In this installment of Weekend Decorating, Nancy Golden shows how she rejuvenated a bland farmhouse kitchen (figure A) to create a kitchen that's a little bit country and a little bit retro (figure B). On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the greatest degree of difficulty, this project rates a 4. It took 16 hours, spread over the course of two and a half days, to complete it (it would have taken longer had most of the prep work not been done earlier in the week), and the total cost for materials and accessories was $1,600. As with any project of this size, the first step should always be to create a floor plan of the room (figure C) to help establish in advance what will go where. Materials: semigloss paint
acrylic paint
paintbrushes
tin panel
tin cornice
heavy gloves
safety glasses or goggles
tin snips
electric drill
stud finder
1-1/2" wood screws
3-1/2" wood screws
1 1/4" conehead nails
2x4 furring strips
plywood sheets
ladder
tape measure
caulk
hammer
eye-hook
s-hooks
chain
pencil
Preparation: - Apply semigloss base coat to walls.
Tip: Before painting, check for imperfections and make certain the surface is clean. - Working in a well-ventilated area , apply a coat of polyurethane sealer to tin panels. Let both dry overnight.
Let the Transformation Begin This project is an advanced project because of the tin ceiling. Although the project may appear to be overwhelming for some do-it-yourselfers, the end result is well worth the extra effort needed to create this unusual and eye-appealing ceiling treatment. Safety note: It's a good idea to have an extra set of hands and to wear eye protection for this part of the project. - Use a stud finder to find ceiling joists; mark with pencil (figure D).
- Hold a furring strip (a strip of metal or wood applied to even out a ceiling) in place and mark where it meets the wall (figure E).
- Install 2x4 furring strips around perimeter of the room by driving 3-1/2" wood screws into the ceiling joists (figure F).
Tip: Make sure furring strips are wide enough to provide support for cornices (figure G). Cornices can add a polished, decorative touch. - Starting at the center of the room, work outward and mark every 24" (figure H).
- Install furring strips along these marks (figure I).
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
