Kitchen Remodel Guide – Table Of Contents

Chap13: Painting and Final Touches

Painting and Final Touches

Choosing the Right Paint for Kitchen Walls

When selecting paint for kitchen walls, prioritize durability, moisture resistance, and ease of cleaning. Here’s a guide to choosing the right type and finish:

1. Type of Paint:

Water-based acrylic interior paint is the best option due to its washability, moisture resistance, durability, and quick-drying properties. It prevents moisture from causing water damage and resists stains.
Ensure the paint contains anti-mold inhibitors.

2. Paint Finish (Sheen):

Satin is a popular choice for kitchen walls because it’s durable, easy to clean, has a slight gloss for aesthetic appeal, and holds up well to scrubbing. It offers a middle ground between matte and gloss and provides some reflective qualities to brighten the space.
Eggshell and semi-gloss are also ideal finishes for kitchens as they create smoother surfaces that are easy to clean.
Semi-gloss can be used, as it cleans easily and isn’t too shiny.
Avoid matte paint as it is difficult to clean.

3. Color Considerations:

Timeless options: Off-whites, neutrals, blues, grays, and greens are all timeless kitchen paint colors.
Popular Choices: Green paint colors are a popular choice.
Modern/Contemporary: If you are looking for a modern, contemporary kitchen color scheme, consider neutral paint colors, including white and gray, that exude calm.
Small Kitchens: To make your small kitchen feel larger, use light and bright backsplashes, mirrors, and smooth finishes in shiny white.
Consider warm neutral colors to harmonize the flooring, countertop, and cabinets.

Installing Trim and Molding

Installing trim and molding can significantly enhance the appearance of your home. Here are key steps and tips for a professional-looking installation:

Use 45-degree mitered joints when joining two pieces of trim, rather than 90-degree butt joints. This creates a cleaner, more professional look and makes joints easier to fill and sand.
For crown molding, place the top against the miter saw bed and the bottom against the fence when cutting. Cut pieces as mirrors at 45-degree angles for corners.
When covering spans longer than your molding pieces, use scarf joints. Cut one piece at 45 degrees with the edge visible from the front, and the other at 45 degrees with the edge hidden.
For easier installation, consider using corner blocks and divider blocks, which eliminate the need for coping, mitering, or splicing.
When installing baseboards:

Remove old trim and prepare the walls
Measure and cut pieces accurately
Use a miter saw for precise angle cuts
Nail the baseboards to the wall using a brad nailer
Caulk gaps and fill nail holes before painting

For uneven floors, scribe the bottom of the baseboard for a better fit.
Pre-assemble door and window casings when possible, using glue and clamps for tight joints.
Use sharp tools and take your time. Be willing to fix mistakes for the best results.

By following these techniques, you can achieve a professional-looking trim and molding installation that enhances your home’s interior.

Adding Decorative Accents and Personal Touches

To add decorative accents and personal touches to your kitchen, consider the following ideas:

Wall Decor: Beautify your kitchen with wall paint, wallpaper, a colorful or patterned backsplash, wall art, or a display of dishware on open shelving. Hang decorative wall baskets. Display a farmhouse sign. Decorate the walls with vintage cooking-related items such as cake tins or vintage platters. Add an unexpected piece of decor on the wall. Hang a vintage mirror to reflect light and enhance views.
Textiles: Warm the floor with a vintage rug.
Lighting: Hang a modern pendant light or a crystal chandelier. Add a touch of color with Edison bulb lights suspended by colorful cords. Incorporate low-level lighting in the form of table or floor lamps.
Greenery: Add natural greenery such as plants or a wall-mounted herb garden. Mix fresh and dried flowers.
Personal Collections: Display curated collections that reflect your passions and interests on custom-built shelves or elegant display cabinets. Create a space for your mementos.
DIY Projects: Incorporate handmade décor, such as hand-sewn throw pillows or refurbished furniture.
Sentimental Memorabilia: Display travel mementos, family heirlooms, or cherished souvenirs.
Personalized Accessories: Use monogrammed throw blankets, custom-printed pillows, or engraved decorative items.
Mix Bold Patterns: Mix bold patterns to give your kitchen an eclectic feel[1]. Pair checkerboard tile flooring with botanical wallpaper.
Display Cookbooks: House a colorful collection of cookbooks on built-in shelving.
Color Accents: Add a touch of color with a pair of lights suspended from the ceiling by colorful cords. Accent with gold by refacing your kitchen cabinets with gold metallic contact paper. Use blue to accent white cabinets and counters.
Bistro-Style Accents: Use tiled arcs to put a spin on the traditional barrel-vaulted ceiling.
Pegboard Shelf: Hang a classic pegboard shelf to display kitchen items.
Upgrade Cabinet Glass: Give glass-front cabinetry a makeover by adding reeded glass window film.
Console Table: Transform empty wall space into a coffee station with a floating wall-mounted console and open shelving.

The key to creating unique decor with personality lies in experimentation and creativity[4]. Don’t be afraid to explore and express your own style.

Kitchen Remodel Guide – Table Of Contents

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Kitchen Remodel Guide – Painting and Final Touches

Kitchen Remodel Guide – Table Of Contents

Painting and Final Touches

Choosing the Right Paint for Kitchen Walls

Installing Trim and Molding

Adding Decorative Accents and Personal Touches

Kitchen Remodel Guide – Table Of Contents