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Easy China Cabinet Makeover: Kilz Chalk Paint Review
BRING OUTDATED FURNITURE BACK TO LIFE EASILY WITH A LITTLE PAINT, PAIRED WITH THE PERFECT WALLPAPER. CHECK OUT THIS SIMPLE DIY CHINA CABINET MAKEOVER
One thing I really love about a home decorating style is that it can constantly evolve. I have “grown” in & out of styles over the years & I know I’m not done yet!
When we moved into our first real-life adult home my style was French country. I big puffy heart loved lace, linens, & soothing creamy & pale pink colors.
Then, I morphed into a farmhouse country style (thanks Joanna Gaines) & I added more rustic elements to my decor.
Once we moved into our current home though, I knew I wanted to turn this cookie-cutter house into a craftsman style home with modern farmhouse decor.
But if I bought new decor every time my home style changed Justin would leave me & I would be the crazy furniture lady! So I learned how to update my furniture to match my current home style.
My most recent revamp project is this modern china cabinet makeover!
We bought this piece from a thrift store for $100 & it has traveled with us to both our homes. I adore the cabinet because its antique-looking & is a size that is functional in most rooms. Currently, its located in our formal dining room & it was way past due for an update.
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Dinning Room China Cabinet Makeover:
It definitely wasn’t in bad shape, just not my current homestyle anymore. The cream color is original from when we bought it & it was just looking a little blah.
My soul wanted this piece to have a more modern edgy vibe that fit in with my modern farmhouse theme, so I started with Kilz chalk paint.

This was my first time using Kilz Chalk paint, I chose Toasted Poppyseed for the color. I knew I wanted the cabinet’s color to pop, but the darker color kept it classic so it wouldn’t need another update for a while!
I like the Kilz chalk paint okay, it did separate in the can a bit (even after I shook it long enough to build up a sweat) & it was dry so I did have to add some water.

Would I use this brand chalk paint again… honestly probably not. I loved the color but the paint itself wasn’t the easiest to work with. I usually make my own chalk paint using my chosen color mixed with Plaster of Pairs & water.
Finally, after two coats of chalk paint, the painting portion of the project was completed & it was on to the fun part!

If you follow along with us on Instagram, I asked y’all to pick between four wallpapers & this was the winner ( honestly my personal favorite too)! I adore the colors & fun pattern.
This wallpaper was the peel & stick kind praise the lord! I simply measured the top section of the china cabinet & cut the paper to fit & so on for the rest of the back wall.

Just like in my serving tray makeover I used the “right” tool for the job & smoothed out the paper using a gift card. I promise someday I will become an adult DIY blogger & buy one of
Did you see where I used shelf liner to update bedroom furniture?!

I chose to leave the inside of the cabinet cream to match the background of the wallpaper. It helped keep the dark Kilz chalk paint balanced & not overpowering.

This DIY china cabinet makeover is offically swoon worthy! What a huge difference some paint & a little bit of wallpaper make.
How To Decorate A China Cabinet
My no fail way to decorate a china cabinet is to use white plates & decor. Especially if your china cabinet has a busy wallpaper backing or pop of color, the white plates look classic & keep the focus on the furniture.

Can I tell y’all a little secret? My white china cabinet plates are all from the Dollar Tree! Talk about super budget savvy decor!

This modern china cabinet makeover definitely makes my heart happy & was very budget savvy, which makes Justin’s heart happy, win-win!

Let me know what yall think about the wallpaper choice!
DIY China Cabinet Makeover Supplies:

Stunning transformation with your China cabinet makeover. Love the color!
Happy DYI’ing,
Kippi
Thanks Kippi! I love a good furniture update!
I love this! But am more interested in whether you have a ‘recipe’ for your own chalk paint?! Here in the UK the available colours in chalk paint seem to be seriously limited?
Hi Trish! I usually do make my own chalk paint & here is my recipe: 1/3 cup warm water ~ 1/3 cup Plaster of Paris ~ 1 cup of your chosen paint color
Let me know how that works for you!
Thank you so much! I’m not sure when I’ll have the time to attempt it, but I will try to let you know how it goes!
Lovely, my only thought is if you have a “busy” china pattern, use a “quieter” wall paper which I am sure everyone will figure out (don’t tell me Dah!) Appreciate your comment on the chalk paint, always good to know about products.
I completely agree Sue, that’s why I chose white plates to display. You definitely wouldn’t want to take away from the china or wallpaper!
Beautiful makeover. Any suggestions as to Manufactures names of stick on wallpaper And where to find them on line?
Hi Elaine! Here is the link to the brand I used: https://amzn.to/3h24B1B Nuwallpaper brand is also a great brand I have used before & love! Let me know if you need anything else!
Wallpaper
Love it, I think the wallpaper is gorgeous, did you put a white wash or something over the black chalk paint? It has grey hues in the last pictures…
Thanks so much, Marina! I did mess around with a glaze but I am not sure which way I love it most!
Well, now I have to go find a used China Hutch since I don’t have one. This is the first “makeover” that I have loved so much “I WANT ONE”.
Beth, you have made my day! That makes my heart so happy, thanks so much! Check Facebook market place I see reasonably priced china hutches on there all the time.