Arren Williams Questions on decor December 2003

I'm considering a Mexican style textured paint technique that resembles stucco, for my kitchen. I've heard that textured finishes aren't recommended for kitchens because of durability and clean-a-bility. Is vinyl wallpaper that resembles faux paint effects available?

Textured paint finishes can be a great way to bring style to a space. However, any look that's too themed will date quickly. Once a textured finish is applied, you may have to re-drywall your walls to go back to a smooth, paintable surface. For clean-a-bility, durability and ease of removal, I'd definitely recommend using a faux finish wallpaper instead. You'll find lots of choice at a home reno store like Rona.

I really like the way the kitchen cabinets in the November 2003 issue look. I have exactly the same cabinets in my kitchen, but they are off-white with wood trim. It's such a dated look; do you have any advice on painting the cabinets and trim?

We updated Rachael's cabinets by simply painting the wood trim the same colour as the doors. A drawer front was taken to a paint store and colour-matched. The trim was then cleaned with TSP to remove any dirt and then lightly sanded. Next, we primed and painted the trim with a glossy durable paint. It's an easy, inexpensive kitchen update, and less work than re-finishing all your cabinetry.

I really like the way the kitchen cabinets in the November 2003 issue look. I have exactly the same cabinets in my kitchen, but they are off-white with wood trim. It's such a dated look; do you have any advice on painting the cabinets and trim?

We updated Rachael's cabinets by simply painting the wood trim the same colour as the doors. A drawer front was taken to a paint store and colour-matched. The trim was then cleaned with TSP to remove any dirt and then lightly sanded. Next, we primed and painted the trim with a glossy durable paint. It's an easy, inexpensive kitchen update, and less work than re-finishing all your cabinetry.