Weekend Projects

Host Joan Kohn visits the home of designer Lori McInerney of Sands Designs, to get ideas for weekend projects that can freshen and update a kitchen for not much money.

• Greenhouse window: Replacing a regular window with a greenhouse window adds dimension and display space without the countertop clutter. Available at home supply stores , they come with many options including granite or mica finishes and glass shelves .
• Picture wall: Instead of cluttering up the refrigerator, create a picture wall with panel molding installed in horizontal rows at the desired width and height to accommodate multiple picture frames that can be slid in and out to easily change the pictures. Purchase a quantity of matching frames (for a unified look) in the appropriate style. They can match cabinets or be sleek and black like museum frames .
• French doors: Replace sliding doors with more elegant French doors. The work can be done in one day. Get comparison quotes from various contractors for the best price. Doors can be purchased at a home supply store.
• Hardware: Change or add hardware to cabinetry for a whole new look in the kitchen . To make drilling holes for hardware easier, create an inexpensive template of the corner of the cabinet. Mark where holes should fall and drill on the template. Hold the template up to the cabinets and mark on them where the holes should be through the template. Drill and install hardware.
• Add an island on wheels: Put wheels and a countertop on cabinetry (which can match or contrast with existing cabinetry) so the island can be scooted out of the way when not in use or moved to another room as a buffet.
• Call the manufacturer of your cabinets for a touch-up kit, and for inserts and additions. For example, cutlery trays and slide-out garbage cans that fit drawers and cabinets exactly can be ordered. Other options might include spice racks or under-cabinet display shelves.
• Under-cabinet task lighting, either halogen or fluorescent, can be installed easily in one weekend.