Colorful, Contemporary Kitchen Decor

• The dated fruit-themed wallpaper is covered with a deep red paint color and the cabinets are unified with a coat of cream-colored paint.
  
• For a more contemporary look, the traditional scalloped trim above the sink is replaced with a basic trim piece and pewter knobs replace the mismatched hardware.
  
• The original beadbaord backsplash is updated with metal flashing for a stainless steel look.
  
• Pull-out drawers are replaced with wicker baskets.
  
• Simple fold-up fabric shades adorn the windows.
  
• An old oak desk is transformed into an island workstation, complete with a metal flashing top and locking roller wheels.
  
• A framed silver grid that is normally used for a screen door is put to use as a pot holder on the wall. Pots and pans hang from S-hooks placed on the grid. A metal rack complete with new cooking utensils is added above the stove.
  
• Some of the cabinets are left open for display space.
  
• Upholstery webbing is used to make a rug. It's pieced together in a basket weave pattern and the ends are secured with iron-on bonding tape.

Steps:

1. Measure the window width and height. Add a ½-inch hem at the top (for the tension rod) and sides and a 1-inch hem at the bottom.
   
2. Insert tension rod through the top pocket and place in window.
   
3. Use jute strips to tie up the shade.

Steps:

1. Construct a box frame (if you want additional height) and attach desk. Add a bottom shelf for additional storage.
   
2. Paint.
   
3. Add pulls to the drawers and attach locking roller wheels to the bottom.
   
4. Top with metal flashing and secure around the edges with nails.

$18 – tinted primer/sealer (Behr: Primer Seauer)
$40 – two gallons of paint (Behr: RAH-93 - Cinnabar)
$18 – one gallon of cream paint (Behr: PPOC-42 - Finishing Touch)
$33 – 11 drawer pulls (Home Depot: Liberty Hardware - RND Pewter Knobs, P50150C-CRH #5230)
$7 – metal flashing
$48 – four baskets (BC Tropical Shell: Willow Wicker, #CW8314)
$89 – window treamtent (JoAnn's: USA Margin Designs, #3805827 - Recife Moss)
$71 – kitchen island (old desk)
$10 – two stools
$10 – fabric for stool seats
$10 – grid used as pot holder
$58- rack and accessories (Target: Oneida 18" utensil rack, #57006; utensils: slotted spoon - #52444, slotted turner - #52439, ladle - #52445, 12" spatula - #50314, 10" wisk - #51599, measuring spoons - #50272, measuring cups - #50263)
$20 – wall plaque (Target, #21052)
$3 – tile and paint (trivet)
$24 – rug (Hancock: iron-on twill tape - Bondex Rug and Canvas Binding, Webtex Upholstery Webbing)

$499 – Total Cost