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If you have old built-ins in your home that are in need of a modern update, I have some expert tips to help you transform them into modern marvels. By following this modernizing guide, you can turn dated spaces into stylish and functional areas. Whether it’s built-in cabinets, shelves, or bookcases, these tips will help you give them a fresh new look.
Key Takeaways:
- Updating old built-ins is a great way to modernize your space.
- Painting is an easy and effective way to give built-ins a fresh look.
- Consider creative updates like changing cabinet doors or adding wallpaper to shelves.
- Transforming old built-ins can make your space more stylish and functional.
- These tips will help you achieve a modern and contemporary feel for your built-ins.
How to Update Old Built-Ins with Paint
One of the easiest and most effective ways to give your old built-ins a fresh and modern look is by updating them with a coat of paint. Painting allows you to completely transform the appearance of your built-ins, making them look brand new and on-trend.
To start, you’ll want to remove all the doors, hardware, and shelves from your built-ins. This will give you a clean canvas to work with and make the painting process much easier. Use a rag and some simple green to thoroughly clean the wood, removing any dirt, grease, or grime.
Tip: Cleaning the wood before painting ensures that the paint adheres properly and provides a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Next, dilute a latex primer with water and apply two coats using a paint sprayer. The diluted primer will create a smoother base for the paint, allowing it to go on more evenly. Make sure to let each coat dry fully before applying the next. This will ensure that the primer bonds properly to the wood.
Once the primer is dry, it’s time to apply the topcoat of paint. Choose a white latex paint, or any other color that suits your style and the overall aesthetic of your space. Dilute the paint to the same consistency as the primer and apply it using a paint sprayer. Again, allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next.
Tip: Applying multiple thin coats of paint is better than applying one thick coat. It gives a more professional-looking finish and reduces the chances of drips and brush marks.
After the final coat of paint is dry, reattach the doors, hardware, and shelves to your built-ins. This final step will complete the transformation and give your updated built-ins a polished and cohesive look.
By following these simple steps, you can easily update your old built-ins with a fresh coat of paint, giving them a modern and stylish makeover. Whether you choose to go with a classic white or experiment with a bold color, painting is a budget-friendly and DIY-friendly way to breathe new life into your built-ins.
Creative Updates for Built-In Shelves and Cabinets
If you want to take your built-in updates to the next level, let me share some creative changes you can make to the shelves and cabinets. One option is to change the door style of your cabinets. Remove the old doors and build new shaker-style doors out of sturdy plywood. To give them a polished and finished look, add edge banding around the outside.
Looking for a unique and modern touch? Consider adding mini barn door hardware to your cabinet doors. This stylish addition will instantly elevate the look of your built-ins. Furthermore, you can update the shelves themselves by adding wallpaper to the back. Choose a pattern or color that complements your room’s aesthetic, and watch as your shelves transform into eye-catching focal points.
These creative updates will not only make your built-ins stand out, but they will also give them a contemporary feel that will impress your guests. By following these tips and incorporating your own personal style, you can breathe new life into your outdated built-ins and create a space that truly reflects your unique taste and personality.