How to Transform Cabinets with Fabric Wallpaper Little Green Notebook

We are always reading recommendations about using fabric as temporary wallpaper, but we've never really been too sure about the process involved. Luckily for all of us, Jenny of Little Green Notebook has kindly posted an extremely detailed tutorial documenting the transformation of her friend Emily's kitchen cabinets. If you have ever wondered exactly how to use this temporary measure to spice up your space, then read on...

Emily's kitchen started out bland and boring, but was transformed into something fantastic.

We love the fabric used to personalize the cabinets almost as much as we love the detailed instructions that Emily shared with Jenny so that Jenny could share with us. Like what you see? Head on over to Little Green Notebook for the full tutorial; this could be the perfect project for the next rainy weekend.

MORE REMOVABLE FABRIC WALLPAPER ON APARTMENT THERAPY:
• How To: Make Removable Fabric Wallpaper

(Images: Little Green Notebook)

Comments (9)

It's a nice transformation - but if she hadn't done a dozen other things to redo the kitchen, that little bit of pattern wouldn't make much difference.

I read the DIY instructions, and am left with the question of whether you can use this treatment on a wall or other surface that hasn't been treated with oil-based primer or paint first. Because that impacts a lot of people who might otherwise try this as a temporary solution (where the landlord doesn't allow painting and such). Does anyone have the definitive answer?

I did something similar... check it out here. It's a small thing that makes a BIG improvement!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisamfb/4505687525/

i want to know if they hacked the existing cabinet doors to add glass or if they bought new doors altogether.

babyfishmouth - (love the name!) one of the comments on LGN make it sound like the primer was necessary b/c the fabric wouldn't otherwise stick to the latex paint.

Looks to me like they used the existing cabinets, replaced the front panels of the two that flank the microwave with glass, added molding along the top, painted, and replaced the hardware.

A marvelous transformation and I'm sure a HUGE savings over replacing the cabinets!

I have a built-in corner china hutch in my dining room and have been looking to do this treatment to add a bit of contrast (white cabinet white dishes) - thanks for the tutorial!

LGN -- I believe the tutorial mentioned water-based, not oil-based, primer.

I like it a lot. May use either wallpaper or fabric to add pattern to my kitchen.

Lisa - nice job with yours, that's a pretty pattern.

I just finished putting fabric in the built-in bookcases in my office, and it stuck just fine to the latex paint of the shelves with no priming. I also found that using a small-diameter paint roller gives much more even and predictable coverage (with less effort) than trying to dab the starch on with a sponge.