Customize your Kitchen

Many new homeowners quickly compile a list of "do it yourself" projects they want to complete to make their new home feel like its really theirs. One of the first areas to be fixed up is the kitchen. Here are some tips to help you get started in making your kitchen reflect you and your family:

Cabinets

• A main focus of a kitchen tends to be cabinets. To create the "cottage" look, try painting the inset of the cabinet doors and drawers a different color than the boxes. If you are looking for even more character, add the available hardware for corners of cabinets to give a more custom appeal.

  

Get Organized

• By using simple plumbing parts and some brass polish, you could have a copper pot rack or wall organizer in just a few hours. Tees and elbows push together to make the perfect holder! 

 

Indoor Herb Garden

• By screwing brackets into the side jambs and placing tempered glass shelves inside your kitchen window, you could quickly have a very natural herb garden. 

 

Backsplash

• There are so many different options for backsplash. A quick easy way to quickly transform your kitchen is through using stick-on decals which can withstand and moisture or water splashes avoiding damage. 

 

Pet Dishes

• A great idea for those water and food dishes for your pets is to insert a pull-out pet feeder. By creating an opening in the molding underneath a cabinet and placing a custom drawer inside. Place a plywood top including cut outs for the bowls to fit into. You can also put self-stick felt under the drawer to not only protect the floors from spills, but also to help the drawer to slide a little easier. 

To read this full article check out "This Old House" magazine. For more tips on improving your kitchen, visit This Old House website .