Thursday, June 4, 2009

HELP: My DIY Project Has Stalled


My house has certain elements which scream, "1980 rocks!!!" No offense, 1980, I really did like you. Graduated from high school then. Very nice memories, but I am sick and tired of you, 1980, staring at me from my bathroom vanity and from my kitchen cabinets.
So, in an illogical sequence, I decided to get all new cabinets. But then I realized it would cost $$$$$$. SO how about refacing them? GREAT!! Then someone told me that would cost $$. Then I decided to restain them...until many someones told me how yucky it would look.

My final decision was paint. After promising Checkered that I would practice on the bathroom vanity before disassembling and destroying the kitchen, I proceeded. I decided on BM (Benjamin Moore) Bittersweet Chocolate.

Checkered said, "There's something so wrong about using a paint called BM Bittersweet Chocolate in the bathroom."

Thus, I bought a gallon of Bear Rug by Behr and painted away.

BEFORE: Faded walnut stainAFTER: It really does look better in person - and just wait until the doors are back on!!




The problem is that I must now replace the vanity top. At first, we were going to use sheet laminate in white and simply resurface, but the dated shape of the top bothers me. I long for a waterfall edge and a white marble look, but that is surely beyond my $50 budget. Additionally, the counter top is big: 72 " and a shallow 19 or 20", and has two bowls - all of which preclude me from simply buying a ready-made top from Home Depot or Lowes.


WHAT DO I DO??

I know you're thinking the wallpaper has to go, but concentrate on COUNTER TOPS.

Stop looking at the floor and its odd color. We're talking COUNTER TOPS here!

Get your mind out of the clutter and focus.

What should I do about the COUNTER TOP?
And I thank you.




17 comments:

Anonymous said...

At least your house has the problem and not your hair. God, I hated 80s hair. I like counter tops though ;-0.

MsTypo said...

I'm really impressed! I talk a good game about doing things like that but am far too terrified of disaster to actually try.

What about tiling the countertops?

Kyddryn said...

I wish I had some sage advice, but my DIY experience is limited to replacing the ballcock and flapper on the toilet. Whee. Good luck, ma'am...

Shade and Sweetwater,
K

Laura ~Peach~ said...

my hubby says go to home depot or lowes and get what you like you can cut the tops to fit with a saws all... and in some stores they will cut it to fit for you

As Cape Cod Turns said...

Counter tops are tricky. I would work on the wall first. You are a wonder with paint!

Unknown said...

I googled Do yourself countertop refinish and found this great site.

http://www.naturalhandyman.com/qa/qapaintlaminatecountertop.html

A power sander, some primer, some paint, and some sealer...and you have a new counter top.

Busy Bee Suz said...

I have not a clue. Living on the spit sounds like her research is worth trying though...if it fails, then new counter top for you. Minus the $50 budget of course.

claudia said...

I would be no help whatsoever. I hang on every word those who do the room rebuilds on TV have to say...I think that WOW, they are geniuses. To put what I see on TV into action forget about it! This is why my house screams 1950's from every corner!

Pleasing Procrasinator said...

That is too funny..how did you know I was concentrating on that wallpaper? I had to strip down the wallpaper in ours too. I didn't even notice the floor.
I agree with Sue tear the paper down and paint, it may give the counter new life:)

Julie said...

Great job on painting the cabinets... sorry I have never had to do this...no advice here.

Decadent Housewife said...

Your husband let you paint WOOD!? Wow!

Anonymous said...

Countertops? I'm too busy looking at everything else...

Mental P Mama said...

I got nuthin'. Sorry. But I do like the new cabinet color;)

tipper said...

I think there is a special paint for countertops-maybe google it? I like what you've done so far!

Mary Ellen said...

I'm more of a watcher, and an admirer, than a Do-er. But I'll be glad to cheer you on, and admire your results!

Lawyer Mom said...

That's the thing about re-decorating. Change one thing and . . . everything needs changing!

Unknown said...

One of the most rewarding home improvement projects is a simple bathroom upgrade to add a granite Vanity Tops. There are also modern bathroom vanities with decorative accents and intricate features in an antique style that is perfect for blending with rustic or period bathroom décor.