My home is littered with cheap builder-grade doors. But what I coveted in the kitchen was a chalkboard door. You know, a place to write up grocery lists and to do's. What I didn't covet was the price and installation of a new door. So instead I came up with my own version using foam core boards, chalkboard paint, and some cheap trim ... you can find the full tutorial here ...
I had my hubby paint our six panel bifold pantry door panels using chalk board paint. I think he thought I was crazy at first, especially since I said I knew our grandchildren would enjoy it. Almost nine years later and our four year old grandson and his 10 year old brother (are not by blood but by love grandson) have enjoyed using it many times. Not to mention it's where we keep track of grocery needs.
Thanks Linda. I'd have had it sooner but it took a year and a half of construction before we moved in. We did all the life blood parts of our home. Well mostly my dear hubby. We were the contractors and hired out the foundation, framing, drywall (would have done that but son was deployed), siding and roofing. We did all the water lines, draining pipes, electrical and all other finishing touches. We're still working on making and installing the wood trim.
I love the way you phrased the situation: "my home was LITTERED with.." At least yours are the panel doors - I stil have those awful stained wood doors that are flat, rough, hollow, cheap and so UGLY that paint can't improve them. Now that's litter.
Ellen, you could add some inexpensive trim to them to dress them up since you are unhappy with them. We had the same ones in our last home and until we bought solid wood six panel doors and stained them for this home I was quite happy with the other doors. Sometimes seeing so many inspirations can make us want more than we really need. :^(
Ellen ... my home is "littered with" a lot of things I dislike! And I agree with Becky. You could get some inexpesive moulding from Home Depot or Lowes and a cheap miter box and make perfect cuts. And then you can affix with with either Liquid Nails or Power Grab ... fix any mistakes with some Caulk and give it a few coats of glossy paint. You could go white ... or black (a new trend these days) ...
Nice idea for your kitchen. Looks really good. I painted a door in my son's room with chalkboard paint so they would have a place to draw. They loved it. My mom had a chalkboard just off her kitchen and she kept her "to do " list there. This would be so handy for messages, jotting phone numbers, recipes, "to do" s, etc.
Thanks Sondra A ! It really does come in handy and helps to clear some of the paper clutter lists off the counter tops too! Because I'm a crazy list maker!
So am I, Linda. Every once in a while as I am straightening things up I find another one of my lists. lol. That was what was so nice with my mom's - It was so accessible and she could erase as things got done and add more on as she needed to. It was also easier / quicker to write phone messages on as you can never find a pencil and paper when you're in a hurry.
:)
Linda