Are you looking for a fun and creative project that the whole family can participate in and enjoy? Look no further than a DIY play kitchen makeover! Not only is this a great way to spend quality time together, but it also creates beautiful memories endless entertainment for little ones.
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With a little bit of imagination and some basic materials, you can create and customized an old play kitchen that will have your kids cooking up a storm. Plus, it's a budget-friendly alternative to purchasing an expensive brand new play kitchen from a store.
From pick and choosing colors to adding personalized details, this project allows for endless creativity and customization. So, gather your family and get ready for a fun and rewarding DIY adventure with a play kitchen makeover that your kids will love for years to come.
Where to find a used play kitchen to do a DIY play kitchen make over?
To find a used play kitchen for a DIY makeover, you can try the following options:
Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Letgo are popular platforms to buy and sell used items, including play kitchens. Search for listings in your local area to find one that suits your needs.
Thrift Stores: Visit local thrift stores or secondhand shops in your area. They often have a variety of children's toys, including play kitchens, at affordable prices. Check out stores like Goodwill, Salvation Army, or independent thrift stores in your community.
Garage Sales: Keep an eye out for garage sales or yard sales happening in your neighborhood. They can be a treasure trove for finding used play kitchens and other toys. Check local classified ads or community bulletin boards for listings or drive around residential areas on weekends when garage sales are common.
Online Community Groups: Join local community groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Nextdoor. These groups often have members who are looking to sell or give away items, and you can post a request for a used play kitchen. People in your community may be willing to part with one.
Freecycle or Freebie Websites: Check websites like Freecycle or Freegle, where people offer items they no longer need for free. While availability may vary, it's worth keeping an eye on these platforms as you might come across a play kitchen being given away.
Remember to exercise caution when meeting strangers or arranging transactions with people you don't know. Always prioritize your safety and follow recommended guidelines for in-person transactions.
This is how we found our used Kid Kraft Play Kitchen
One morning, following a night of working at my nighttime job, my husband approached me and uttered, "I'm not sure if I should dispose of this, but I want you to take a look first." Intrigued, I asked him to elaborate, to which he responded, "It's quite large, so let's head to the garage."
With a mix of curiosity and anticipation, I accompanied him, wondering what awaited me. And to my astonishment, there it was—a magnificent KidKraft play kitchen he had stumbled upon in the trash while returning from grocery shopping that day! It was a delightful surprise!
I always wanted to remodel one of these wooden play kitchens so here I was with my eyes wide open! I couldn't believe it this was for free.
One man's trash is another one's treasure
The play kitchen had some work to be done! It had some wear and tears and we needed to clean it up as it seemed to be on the outside for a long time. One of the front doors, the "oven" was broken and the clear plastic was missing.
First thing I did is I reached out to the social media community. Well, came to find out, that there is this FB group created, exclusively for play kitchens remodeling!
Everyone was extremely nice and I as able to take a lot of ideas from them. It's called "Play Kitchens & Toy Makeovers" in case you're interested to see all the beautiful work some Parents put into these toys.
HERE you can find the original version of this KidKraft Wooden Play Kitchen
Choosing the right materials and tools
When working on a DIY play kitchen, it is important to choose the right materials and tools. The materials should be safe, durable, and easy to clean. Consider using materials such as plywood for repairs, MDF, or solid wood for the frame and shelves.
For the countertop, you can use laminate or sticker tile if desired. Avoid using materials that could be harmful, such as lead-based paint or materials with sharp edges.
In terms of tools, you will need basic woodworking tools in case is a big remodel, such as a saw, drill, and sander.
Here is the list of what we used for our DYI Play Kitchen:
White Spray paint RUST-OLEUM Semi-Gloss protective enamel. Home depot Cost: $5 used 3 cans.
Textured Metallic Silver Spray Paint RUST-OLEUM. Home Depot Cost: $5 used half of one can.
Floral Wallpaper Peel and Stick Watercolor Cactus White/Pink/Green/Navy Blue Vinyl Self Adhesive Prepasted Decorative 17.7"x 9.8ft. Amazon cost: $18.96
Wood Wallpaper 17.71" X 118" Self-Adhesive Removable Wood Peel and Stick Wallpaper Decorative Wall Covering Vintage Wood Panel Interior Film Wood Wallpaper. Amazon Cost: $5.99 at the time of purchase.
Wood Glue. Cost: we had some at home!
Small piece of transparent plastic for the back of the "oven" bought at Home Depot. Cost $6
TOTAL COST OF RENOVATION for our DIY Play Kitchen: ~$50 US Dlls
Painting and decorating your DIY play kitchen
Painting and decorating your DIY play kitchen is where you can really let your creativity shine. Choose a color scheme that fits your style and preferences. Consider adding decorative details such as knobs, handles, and backsplash. You can also add a chalkboard or whiteboard to create a menu or grocery list.
When painting the play kitchen, make sure to use non-toxic paint that is safe for children. Consider using a primer to help the paint adhere to the surface. You can also use stencils or decals to create a unique design.
For our remodel, first thing we did, was to take the kitchen apart. Then slightly sand all the printings from the doors. Then, paint it evenly with the white spray paint and let it dry. He also removed all the handles from the doors and spray paint them with the metallic silver spray paint. Look below the brands we used:
Adding accessories and details to enhance play
Adding accessories and details to your DIY play kitchen is what will make it truly special. Consider adding pots, pans, utensils, and play food to enhance play. These items can be purchased at a toy store or made from materials such as felt or foam.
After our play kitchen was all painted and dried, we covered the "back splash" wall and one of the front doors with the Floral Wallpaper Peel and Stick Watercolor Cactus White/Pink/Green/Navy Blue Vinyl Self Adhesive Prepasted Decorative 17.7"x 9.8ft. Bought at Amazon.
We then, covered the counter top with the Wood Wallpaper Self-Adhesive Removable Wood Peel and Stick Wallpaper Decorative. I did not leave the burners on since I was planning to use this play kitchen to be her snack station while she was younger.
Tips for involving the whole family in the project
Building a DIY play kitchen is a great way to involve the whole family in a fun and creative project. Here are a few tips for getting everyone involved:
1. Assign roles: Assign different roles to each family member based on their skill level and interests. For example, one person can be in charge of measuring and cutting while another can be in charge of painting and decorating.
2. Make it a team effort: Work together as a team to assemble the play kitchen back if it was taken apart. Encourage everyone to offer their input and ideas.
3. Get the kids involved: Let the kids help with painting and decorating. This will make them feel like they have ownership over the project.
4. Take breaks: Take breaks throughout the project to avoid burnout and keep everyone motivated.
Ideas for imaginative play and learning opportunities
A DIY play kitchen provides endless opportunities for imaginative play and learning. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Cooking and baking: Encourage your little ones to cook and bake pretend meals in their play kitchen. This helps to develop their creativity and social skills.
2. Grocery shopping: Create a pretend grocery store by stocking the play kitchen with play food and adding a shopping cart. This helps to develop math skills and teaches children about healthy eating.
3. Setting the table: Encourage your child to set the table and practice their table manners. This helps to develop social skills and teaches children about etiquette.
4. Cleaning up: Encourage your child to clean up after themselves by putting away dishes and wiping down the countertops. This teaches responsibility and helps children develop good habits.
DYI Play Kitchen Before and After
Conclusion
Building a DIY play kitchen is a fun and rewarding project that the whole family can enjoy. It provides endless entertainment for little ones and allows for endless creativity and customization. By following these tips and guidelines, you can create a customized play kitchen that your kids will love for years to come. Remember to prioritize safety and involve the whole family in the project. Happy building!