Monday, September 27, 2010

Réfrigérateur Facelift for $35

When we moved in, we inherited all the appliances which worked out great, and they looked great in this sweet retro kitchen. Have I told you about my super human strength? Since I grew up with brothers, I'm freakishly strong. I tend to open things with gusto... gifts... windows... and the fridge. I've broken several windows by throwing them open with all my might. Unfortunately the refrigerator's handle fell victim to my super powers early on.
The broken handle bothered me, and I knew this fridge would look out of place in the new fabulous kitchen. I had seen a blog where the lady simply glued paneling onto an old fridge. I decided to give it a shot. So I grabbed some beadboard, liquid nails, and some molding. Then I asked the Juans to cut it to the right size, man, they are so handy!Then this is the part where if you really should have some help. I didn't, so when I slathered the beadboard with liquid nails and stuck it on the fridge, I realized I didn't have a free hand to tape it in place. So I did what anyone do, I started screaming at the top of my lungs! One of the Juans ran to my aid, and helped tape the paneling in place. Then once that dried, I put the molding in place and then painted it all white to match the kitchen. Frankly, I'm pretty proud of the way it turned out. $35 bucks well spent, and it looks much better. Now, the only thing we can't decide.... do we add a handle? or leave it plain? What do you think?

P.S. Because someone asked, there is a small gap between the paneling and the fridge, which was easily fixed with some chaulk! Now it looks seamless from the side.

14 comments:

Amanda @geekdetails said...

That looks awesome! Totally love what you did with it! I'm curious to see how it holds up over time.

Raena Johnson said...

too awesome!! have you seen that beadboard wallpaper? jenny has a roll of it - curious to see how that would have worked on a fridge. how are you opening it without a handle? personally, i would add one so as to not discolor the wood with gooey hands. on the other hand, you can always repaint it instead of washing it. i vote handle but i would look for something totally funky for a handle and then order that 'mighty putty' or whatever from the 'seen on tv' ads just so i can know how it would work (they do it on the commercials!)

... said...

Are you flipping kidding me? That is fantastic.

How does it look from the side? Can you see the edge of the beadboard?

Anonymous said...

Very Cool! I'd say add handle or won't you get a dirty spot or worn spot in the same place when you open it?

stacy said...

You are my hero. It is beautiful. I vote handle.

The O'Neils said...

I am VERY impressed and hope to see your place in November :). I personally would add a handle!

Brooke said...

Wow. That is super freakin' Martha. (Don't I sound like I live in Utah...cuz I do :) You are awesome!

ps: Yes on handle

laura said...

seriously FABULOUS!! i bow down to your decorating greatness!!

Hillary said...

Wow! You are super strong AND super genius. I vote handle but then you have the "What handle?" dilemma. Never ends ;)

Karlea said...

So amazing. Can you come over and help me spruce up my place when you're done with yours?! That looks awesome and I think "anonymous" might have a point that you'd get a dirty spot on the fabulous thing without a handle.

Personal Trainer said...

hey!! you have a wonderful blog. thanks for sharing your life and experience here. keep it up and never give up. you can do it.

Mary said...

I say it needs a handle.

Cimblog (tm) said...

DING!!

I say, put a handle on it that matches your cupboard fixtures.

RollerScrapper said...

This is a totally awesome idea that I'm going to steal if I ever have a fridge like that (I have french doors) I don't think you could open them easily with this method.