Upgrading Your Kid's Play Kitchen Makeover

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Play kitchens are not just toys; they’re miniature worlds where young imaginations run wild, creating culinary delights, playing home and fostering creativity. However, if you get them second hand like we did, they can have some nicks, chips, scratches and scrapes and might require a little care.

It's time for an upgrade, let's transform our kids play kitchen.

My mindset is that if you are going to spend the time and money to give it a little refresh, you might as well match the aesthetic to your kids room or play room. So with a little creativity and a splash of paint, you can seamlessly integrate your child’s play kitchen into your home decor. I am going to walk you through the steps on how we upgraded our twin’s play kitchen by deconstructing, replacing pieces and painting.

Table of Contents

The BEFORE for our Boys Play Kitchen

Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with leaving this kitchen as is. With a good clean this play set would be ready to go right away. But we are a family that loves DIY and I knew with a few little changes we could make this play kitchen even more perfect for our boys.

The Modifications We Made to Our Play Kitchen

The most impactful change in my opinion was our choice to completely remove the upper section/backsplash of the sink/stove piece
We also chose to remove the old countertop with a spare piece of wood we had at home
And lastly, the easiest modification we made was to remove the hanging piece of fabric under the sink section

Our Painting Process of the Play Kitchen

Step 1:
Prepare the Surface Preparation is key to achieving a professional-looking finish. Start by thoroughly cleaning the play kitchen to remove any dirt, grease, or residue. Sand the surfaces lightly to create a rough texture that will help the paint adhere better. Use painter’s tape to protect any areas you don’t want to paint, such as knobs or handles.

Step 2:
Prime the Surface Priming is essential, especially if the play kitchen has a glossy or plastic surface. Choose a high-quality primer suitable for the material of your play kitchen. Apply the primer evenly with a brush or roller and allow it to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Primer improves paint adhesion and helps achieve a more uniform color.

Second step of painting your play kitchen is primer

Step 3:
Paint with Care Now comes the fun part – painting! Use a high-quality paint in your chosen colors to transform the play kitchen. Opt for a semi-gloss or satin finish for easy cleaning and durability. Apply the paint evenly with a brush or roller, working in small sections to avoid drips or streaks. Don’t forget to paint the backs and sides of any removable parts for a seamless look.

Once your primer is dry you then get to pain your color of choice.

Step 4:
Add Personal Touches: Once the base coat is dry, it’s time to add some personal touches to make the play kitchen truly yours. Consider adding decorative elements such as faux tile backsplashes, chalkboard paint for menus or grocery lists, or even custom decals or stencils. Let your creativity shine as you customize the play kitchen to fit your personality and aesthetic. We went pretty simple with the details and just spray-painted all of the elements that came with the play set a gold color.

We used the elements that came with the kitchen and just spray painted them gold.

Step 6:
Seal the Deal To protect your hard work and ensure longevity, apply a clear topcoat sealer over the painted surfaces. This step is optional but it will help guard against scratches, stains, and general wear and tear.

We Built a House Shelf

We decided that we wanted to build a storage structure for our play kitchen to sit within. Now this was an additional project that might not be needed for everyone but since we did it we want to share the process with you.

Tools we used for our house shelf

Wood Glue
Nail Gun
Circular Saw

We used wood glue and nails for our house shape shelf for a kids playroom or bedroom

The Process for our house shelf

Insert Instructions

Building a house shape shelf for a kids playroom or bedroom

Our Final Play Kitchen

Upgrading a kid’s play kitchen to match your home decor is more than just a DIY project – it’s an opportunity for self-expression and creativity. By infusing your personal style and preferences into the design, you’re not only harmonizing the play kitchen with your living space but also creating a unique and playful environment for your child. Embrace the process, let your imagination soar, and enjoy the journey of transforming a simple toy into a cherished piece that reflects your family’s personality. So gather your paints, unleash your creativity, and watch as your child’s play kitchen becomes a canvas for endless adventures and imaginative play. Happy painting and playtime!