Email 
Bookmark 
Print Kitchen Renovation for Women
by Judy ChristophersonIs home renovation something only men can do?
I don't think so!
Even without much skill, muscle or experience, women can do a lot to improve the environment where they live. All it takes is some planning and a few basic skills.
Take the kitchen, for instance. What do we do when the kitchen becomes outdated? Are we bored with the tired look of the cabinets, the floor, the ceiling and the light fixtures? All of these can easily be repaired, replaced or upgraded.
Make a plan. What character or style suits your personality and flows with the rest of the house? Set a budget and plan to do each aspect of the design a piece at a time.
Paint first. This will require less covering to protect items that are going to be changed later anyway. Start with the ceiling and walls. Proceed to the cabinets. Note that cabinets can be painted, even melamine cabinets. Prime with specialty primer first, then add the final coats. For durability, add a coat or two of varnish. Cabinets have a lot of surfaces to cover. Do a section at a time rather than rushing the process.
Consider changing the handles or knobs. Make sure holes line up with the new selections, or if the location of the knobs are changed, sand and fill old holes and drill new ones before priming and painting. Take your time!
Countertops and back splashes can also be painted if they are primed correctly. Check with the local paint dealer about what to use. Complete by adding a coat of varnish for durability. If you are daring, you could add a section of metal countertop for interest. Sheet metal can be purchased from the local hardware store and with a simple pair of pliers and tin snips, the new surface can be formed over the existing countertops. Sheet metal can also be used for a backsplash. The hardware store will cut to size. Simply apply adhesive over existing surface and add metal, pressing evenly.
Floors are also easy to install, especially if the new "peel and stick" tiles are used. Strong scissors, a square and a chalk line are all the tools that are required. If there is an existing floor with a geometric pattern, the lines can be followed. Clean the floor and remove the backing from the new tile and apply to the floor, starting at the center of the room. To ensure that you are happy with the look, first lay out the floor tiles with the backing still on to see where the tiles will join the cabinets and doorways. Avoid small slivers of tile. These tiles can also be used for the cabinet "kicks" which will make the look complete.
If a new light fixture is needed and you are happy with the location of the existing one - simply purchase the fixture, shut off the power and install as directed. If you are unsure, this might be the one time to call for help and ask an electrician.
The kitchen is complete - done a piece at a time with only the cost of materials and the satisfaction that you've done it yourself.
Judy Christopherson has been an interior designer and builder for the past 20 years. Currently, she directs Women Today, Canada, putting her creativity to work developing creative outreaches such as Victorian Tea Parties. Read Judy's life story, A Mother's Legacy.
