Ugly Appliance? 7 Easy Makeovers That Totally Transform

What do you do with an ugly fridge or an unsightly dishwasher? If your budget dictates that you won't be upgrading to this year's sleek new models, there's still hope for your home. With a little flair for inventiveness and some basic supplies, you can transform—or even disguise—any appliance that doesn't suit your style. Read on to get some fresh ideas for your home.

By Debra Immergut | Updated Aug 18, 2015 01:41 PM

Give the Fridge Some New Stripes

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Duct Tape Projects

Duct tape, once a humble handyman’s helper, has morphed into an essential DIY decor tool, available in compelling colors such as this metallic gold. It’s perfect for renters who want to give their appliances an update, since it peels right off most metals. Use a ruler and pencil to mark guide points before slowly applying the tape in long strips.


Related:  5 Things to Do with... Duct Tape

rachelschultz.com

Dress Up Your Laundry Machines

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Laundry Room Ideas

To lend an old­ school washer and dryer a glamorous new look, tape on a plastic stencil (there are a slew of stylish options available online) and roll on some chalk paint. It’s a smart idea to protect the new finish from scratches with a topcoat of polyurethane.


Related:  Ordinary to Extraordinary with Fool-Proof Paint-On Accents

howtonestforless.com

Stick It

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Contact Paper Crafts

Another ultra­simple way to make statement in a bland rental kitchen: Jazz it up with contact paper. For the punchy look shown here, white chevron stripes were applied to a black refrigerator.


Related:  13 Unexpected Ways to Use Contact Paper

pocketfulofpretty.com

Disguise Your Dishwasher

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Cheap Kitchen Remodel

So you can’t afford a fancy new dishwasher at the moment? It’s still possible to make your old one disappear. These homeowners used painted beadboard and wood strips to cover their unit’s front panel and mimic their cabinetry. A hinged drawer front hides the controls; it flips up for access and ventilation while the machine is in use.


Related:  5 Things to Do with... Beadboard

cottage4c.com

Word Up

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Monogram Appliances

Custom press­on letter decals (easily found online) can personalize a standard appliance or give an old one a new lease on life. Here, a small, curvy font is used to add a bit of attitude to a mixer; a big, bold monogram on a refrigerator would add impact on a whole different scale.

crazysexycool.co .za

Color Your World

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Painting Appliances

Colorful finishes are a hot trend in the high ­end appliance world; happily, it’s easy enough to get the same look for just a few bucks. Simply grab a can of spray paint in your favorite shade. Tape off all working parts and openings, look for a paint that’s heat­ and rust­-resistant, and follow the paint manufacturer’s prep guidelines.


Related:  How To—Paint EVERYTHING

vitaminihandmade.com

Small Change, Big Impact

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Oven Knobs

Decor is all about the details—so even minor touches will give well­-used appliances new allure. Consider brightening knobs or handles with a contrasting paint (use a heat ­resistant type). Here, a splash of red, inspired by the trademark knob color used on a super pricey brand, gives an ordinary range a major style boost.


Related:  Knobs of Note—16 Ideas for a Cool Cabinet

saving4six.com

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