We have had the pleasure of painting over 100 kitchen islands in the Mechanicsburg area. Some were simple refinish jobs, often with a really cool accent color. Occasionally we even get to have some fun with antiquing and distressing. But what we REALLY love is when are asked to get into carpentry and add some wood! The first several times we did carpentry add-ons, we brought in help from some of our friends that work full-time in the carpentry trade. But after painting a handful of projects done by others, we realized we wanted to do this ourselves. We were pleased to see that our extreme attention to detail pay off. Not to mention, carpentry is FUN and adds a whole new dimension to cabinet refinishing. Here are our Top 5 Kitchen Island Upgrades (in no particular order)…
The Shiplap Kitchen Island Upgrade / Update
Most tutorials I came across when researching shiplap kitchen island started with the phrase “quick and easy”. After completing several of them, I would change that to say “(sometimes) quicker and easier than other types of carpentry”. This is because we still need lots of tools, a knowledge of the math required for certain patters, and finally, a high level of fine finishing skills for making corners and joints tight and looking good. The kitchen cabinet island photographed below (color Sherwin Williams Contented) required using a non-standard trim size to compensate for the small overhang on the countertop. But wow did it come out great!
The Beadboard Kitchen Island Upgrade / Update
This one is pretty straightforward, and we have seen more and more of these over the last few years. I used to associate beadboard on kitchen islands with farmhouse style, but it can look quite modern as well. Once again, this upgrade CAN be simple, but getting the beadboard cut out and sitting tight against the corbels is something I would strongly recommend leaving to the pros. Unless, or course, you have several tubes of caulk that you are hoping to use up on something.
Herringbone Kitchen Island Upgrade / Update
I have always loved herringbone (despite not understanding how it’s different from houndstooth until a few years ago). This pattern has a ton of character, and is a classic update when the kitchen island is in need of a “pop”. It is busier than the above mentioned patterns, and can (theoretically) make the island look larger. Herringbone kitchen islands work well with an accent color, but also have enough movement that they work well in monochromatic schemes. We haven’t had the chance to do one in a matte finish yet (with satin main cabinets), but love this look. The author will update this blog as soon we have completed one with varying sheens.
The Soft Close Cabinet Drawer Upgrade
This one is a bit less sexy than the above mentioned upgrades, but I LOVE soft-close cabinet drawers. Especially for those of you with teenagers or heavy-handed spouses, this is a life (and chipped paint) saver! We have found the cost of new drawers to be very similar and in some cases less expensive that retrofitting existing drawers. We build our own “budget” version of cabinet boxes, and have a local manufacturer for the higher end dovetailed version. Soft close cabinet drawers are fitted with either side mount or undermount slides depending on what will work best within the space. Replacement cabinet drawers including soft-close slides typically cost between $125-$200 installed.
Last But Certainly Not Least, The Concealed Soft-Close Hinge Cabinet Door Upgrade
If you already have concealed soft-close hinges on your cabinets, please immediately stop reading this blog and go to our FREE online estimator and hire us for something https://www.justaddpaint.net/contact-us . If you don’t already have concealed soft-close hinges, they are a wonderful and inexpensive upgrade. In fact if you already have concealed hinges, they can usually be swapped out for the soft-close version with only minor adjustments required. Otherwise, drilling and installing is still one of the least expensive ways we can think of to dress up a kitchen. The cost for super durable, fully adjustable soft-close hinges typically runs $400-$500, installed. This is one you can probably DIY, but do plan on at least 2 frustrating hours of adjustments. Most people get the hang of it around the time they are finishing with the last door ~
Thank you for reading our blog – Top 5 Kitchen Island Upgrades In Mechanicsburg. Please feel free to reach out to us for estimates – and also if you are a DIYer and just have some questions we can answer in an email. We are happy to talk shop about all things painting, even if you are planning to do a job yourself!
Free Online Estimating for cabinets https://www.justaddpaint.net/contact-us
www.justaddpaint.net
https://www.facebook.com/justaddpaint/
Related blog post: https://www.justaddpaint.net/painted-cabinets-vs-door-replacement-is-door-replacement-right-for-me
