A Stylish 70s Inspired Kitchen Makeover Without Major Renovations

The 1970s conjure up visions of shag carpeting, wood paneling, and harvest gold appliances. While it may seem dated now, the 70s rustic style was quite popular in kitchen design. Formica counters in shades of avocado green and burnt orange paired with maple cabinets gave the kitchen a cozy, retro feel.

But if your 70s kitchen is looking a little too vintage, a makeover may be in order. The good news is you can give it a fresh, modern update without taking on a full renovation.

Painting The Cabinets

Prepping and Sanding

Before painting, it's important to properly prep and sand your cabinets. This roughens up the surface so the paint can adhere better. Thoroughly clean all surfaces with a degreasing agent like TSP. Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler and let dry completely. Then sand lightly with fine grit sandpaper until smooth.

Proper sanding ensures the paint job will come out flawlessly.

Priming

Priming is a crucial step that many DIYers skip, but it makes a big difference. The right primer allows the paint to bond tightly to the cabinets for a smooth, hard finish. For laminate surfaces, choose a bonding primer made for laminate. On wood, an oil-based primer is best.

Apply a thin, even coat according to the manufacturer's directions. Let the primer dry completely before painting.

Painting

The paint finish you choose will impact the overall look. A semi-gloss or satin sheen gives a smooth, subtle shine that's easy to wipe clean. Using painter's tape to border off the cabinets keeps the edges neat. Paint in long, smooth strokes using a high-quality angled brush.

Avoid thick coats that can drip and create unevenness in the finish. Allow each coat to dry fully before adding another. Two coats often provides the best coverage.

Finishing Touches

Remove the hardware, like knobs and handles, before painting by unscrewing them. After the final coat has dried for at least 24 hours, attach the hardware to complete the freshly painted cabinets.

Hardware Updates

Why Change Hardware?

Cabinet hardware plays a big role in the overall kitchen style. Outdated knobs and handles can ruin the look of your newly painted cabinets. Changing the hardware is one of the easiest ways to give your kitchen a modern makeover.

New handles and knobs act like jewelry for your cabinets, letting you accessorize with different finishes and styles.

Choosing New Hardware

Hardware with an eye-catching black or brass finish adds a nice pop against painted cabinets. Opt for simple handle bars or knobs rather than ornate hardware to keep the look clean and contemporary.

Many affordable options are available online or at home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes.

Installing New Hardware

Installation is a breeze. Carefully remove the existing hardware and fill any leftover holes with wood filler. Mark and pre-drill new holes for each knob or handle. Use a drill to drive in the screws and secure the hardware in place.

Low-Cost Countertop Makeover Options

Laminate countertops were very popular in the 70s. Thankfully several budget-friendly options can give them a fresh look:

• Painting with a countertop paint kit
• Applying tile overlay for a faux stone look
• Covering with contact paper or self-adhesive vinyl
• Replacing with new, affordable laminate

Upgrading the countertops makes a big visual impact without the high price tag of materials like quartz.

Modern Backsplash on a Budget

Adhesive Backsplash Tiles

Self-adhesive backsplash tiles provide an easy and affordable way to get a fresh, new look. Peel and stick subway tiles or glass mosaic sheets let you transform a dated backsplash in an afternoon. Make sure to clean and prep the surface so the tiles adhere properly.

While not quite as durable as traditional backsplash tile, these budget-friendly options still create a modern style when installed carefully.

Tin Backsplash

Another option is tin backsplash sheets. Tin can be cut into any shape and installed with adhesive. Get creative with geometric or wave patterns. Or emulate the look of beadboard.

Tin adds a charming, vintage vibe while still appearing updated and stylish.

Quick Flooring Upgrades

Don't forget the floors! To make a big visual impact, consider:

• Painting or staining worn floors for a fresh color
• Peel-and-stick vinyl tile for an easy update
• Floating click-vinyl planks that simply snap together
• Area rugs to add color, texture and style

Refreshing the floors ties the whole new look together.

With some strategic upgrades like painted cabinets, new hardware, tin backsplash and fun area rugs, you can give your 70s kitchen a stylish new look. The best part? You can achieve this just through DIY projects without major demolition or renovation costs.

The finished product will have all the character and charm of a 70s kitchen, with a lighter, brighter, modern style. Don't be afraid to embrace the retro vibe while still updating for today in creative, budget-friendly ways.