73-Year-Old DIYer Transforms Dated Kitchen For Just £76, Saving £3,000
- Carol Fortescue, 73, transformed the look of her dated kitchen using paint from B&Q
- It took Carol three weeks to transform the kitchen
- The process cost her £76 instead of upwards of £3,000
With kitchen transformations typically costing thousands of pounds, it’s no wonder most of us put them off.
But one savvy DIYer managed to totally switch up the look of her dated kitchen using one simple material: paint from B&Q.
Carol Fortescue, 73, who is retired and lives in Northampton, took three weeks to transform the kitchen.
The process cost her £76 instead of upwards of £3,000.
Carol told money-saving Facebook group DIY On A Budget UK: "It started off when I was helping a friend decorate their static caravan.
“They wanted to change the dark woodwork, so we asked advice from the paint department at B&Q and they suggested the V33 cupboard paint.
"I was so impressed with the result that a year later I decided to have a go at my dated kitchen cupboards.
"It took me three and a half weeks to complete.
"I did a section at a time as I had 16 cupboards and 10 drawers to paint.
"I took the doors off, washed them down with sugar soap, then lightly sanded them down with very fine sandpaper.
“I wiped them off with a damp cloth, using a small sponge roller and a round brush for the grooves.
“The first coat then goes on but you can see through it.
“There is a primer in this paint.
“The beauty of this paint is that an hour later it’s dry and you can do the second coat.
“This is when you see the difference.
"I did a third coat for the front and back of the cupboard.
“You're looking at £3,000 upwards for a complete new kitchen, which at my age is unaffordable, so at £76 for the paint and a bit of time and effort it was well worth it.
"I have to say I was very scared when I started in case it didn’t turn out ok, but take your time with the preparation.
“It really is quite easy to do and it’s hard wearing, so for people with children and animals, the cupboards just need a quick wipe over with a damp cloth.
“The total cost was £76 for two tubs although I have half a tub left over.
"I am so pleased with the result, it was really worth it and it looks like a new kitchen.
"I am 73 years old so if I can do it anybody can!”
Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, comments: “Kitchen renovations can cost thousands or even tens of thousands of pounds to pull off.
“Hats off to Carol for modernising her kitchen for a fraction of its usual price, thanks to her hard work and dedication - and affordable paint from B&Q!"
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