ud83dudcda Apt.1 Kitchen Series u2014 7 of 10
u2190 Apt.1 Kitchen Wall Vol.6: Finishing u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Apt.1 Kitchen Equipment Vol.1 u2192
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- 2026 Update from DIY Dad: Kitchen Wall Finishing & Fixture Renovation
- Choosing Paint vs. Wallpaper for a Kitchen
- Second-Floor Japanese Room Wall Repair Completion (Vol. 11: Wallpaper Hanging)
- Renovating Fixtures (Fusuma, Shoji Screens, Doors)
- How to Re-Paper Fusuma Sliding Doors
- Cost vs. Value of Fixture Renovation
2026 Update from DIY Dad: Kitchen Wall Finishing & Fixture Renovation
ud83duded2 RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Modern Kitchen Cabinet Handles
New handles cost u00a53,000u20138,000 and make a kitchen feel 10 years newer instantly.
The first-floor kitchen wall repair at Apartment No. 1 is nearly complete. Next up: second-floor Japanese-room finishing and fixture renovation. The overall renovation is closing in on the finish line.
Choosing Paint vs. Wallpaper for a Kitchen
ud83duded2 RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Kitchen Faucets
A faucet upgrade is the single highest-impact kitchen DIY per yen spent.
Wallpaper (Vinyl Cloth)
- Choose a u201cstain-resistantu201d grade u2014 oil splatter wipes off easily
- Anti-mold function is ideal for the damp kitchen environment
- White or light colors for a clean look and early detection of grime
Paint
- Use a water-based paint rated for kitchens or bathrooms (anti-mold, water-resistant)
- A semi-gloss or gloss finish is easiest to wipe clean
- Near the cooktop, a kitchen panel is also a viable option
DIY Dad uses wallpaper for rental units u2014 itu2019s the most cost-effective finish to manage over time.
Second-Floor Japanese Room Wall Repair Completion (Vol. 11: Wallpaper Hanging)
The long-running second-floor Japanese room wall repair project is finally complete u2014 eleven installments from bare framing all the way through to finished wallpaper.
Post-completion checklist:
- Are the wallpaper seams invisible? (Check with raking light at an angle)
- Are the corners clean?
- Are the cutouts around switches and outlets precise?
- Is the surface fully adhered with no air bubbles?
- Are the transitions at ceiling and floor (base trim, crown molding) clean?
The sense of accomplishment when you step back and look at a finished room is hard to beat. That feeling of u201cI built this myselfu201d is what keeps DIY going.
Renovating Fixtures (Fusuma, Shoji Screens, Doors)
ud83duded2 RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Kitchen Backsplash Tile Kits
A tiled backsplash protects the wall and dramatically upgrades the kitchen appearance.
Fixtures have as much visual impact as walls, ceilings, and floors u2014 updating them dramatically changes the feel of a room.
Second-floor Japanese room fixture work:
- Fusuma sliding doors: re-paper with new fusuma paper
- Shoji screens: replace the shoji paper (or convert to wallpaper finish)
- Trim: coordinate with wallpaper for a unified look
Simply re-papering an old fusuma panel makes it look brand new. Fusuma paper starts at around u00a5500 per panel u2014 a very affordable upgrade.
How to Re-Paper Fusuma Sliding Doors
- Peel off the old paper (dampen with water to loosen)
- Check the wooden frame for damage and repair as needed
- Dampen the new paper (for water-application type)
- Apply from the center outward, pressing out air pockets
- As the paper dries it tightens up for a clean, taut finish
Iron-on fusuma paper is beginner-friendly and forgiving. Available at any home improvement store.
Cost vs. Value of Fixture Renovation
Fixtures deliver an outsized visual impact for a very low material cost:
- Fusuma paper (4-panel set): u00a32,000u20133,000
- Shoji paper (one room): u00a31,000u20132,000
- Fixture painting: paint cost only (u00a31,000u20132,000)
For roughly u00a35,000u20137,000 in materials, the entire impression of a room changes. In terms of renovation ROI, fixture work is among the highest-return DIY tasks available.
Hi, this is DIY Dad. Today Iu2019m finishing the kitchen bay window counter area.
Last time I completed the substrate work around the bay window and ventilation fan. Now for the finish coats.
The bay window section gets a painted finish.
Paint finish applied.
Paint finish.
Paint finish.
Paint finish.
Paint finish.
Paint finish.
Paint finish u2014 the bay window section is done. Now for the area around the ventilation fan, which gets a wallpaper finish.
(For tools and materials used in wallpaper installation, see: DIY Dadu2019s Tool & Materials Guide Vol.1: Wallpaper Work)
Wallpaper finish around the ventilation fan area.
Now to fit the ventilation fan itself.
Ventilation fan installed.
Ventilation fan in place. Looks clean and fresh!
ud83dudcda Apt.1 Kitchen Series u2014 7 of 10
u2190 Apt.1 Kitchen Wall Vol.6: Finishing u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Apt.1 Kitchen Equipment Vol.1 u2192
DIY Renovation Quote Review Manual
How to read, compare, and negotiate contractor quotes. This manual saved me u00a5800,000 on a single renovation project.
ud83cudfe0 More from DIY Father
15 years of landlord experience u00b7 3 apartment buildings u00b7 DIY renovations that saved millions of yen. Browse all articles at diytosan.com
