8 tips for redecorating a kitchen and updating it

The word “repair” is terrifying to many, because it is not for nothing that they say that repairs cannot be completed — it can only be suspended. The kitchen needs repair work much more often, than other premises of the apartment, because finishing materials and furniture here are constantly under the influence of moisture, drops of dirt and grease, as well as strong odors. To get rid of cracks in the tile, jammed wallpaper and old batteries, it is not always necessary to start overhaul - In most cases, to update and refresh the situation, you can make redecoration of the kitchen, which will require not so much cost and effort. Therefore, it is time to stop being afraid of repairs and proceed to learning how to conduct it simply and quickly.

No. 1. Where to begin?

The first and most important stage is assessment of the condition of the kitchen and determination of the scope of work. It is important to clearly understand what will require a complete replacement, and what can be slightly repaired or refreshed. Cosmetic repairs do not imply global changes, replacement of communications or redevelopment. As a rule, the scope of work includes restoration or replacement of decoration, replacement or painting radiatorsas well as windows and doors. On average, cosmetic repairs are carried out every 5-7 years, but the kitchen may need it a little more often. A huge plus is the ability to refresh the atmosphere and tidy up the room without spending a lot of time and effort.

Another great advantage of redecorating is the ability to do some work yourself. By the way, at the preliminary stage it is important to decide whether it will be possible to perform some work on your own, or whether it is better to attract specialistsin order to guarantee the expected result. Residents of Moscow and the Moscow region can contact StroyMaster, which will help turnkey cosmetic repairs: the price per square meter will depend on the complexity and type of work required.

No. 2. We repair the ceiling

Often in kitchens from constant fumes and high humidity suffers ceiling, and even range hood not always able to save the situation. If the ceiling finish needs restoration, then it is better to start work from it. Furniture can be covered with plastic wrap, and then proceed with restoration work. Small and medium cracks in the painted ceiling can be puttied, and already on top of the paint. Almost everyone can cope with this, and the cost of such work will not hit the budget very much.

If the ceiling appeared decent cracks, then you can disguise them under dense wallpaper or polystyrene tile until the moment of overhaul. Another option is to install a suspended or even a suspended ceiling, this is a quick and dustless process that is best left to professionals.

No. 3. Updating the walls

Complex of works on updating wall decoration depends on their condition and budget planned for repairs. For instance, jammed wallpaper can be hidden under paintings, photographs or vinyl stickers, but much better if fully take off old wallpaper and stick new, especially since it is not difficult. The old coating will be easier to remove if you pre-soak it a little with soapy water.It is possible to facilitate the process of dismantling the wallpaper if you iron them with an iron through a cloth dampened in a solution of soda or hydrogen peroxide. If there are defects on the walls, you will have to carry out work on stucco. The primer will be needed in any case, and after applying and drying it is possible to proceed to wallpapering.

The situation is similar with tiled. If one or more tiles on the wall have chips or cracks, then you can go along the simplest path and replace only damaged elements. You will need to clean the seams with a spatula around the perimeter of the damaged tile, and then remove it with a chisel or hammer. The surface is primed, and then mounted on glue new tile: this is why it is so important to buy decorative materials with a margin. If the hunt is to completely renew the situation, or the tile is badly damaged, it is better to remove it completely and decorate the walls with new material. Tile installation, in principle, you can do it yourself, but if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better not to risk and not spoil the expensive finishing material, but to immediately attract the masters.

If paint on the walls faded noticeably, but at the same time there are no noticeable cracks on the surface, then you can do without applying a new layer. In the presence of cracks and other defects it is better remove paintwith a solvent, the water-based paint can be removed with a spatula, soaked with pre-soapy water. For painting walls must be carefully leveled: if the defects are small, putty is suitable, well visible and deep - only plaster, and with strong cracks and pits it is easier to align the walls with sheets of drywall (only moisture resistant ones are chosen for the kitchen). Painting the walls better acrylic, latex and silicone compounds.

Carrying out cosmetic repairs also involves the complete replacement of some finishing materials with others. For example, if the dining area was made using wallpaper, then you can replace them with painting or plaster, highlighting individual elements decorative stone.

Number 4. We repair the floor

Cosmetic repairs include restoration of the old flooring or its complete replacement, but without arranging a concrete screed - maximum use self-leveling mixtures to eliminate small differences in elevation. The floor is often used in the kitchen. ceramic tileTherefore, the most common problem is the darkening of the seams. In this case, you can get off with "little blood": either mechanical cleaning or a new layer of grouting putty will help. It’s best, of course, to completely redo the seams. Old mortar can be cleaned flat screwdriver or spatula, wipe the gap and use new grout.

If one or more floor tiles are damaged, then they can be replaced, like wall ones. In those cases when the tile completely lost its appearance, or if you want to completely change the look of the kitchen, using a different color tile or even a different finishing material, you will have to completely remove the old coating. In this case, the time and material costs will naturally be higher.

Damaged linoleum it’s best to replace it with a new one, because the material is not so expensive. It happens that after shrinkage new buildings linoleum moves away from the wall. In this case, you can try to save the situation by installing a wide baseboard. If severe deformations occur, it is better to completely redo the linoleum.

No. 5. Fix apron defects

Kitchen apron takes the brunt of it, because it is on it that splashes of water and fat fly when preparing dishes. If the working wall is tiled, individual damaged tiles can be replaced as described above, and if it is decided to completely transform the apron, then pay attention not only to ceramic tiles or mosaics, but also to tempered glass, PVC and MDF panels or artificial stone. Make the kitchen unique and breathe new life into it custom made apron: you can use metal, slate paint, which is not afraid of water, a mirror and even wine corks or pebbles covered with tempered glass.

No. 6. We update furniture

The best way to refresh your kitchen is to purchase new furniturebut there is an alternative solution - restoration of the old. Kitchen cabinet lockers can be replaced with new ones from the kitchen manufacturer. An even simpler option is to paint them or glue them with a polyvinyl chloride film.

Complete replacement of all kitchen furniture will cost much more, but in some cases you cannot do without it. Will help to make novelty new table with chairs, and if your plans include replacing old appliances, then consider the bright fridge option.

Number 7. Paying attention to batteries and pipes

The heating radiator is not easy to mask, not only in the kitchen, but in all other rooms of the apartment. Often its just stain in a light shade is not a bad decision, but if you think about it, you can find some more interesting options. The battery can be painted in the color of the walls so that it does not catch the eye, or, conversely, give it a bright contrasting shade, making the highlight of the interior.

Another option is to cover the radiator textile screen, metal or rattan, taking care of the presence of ventilation holes. Pipes are painted in a color as close as possible to the color of the walls.

Number 8. Lighting and decor - the final touch

Cosmetic repair does not provide wiring replacement or large-scale interference in its existing system, but this does not interfere with replacing the chandelier or equipping a creative local lighting a dining area that instantly brings comfort and sets a certain mood.

After completing all cosmetic repairs, you can replace textiles: curtains, tablecloth, upholstery, sofas, pillows, napkins - all this plays a crucial role in the perception of the kitchen space, and therefore minimal investment is already able to transform the kitchen and refresh it. You can also replace fittings on furniture facades, hang some nice pictures, complement it all with flowers or greenery and several stylish accessories.

In conclusion

As part of redecorating, you can also replace mixers and car washput a new countertopreplace windows and doorsif necessary. The set of works in each case will be different, but the goal, the transformation of the kitchen, can be achieved only with a competent approach and a sober assessment of one's own strengths, so, making a list of works, decide in advance whether it will be possible to carry out some work on your own or if everything is simpler instruct a team of specialists.