than you think. If your furniture’s in pretty good shape, it’s as easy as removing brass cabinet knobs (perfect time to swap it out for some new brass hardware from A Touch of Brass), laying down some newspaper, and getting to work. If your furniture’s got a high-gloss finish, you’ll want to take some sandpaper and rough it up before you start painting, so the paint will have something to stick to.
If your furniture’s got some major dings and scratches, fill in the damage with wood putty before you begin. For a modern, no-brush look, you’ll want to use spray paint. For more of an earthy, homey look, choose standard paint and lay it on with a brush.
Or Just Dress Up the Area Around It
Some cabinets don’t take kindly to full-out makeovers. You can’t drag it out to the garage to spray paint it, and painting it with a brush will probably be more trouble than it’s worth. Instead, you can easily dress up the area around your cabinetry with some new kithen & bathroom brass accessories, wall registers, or floor registers. Small touches can make a huge difference in your decor, and they’re certainly easier on your wallet than a whole new renovation.
Got Any Makeover Tips to Share?
Have you ever given your furniture an upcycling makeover? Share your experiences in the comments!
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