Ask the Expert

ANSWER:

For a fresh new look, it is a good and inexpensive option to paint your old cabinets! You must make sure that before you begin painting the old cabinets, however, they must be well sanded down. You will then need to prime the cabinets and paint over them with a latex paint in a satin or semi-gloss finish (depending on the level of gloss you prefer).

Painting your tile and countertops is not the greatest option out there, as these are areas of heavy use and abuse, and over time the paint will likely scratch off. As an inexpensive alternative, go to a tile store and check out their discount section. These stores always have a selection of overstocked or discontinued tiles, and given that a backsplash doesn’t require much tile, this is often a great bargain find!

For your countertops, a cost-effective option is a laminate countertop. For standard colors such as white, beige and black, you should be able to find ready-made counters at your local hardware store. Another low cost option that provides a rustic look is tiling your current countertop. This would require a small-sized tile, no larger than a 4″×4″ and can be an afternoon project.

Expert's Bio

Dvira Ovadia is a designer and expert in residential and commercial design. In addition to her interior designer title, Dvira is also a prop stylist, style editor and trend specialist. With a degree in Architecture from the University of Toronto and a Masters in Interior Design from Pratt Institute in New York, Dvira has traveled the globe on a mission to discover the world in the context of design and architecture. Her career has led her to work on an extensive line of design projects and play an integral role in renowned design firms. Most notably, Dvira was the winner of “From The Ground Up”, where she beat out 9,000 applicants and 14 finalists who competed to become Debbie Travis’s Chief Designer. Dvira now manages and runs her own established design practice. For all of your design needs, check out www.dvira.com.