Simple Kitchen Makeover Continued
From a Boring Apartment Galley To a Classy and Inviting Kitchen Continued
Written by Kenneth Pfaff, Copyright 2004
Adding my existing knick-knacks and a couple of Fabrice de Villeneueve paint-style hand towels from a local retail store rounds out the edges of the countertop and lower cabinetry. I kept the cut ends from my beams and placed them on top of the 'exposed beam' work as artistic interest. Lastly, as a future enhancement, adding pulls to my lower cabinets would be a great touch (inexpensive upgrade), as well as replacing the faucet (expensive upgrade).
What were the costs of my materials?
Three 4x4 pressure treated beams $ 29.91
Two Picture Frames 24"x36" $ 39.98
Window Film 24"x36" $ 39.98
Two packets of four L-shaped brackets $ 3.98
Four 'daylight' bulbs $ 21.96
Total $135.81
Tips and Tricks:
Tip One
Most frames come with plastic protectors, which will bow slightly when hung parallel to the floor (they were designed to be resting vertically after all). Glass is the obvious solution to this issue, but glass will be heavier and more costly. The bowing is very minor and I didn't feel it to be a real concern.
Don't forget to remove the protective plastic that usually coats one of both sides of the protector itself before applying the window film.
The cupboards now look open and interesting.
Tip Two
Be aggressive in applying the vinyl window film to your protector. By this I mean that tiny water / air bubbles will naturally occur as you apply the film, and can mar the look of your pane when the light shines through. Use a credit card or other flat object in combination with a washcloth, and starting from the center, work those bubbles out to the edges. Really work them. I can't stress that enough, but don't scrape your vinyl. Hold the pane up to the light to see any you missed.
The heat from the light source will help remove the tiniest of bubbles you might see over time as well.
Tip Three
Don't panic if you discover the window film isn't centered - just peel off and start over. Using a little more water will allow you to adjust the window film on the fly.
Tip Four
Most window film come in convenient sizes to match your picture frames and your small kitchen, but do cut off any excess vinyl. When you put the protector back into the frame, any extra bit of window film will mar the look of the pane as the vinyl starts to come up. Even an extra 1/8 inch can cause the edges to peel up.
Tip Five
If, like me, you are stuck with fluorescent fixtures, replace the industry type bulbs with 'daylight' or 'natural light' bulbs. These are great ways to warm up and brighten your kitchen too. There are also bulbs designed for better plant growth, so ask your friendly home improvement person to help you pick the best light bulbs for your need. For those with regular fixtures and bulbs, the Reveal series of bulbs really helps bring out the most natural colors of your room.
From a Boring Apartment Galley To a Classy and Inviting Kitchen Continued Next Page.............
