Dear Steven & Chris,

I am writing to ask for your help with my kitchen!
I recently moved into a new home, which I love, but the kitchen is less than desirable. It is drab, the counters don't match, the backsplash is uneven, and frankly I don't think I can live with it as is. I do intend to renovate in the next 5 years, however in the interim I would like to know how to jazz up the space. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.
Thank you,
Lindsay Michelle

Watch this segment in episode 55 now!

Deb Nelson comes to the rescue, making this drab kitchen look fab for very little!

Kitchen renovations are expensive but here are some easy and inexpensive ideas to make any kitchen look better.

Countertop - Lindsay's countertop needed a makeover! I discovered this great product at the hardware store and now I see no reason for anyone to have to purchase a new counter top ever again! Lindsay's now looks as good as new.

I painted the countertop with regular latex paint, I used a gun metal grey, but you could use any colour, then I did the top coat in clear, high gloss epoxy. The product is called Stone Effects by Rustoleum. You mix the epoxy parts and have 30 minutes to apply it before it starts to harden.

This counter process also includes other steps you can use, each step is separate product that you need to buy.

Step 1 - primer
Step 2- faux granite look (comes in different colours).
Step 3- clear coat epoxy in high gloss (I used this step on it's own over regular latex paint).

Handles from ReStore - Go to www.habitat.ca and click on ReStores to access the locations and their inventory. If you are looking for building materials/products this is a great place to check out, they have 58 locations across Canada. So if you can get what you need for a great price, support a charity and help the environment - fantastic! I took this right from the website:

"Habitat for Humanity ReStores are building supply stores that accept and resell quality new and used building materials. They generate funds to support Habitat's building programs, while reducing the amount of used materials that are headed for overflowing landfills! They are an environmentally friendly store that makes sense!"

In Lindsay's kitchen the new handles on the cupboards not only looked more modern, it added a consistent look, and they made it easier to open the cabinets.

Perfect rug for kitchens - A great sisal rug for $40.00. It's soft, thick, looks great and is nice to stand on something in the kitchen (especially if you have a hard floor surface, as most people do in their kitchen).

Vintage shelving unit - This was in Lindsay's basement, it looks great and holds a lot more. It fits much better in the space than the previous unit that was there and it just looks great. Holds tons of dishes! The vintage shelving adds warmth & character to the space.

Vintage crate - I added small castors and this becomes a really fantastic recycling bin. This was also in the basement holding junk. I found this space under the counter open and weird so I just covered it with a yard of fabric from the remnant room.

Paint - I also painted the walls and gave the cabinets a quick coat of fresh white paint to look a little fresher and brighter. I am a fan of painting everything!

I added small little puck lights from the dollar store under the counter. They needed some extra double-sided tape to stay up but really help to provide some much needed light.

Prices:
Hardware $40.00
Epoxy $50.00
Rug $39.99
Paint $40.00
Castors on bin $24.00
Fabric $6.99
Puck lights & batteries $10.00
Total $210.98

RESOURCES:
Door Pulls
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Locations Across Canada
www.habitat.ca

Paint
Countertop Epoxy - Stoneffects
Protective High Gloss Clear Epoxy Countertop Coating
by Rust-Oleum
www.rustoleum.com/can
The Home Depot
Locations Across Canada
www.homedepot.ca

Carpet
The Real Canadian Superstore
Locations Across Canada
www.superstore.ca

Fabric
Designer Fabric Outlet
Toronto, ON

Castors
Canadian Tire
Locations Across Canada
www.canadiantire.ca

Puck Lights
Curtain Rod
Dollarama
Locations Across Canada
www.dollarama.com

Stool
Shelving Unit
Recycling Crate
All dishes and items on counters and shelving unit
Homeowners Own Items

Deborah Nelson's hairstyling by Sugar n' Spice.