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Try, Try Again

For these kitchen cabinets, the right paint was the re-do they needed. And after a disastrous first attempt at painting their cabinets with chalk paint, the husband and wife team behind @thevillahome stripped it off and tried again.

For their second attempt, they applied the rich teal color (Ocean Abyss by Behr) with a paint sprayer for a smooth, even finish. DIY projects don’t always go as planned, but this gorgeous kitchen proves the effort is worth it in the end.

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Geometric Trim Island

Sometimes, all it takes to upgrade a staid kitchen island is wood trim. Here’s how Zoe, of @pineandpoplardiy, did this affordable DIY facelift.

First, trace out the pattern on the island with chalk or painter’s tape. Then cut pine screen molding to the right lengths with a fine tooth saw blade. Attach the wood strips to the island with Liquid Nails or a nail gun; she used both for an extra-secure hold.

Fill in any nail holes with wood putty. For a smooth finish, add a line of caulk where the wood strips meet the cabinet. Then it’s time to paint!

“We recommend getting a semi-gloss or glossy paint to reduce the number of stains and scuffs,” Zoe says. “If any dirt does get on the island, a semi-gloss paint will be much easier to clean than a flatter finish.”

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Bold Color

If you’re going to paint your cabinets, why not go bold? A big, risky splash of color will take your kitchen cabinets to the next level!

Check out these rich avocado green cabinets from @houseonasugarhill (the color is Garnish by Behr). The homeowner was no stranger to painting cabinets — this is her fourth time painting this kitchen — but this time she did it right, giving it a professional finish that will last.

“I lightly sanded, then used a deglosser (an important step I think many people skip),” she says. “Primed with cabinet enamel and then painted three coats using a roller. A sprayer would have been great to use too, but I didn’t this time!”

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