Step 1: Getting the cabinets clean and prepped is the most important part of a DIY kitchen remodel. After that, it’s just a matter of adding the right kind of details.
Step 2: If your cupboards were built before 1978, have a professional test for lead-based paint, since chipping it can release harmful levels of the metal into your house.
Step 3: Liberally sand off blemishes with a power sander, then wipe the cabinets down with mineral spirits. Wipe them again after they’ve dried. Sand down the divider between the doors and drawers and around any hinges, which have probably deteriorated with age.
Step 4: With a strong cleaner like Simple Green, scrub down the inside of the cupboards and the bottom of their drawers.
Step 5: Leave them to dry, then check all the screw holes. If they’re full of wood filler, fill in with a filler of your choice (try Elmer’s).
Step 6: With an angled paintbrush and a mix of 1/3 latex paint tinted to match the cabinets (try Minwax stain in “Early American”), and 2/3 Zinsser SealCoat, paint any spots that were covered by drawers or doors, as well as the inside of any cupboards where there are gaps between shelving. Let dry.
Step 7: Tighten the screws for the doors and drawers with a screwdriver. (Photo 7) If your hinges have all corroded, restain them with Zinsser B-I-N or equivalent.
Step 8: Using finishing nails, attach a set of old curtain rods to the sides of each kitchen cabinet. I bought a pair at Goodwill for $1.50 and cut them down with a hacksaw. Use more nails to hang the old drapes on the rods. (Photos 8–11)
Step 9: Apply a coat of primer to all your cut curtain rods, let dry, and then paint them whatever color you want. I chose matte metallic silver.
Step 10: Crank open old shutters and cut them in pieces. Then apply an even coat of matte metallic silver spray paint to slightly distress the edges. Use finishing nails to hang the shutter panels over the window above the sink. (Photo 12)
