From Prep to Perfection: A Two-Tone Kitchen Makeover with Hand-Painted Precision
Adding a Touch of Contrast: Hand-Painted Kitchen Project in Leeds
At Gareth Thompson Decorators, I recently had the pleasure of working on a unique hand-painted kitchen project in Leeds. The homeowners wanted a more striking look for their new kitchen, moving away from a traditional monochrome scheme to embrace bold contrasts and a modern flair. Here’s how the transformation unfolded!
Preparation is Key
The first step in any painting project is thorough preparation to ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish. I began by cleaning down all the units meticulously to remove any grease or residue. Afterward, the surfaces were lightly sanded to create a fine texture for the primer to adhere. I applied Benjamin Moore Stix Adhesion Primer to prime all units. This primer is ideal for tough-to-coat surfaces, ensuring the paint bonds securely and lasts.
For the lower cabinets, which would feature a deep, contrasting blue, I added an extra coat of primer tinted closer to the final colour. This technique helps to bring out the vibrancy of the blue shade and provides an even, durable base.
Here’s the kitchen before painting – you can see its superb quality, and with our touch, it’s transformed into a fresh, striking, and modern space.
A Striking Colour Scheme
The client wanted the kitchen to have a bold, contemporary feel. We chose Benjamin Moore Linen White for the upper units—a soft, warm white that brightened up the room beautifully. For the lower units, we went with Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue, a deep, sophisticated shade that added depth and a striking visual contrast. This combination not only brought a dynamic touch to the space but also kept it feeling balanced and inviting.
Both colours were finished with two coats of Benjamin Moore Scuff X in eggshell, a finish renowned for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. This choice ensures that the kitchen will maintain its fresh look even with daily use.
Spray Application for a Flawless Finish
To achieve the smoothest and most professional look possible, I used a spray application for the entire kitchen. The unit doors were removed and taken off-site to be sprayed individually, while the carcasses were sprayed in situ. Spraying is a meticulous process but produces a clean, seamless finish that truly enhances the cabinetry’s appearance.
Browse through our photos of the finished kitchen, showcasing the bold blue contrasting cabinets.
Timeline and Results
This project was completed in two weeks, with each stage carefully planned to ensure minimal disruption to the household. The final result was a stunning, high-contrast kitchen that felt both modern and welcoming. The Linen White units provided a fresh, airy feel, while the Van Deusen Blue lower cabinets added a touch of sophistication and depth. The client was delighted with the outcome, and their kitchen now boasts a fresh look with character and style.
If you’re thinking of giving your kitchen a bespoke, hand-painted transformation, don’t hesitate to reach out! At Gareth Thompson Decorators, I’m here to make your design dreams a reality with expert craftsmanship and attention to detail.