Saturday, June 7, 2008

Trying to Turn Cold to Gold

Fridges

1. Inspiration Photo, 2. '59 Frigidaire, 3. Is Your Refrigerator Running?, 4. Untitled, 5. new refrigerator, 6. Common Reader Refrigerator

These are some fun refrigerators on flickr. How I would love the light blue vintage fridge!

This apartment didn't come with a refrigerator. Our former building manager hooked us up with a free fridge. The metal shelves were rusted on the inside. I spray painted the shelves red just to make it more cheery than dreary. When another tenant left a better fridge behind, she gifted us with it. She was so cool like that. I miss her so much!

I hate this fridge too. It's white and all of our other appliances are almond color. Still, I can't really look a gift fridge in the mouth, so to speak. Truly, I am grateful for the savings. And, I remind myself of this gratitude each time I find another broken off piece inside. It's so old it's crumbling. The egg holders have holes in them. Who knew that eggs caused so much wear and tear?


My kitchen***
Originally uploaded by hippyxic.

More than a year ago I saw red and white spotted fridge on Flickr. Since then I have been looking for the perfect remodel for my ugly mismatched fridge.

Some of my ideas include:
-painting ( So far I am too chicken.)
-decoupage scrap book paper or wrapping paper
-laminating some wrapping paper to tape on with super sticky double sided tape
-using a vinyl tablecloth
-using iron on vinyl and some fabric
-creating a full sized French memo board for the freezer part which is most visible

Last night while Cliff was at his poker game, I tried out the wrapping paper idea.

Trying out a new idea

Pros:
Cheap- this is actually from the $ Spot at Target
Variety- I don't love this print. It's too busy for my vintage kitchen, however I have no doubt that I could find one I do like.
Easy to install- this is so light it's just held on with magnets!
Easy to waterproof- I could have it laminated or use contact paper
No Commitment- I could even change it seasonally if I wanted?!

Cons:
The only con I can think of right now is that it might not be the most polished finish compared to painting. But then again, painting could go horribly wrong. Frankly, there is no way to turn a sow's ear into a silk purse. I just want to change my perspective. If I had a nicer fridge, I would never want to get creative with it. It's not just an eyesore, it's an opportunity!

Wrapping paper on freezer

I was very surprised that Cliff liked it when he came home.

My vertical file cabinet

No matter what, I have to find a better look for my coupons, school schedule and "fun" magnets.

Any thoughts? Love it? Hate it?

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gift wrap the fridge. That's an interesting idea and you could change the scheme with your mood and season. I can see the plus of that!!

I also love the running fridge!

HollyLynne said...

its a cute idea, but id be afraid i'd rip it or that it'd get wet and ucky . . . have you thought of trying contact paper? when i moved into the apartment i'm about to move out of now, I found the cutest cherry print contact paper at target and lined all of my shelves with it. its more expensive than wrapping paper, but you can wipe it down when it gets dirty and the whole back is adhesive so you'd have a secure fit.

Jane said...

Oooh Cherry print! I'm checking out Target asap!

Mama Said Sew said...

I think I'd try the contact paper. There are some cute designs available. You could check ebay for some vintage contact paper too. Can't wait to see what you do.

Unknown said...

I think the contact paper sounds intriguing! Good possibilities there, although would it make it hard for your magnets to stick to the fridge? Not sure how thick it is. Let us know if you try it!

I saw on one of those HGTV shows where the designer used appliance spray paint to paint the fridge to match the kitchen. I had no idea there was such a thing! I would be worried about regular spray paint scratching.

BEELICIOUS said...

Hi Partner!!

I Love the Idea about contact paper! I also Like the thought of Decoupage!

If you painted, you would have to carry the darn thing outdoors(if using spray)Yuk! You might Not bring it back in if it goes outside:)

Jane said...

Updated: I am afraid paint is most likely out. I have no place to spray something of that size... although, I would probably not let that stop me...

Worse, the appliance paint only comes in white, almond and black. Too much work for blah results.

Now, I am looking into wallpaper.
I saw some OK stuff for $3 at Big Lots.

It's Just Me! said...

HELLO...
In the stationary section at Tar'get...I found magnet mini file folders with matching notepads. That's what I have been using to hold my fridge odds and ends. I also love the "chip clip" magnets to neatly clip loose papers together. Looking forward to seeing how your fridge makeover turns out!

Jodi Ohl said...

Jane, what about going Lowe's and seeing if they have any wallpaper books that are discontinued and do a collage with wallpaper. You could decopauge that and it would be "wipeable". I picked up 3 books by just asking...

Jenn Maruska said...

I liked your memo board idea, too. I wonder if there's any way to spray just the top with black chalkboard spraypaint....then you could write notes or a grocery list on there.

Sounds like a Trading Spaces project!

: )

Anonymous said...

Try getting an original!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7434019@N05/2574536968/

IamnotSteve2000