So you moved into a new place and the appliances are ugly. Now what? Home improvements are expensive and updating everything all at once isn’t always realistic. Here are a few tricks to give your appliances a temporary lift until you’re able to attain your dream ones!
Start with a good cleaning. Sometimes a clean slate makes a big difference. Then evaluate how you can upgrade with some basic techniques like paint and vinyl.
Paint
Refrigerators, dishwashers and small appliances are the best candidates for a paint job. Google the term “appliance paint” and you’ll see appliance epoxy paint readily available at big box hardware stores and online. Read up on prepping your surface before applying paint and for the smoothest finish go for 2-3 coats. This style of paint comes in a brush or spray variety in basic colors like white, black, almond and even a stainless steel finish.
Wallpaper & Contact Paper
Peel and stick wallpaper is great for smooth surfaces like refrigerators and dishwashers. So is contact paper. Both are great options, just commit the time and strategy for a good result. Measuring, cutting and applying takes preparation and effort and having an extra pair of hands for smoothing the bumps will save your sanity. Home improvement bloggers have some of the best tricks for tight corners and overhangs. Read up on techniques before you start.
Duct Tape
Duct tape is an easy way to create a pattern and some pizazz, especially if you hate the color of the appliance. Patterns like stripes, chevron and herringbone are perfect for flat rectangular surfaces. Think bright color combinations and metallics and you’ve got yourself an appliance with tons of character.
