Industrial Chic Kitchen on the Cheap

Host Joan Steffend and designer Todd Kukral give a tired kitchen a modern and industrial look on a $500 budget.

Countertops

To give the appearance of concrete countertops without the high cost, epoxy grout is used to resurface the existing countertops. The first step is to rough up the countertops with sandpaper so the epoxy will easily adhere to it. Step two is spreading epoxy grout over the existing Formica countertop. While the epoxy is still wet a large board is scraped over the countertop to level the surface and keep the edges smooth. When the epoxy is dry the countertops are sanded again with electric sanders to give it a concretelike appearance.

Wall Paint

The walls are painted a vibrant blue in the dinette, and in the kitchen where it really enhances the color of the wood cabinets.

Backsplash

Prism boards typically used for fluorescent light covers are painted bright green. Random squares on the board were colored silver for accent. The boards are adhered to the wall with silicone caulk.

Shelves

The shelves above the sink are made of glass so the light above them will shine through. The black mounting brackets match the countertops and the crown molding.

Crown Molding

The crown molding is made from medium-density fiberboard and painted black to match the countertops. The molding is mounted slightly off the wall with a 1" x 2" board so rope lighting can be tucked up behind the molding. The rope lighting can't be seen but gives off warm indirect light all around the space.

Cabinet Hardware

To dress up the existing wood cabinets sleek chrome hardware is added throughout the kitchen.

Window Treatments

Curtains are hung on a dowel that is hidden behind the molding on both sides of the French doors.

Chairs and Bar Stools

To update the homeowner's dining chairs and bar stools new upholstery in a rich blue fabric is added.

Metal Sculpture

A free-form metal sculpture is made by bending metal lath in different shapes and directions.

Black and White Photos

An old bunk bed ladder purchased at a thrift store is painted black and hung horizontally in the dining area. The homeowner's black-and-white photographs are enlarged and placed inside each section of the ladder.