Transforming IKEA Cabinets into A Custom Living Room Centerpiece

 

A simple coat(s) of paint and some problem solving resulted in the updated custom cabinets I was hoping for at a fraction of the cost.

Above picture from the home listing

When we took the tour of our home for the first time I couldn't quite get over how dark it was. Not only was it straight out of the 1970's everywhere you looked but it was even decorated with dark colors. The previous owners had installed some living room cabinetry that was very dark brown almost black. When you looked at them they looked like deep dark black holes staring back you.

Above picture after we moved in and were painting the walls

I wanted to brighten up the room so we first painted the walls Sherwin Williams Repose Grey (my go-to grey for the entire house).

Next I needed to figure out how to get rid of this odd gap between the cabinet and mantel. Not helping the dark hole vibe situation going on here.

Luckily I got a guy (my retired dad) who was able to cut a 2x4 to length which I glued and then lightly tacked into place. I was excited to make these cabinets look more custom versus further highlighting that they are really just some IKEA cabinets in disguise.

Next I popped off the cabinet doors (which are a lot heavier than they look). I sanded them down with (250 grate) sandpaper. Since these were so dark I applied 3 coats of primer (I usually do 2 coats) and then 2 coats of my go-to white paint for the entire house Sherwin Williams Snowbound. I always use semi-gloss sheen and enamel paint for the durability. At the same time I painted the cabinet frames and wood inserts I added the same way as the doors.

Once I finished painting I added matte black knobs. There were not initially any handles (which drove me nuts) on these cabinets so we had to create holes first. I also used white caulk to seal the small spaces that the new wood insert created when we installed them. This made them blend in more and help give the cabinets that custom feel I was looking for. 

I already owned the paint for this project so in total it cost me just under $20 for the cabinet knobs and  about 2 weekends to complete.

I was happy with the finished product and to be able to open my cabinets without having to bend over and open them from the bottom.

Next project for this space is to freshen up that dingy fireplace brick.