1970's cottage kitchen paint makeover

Zirconchic

🖼️

The project:

After my dad passed away on March 1st this year we moved my 88 year old mum into a two-bedroom Victorian cottage across the road so we could care for her. The cottage still featured a strong mid-1970s aesthetic. While its earthy palette had plenty of character, the dark colours weren't suitable for mum, who is blind with macular degeneration. She needed a home that was brighter, higher in contrast, and much easier to navigate safely. That was the inspiration behind the kitchen transformation. The original handmade cabinetry was beautifully built by the former owner and full of character, so preserving it was an easy decision. With a fresh coat of paint, the kitchen retained its charm while becoming a lighter space that better supports mum's needs.

- Materials:

1. https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-4l-white-ceiling-paint_p1370215
2. https://www.bunnings.com.au/taubmans-4l-white-semi-gloss-oil-based-enamel_p0147196
3. https://www.bunnings.com.au/taubmans-4l-white-low-sheen-endure-interior-walls-paint_p0024211
4. https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-1l-renovation-range-primer_p0116494
5. Sika 400ml Grey Filler-105 Wide Crack Filler https://www.bunnings.com.au/sika-400ml-grey-filler-105-wide-crack-filler
6. Sundries: Krud Kutter, Sugar soap, gap filler, sandpaper, drop sheet, masking tape, paint brushes and roller kit, turpentine, cleaning wipes, microfibre cloths.
7. A much brighter cool white light bulb.

- Tools:

Ozito 230W Random Orbital Sander https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-230w-random-orbital-sander_p6290233

- Step 1:

1. Washed surfaces with sugar soap.
2. Filled gaps in the cornice and around the skirting boards
3. Minor preparation of the walls. local light sanding.
4. Painted ceiling and cornice in 2 coats of ceiling white.
5. Painted walls in 2 coats of Taubmanns Crisp White.
6. Removed vents and doorknobs on the cabinetry.
7. Painted the cabinetry in 2 coats of Taubmanns Milk Cloud in low sheen oil-based enamel, chosen to paint directly over the existing enamel paint job without sanding and prep.
8. Lightly sanded and cleaned the floor tiles using Krud Kutter, until my knees bled!

EricL

Hello @Zirconchic

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your kitchen makeover project.

This is such a thoughtful makeover with a beautiful purpose behind it. By preserving the original handcrafted cabinetry and brightening the entire space, you've created a kitchen that feels warm, welcoming and much easier for your mum to enjoy every day. The fresh white palette has completely transformed the cottage while honouring its character, an absolutely lovely result.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful project with the community.

Eric