FLANAGAN HOUSE Bronxville, New York Abelow Sherman Architects (in association with Shin Koga) Partner-in-Charge: David Sherman Contractor: Top Drawer Construction Corp. Photographer: Michael Moran Completed: 2003 Project Team: David Hendershot A large house in the seminal ?garden suburb? village of Bronxville, in Westchester County, was thoroughly renovated by a family relocating from Manhattan. The original house was conceived in a mock Tudor manner, though with a rare simplicity of detail, and with a surfeit of steel casement windows on two sides of many rooms, as the house is only eighteen feet deep. The new owners commissioned the architectural team to upgrade the infrastructure of the house, completely rethink the kitchen, and give a new fit-and-finish quality to the remainder of the house. The simplicity of the original detailing inspired a new minimalist approach to what is commonly referred to as ?transitional? design. New steel casements were sought which precisely match the early 20th century model. A central air conditioning system was threaded through the interior partitions and ceilings, insulation was injected, and a high-end perspective was applied throughout to transform a home for a family of five that might stand up for many decades.
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tko1217 wrote:
We are trying to sell, and our kitchen is awful. It is a long narrow space with black appliances. I want to paint my cabinets to give them a fresh look and my coutertop is like this fake wood stuff. I don't want to sink a lot of money into this project because we are trying to sell. HELP!!!!!!! »
Michelle What about sending a picture of your kitchen as it is now? It will help people come up with ideas for you. Painting your cabinets is a good start. Although, if they are presently varnished and if you don't want to strip them, which is a hard job, just apply a coat or two of colored varathane, in whatever colour you want, even white... it lasts for years. I did it on my laundry room cabinets and refinished the beige countertop with white melamine paint... it will make a huge difference, for only a few dollars. I would also paint the kitchen walls in white, in order to make the kitchen look larger. Black appliances and other black accessories will update it dramatically. I recommended this to a friend of mine and she sold her house soon after she did it. Send a photograph, though, if you want me to be more specific.
Becky Harris I'm with frenchflair, shoot us a picture!
I went through this recently with a loft staging on a very tight budget. Investing in your kitchen is the best investment you can make in making your house sell-able though, so if it's not selling, it's worth it.
Black appliances are actually coming back in, so don't sweat not having stainless steel. Perhaps you can find some modern looking black hardware for the cabinets. I agree with painting the cabinets white to lighten up the room.
We found great tile at this place called Floor Decor and More at a deep discount for the backsplash, and it made a dramatic difference. Also, check out your local Re-Store if you are lucky enough to have one. They often have enough tile for an entire floor and/or backsplash for next-to-nothing, as well as paint, hardware, light fixtures, etc.
Speaking of lighting, make sure the room is well-lit. A yucky old light fixture can kill your kitchen as soon as someone flips the switch. The big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's are not carrying much more stylish lights. You can find up-to-date fixtures at Target, Wal-Mart, etc. as well.
This renovated home stays true to its vintage roots. I love the steel cased windows which ground the space visually and the formica table and simple bench create a functional kitchen nook.
This renovated home stays true to its vintage roots. I love the steel cased windows which ground the space visually and the formica table and simple bench create a functional kitchen nook.
I went through this recently with a loft staging on a very tight budget. Investing in your kitchen is the best investment you can make in making your house sell-able though, so if it's not selling, it's worth it.
Black appliances are actually coming back in, so don't sweat not having stainless steel. Perhaps you can find some modern looking black hardware for the cabinets. I agree with painting the cabinets white to lighten up the room.
We found great tile at this place called Floor Decor and More at a deep discount for the backsplash, and it made a dramatic difference. Also, check out your local Re-Store if you are lucky enough to have one. They often have enough tile for an entire floor and/or backsplash for next-to-nothing, as well as paint, hardware, light fixtures, etc.
Speaking of lighting, make sure the room is well-lit. A yucky old light fixture can kill your kitchen as soon as someone flips the switch. The big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's are not carrying much more stylish lights. You can find up-to-date fixtures at Target, Wal-Mart, etc. as well.