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barbiewc

Help with kitchen

12 years ago
I am planning to sell my home in the coming months. I have a PA Farmhouse style with an exterior of stone, stucco and wood siding. The home is traditional in style with the exception of our kitchen. I was never fond of the European kitchen when we moved in but raising five kids never left much money for a renovation. The kitchen is 15'x30' with gray laminate cabinets (double tiered), white Corian countertops and 6x6" white tile floor. The island is 15' long. There are two cooktops, two dishwashers, two sinks, double wall oven. I need recommendations on what to do with this kitchen in order to make the home sell while bringing in the most money. A new kitchen would cost in excess of $50K with my husband doing most of the work, not an option.

Comments (10)

  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Add a backsplash and new light fixture. Perhaps paint the walls? Others may have some suggestions for colour. Is the grout on the floor in need of a clean? When I sold my house, I took a toothbrush, water and VIM, and scrubbed the grout. It looked great.
    Barb Cona thanked hatetoshop
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    My first thought is to update the appliances to stainless like your frig. Stove Hood included. Its hard to tell from your photos what condition your counter tops and tile floors are in, but just changing those will help update it. I would add a back splash to bring all the colors together. Gray, white and use a paint color in the gray / blue tones. It should work with the paint in the other room. If you can replace the floor use what you have in that room, if not just having the tile cleaned so it is fresh and shows no stains. Change the valance to something that has more color. Hope that helps! Good Luck
    Barb Cona thanked Patricia Gagnier Gagnier Construction Co Inc.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Consider changing the flooring, counter tops, and adding backsplash. Of course, there are other changes to be made. However, if you change what will instantly attract buyers (counters, flooring, etc.) they won't mind spending the money to update the smaller things. Your appliances should be updated, but the black appliances don't look horrible, so although its preferred, it won't be an immediate turn off for potential buyers. If potential buyers feel like they need to spend too much money updating the house, they will shy away from it.
    Barb Cona thanked SoCal Contractor
  • 12 years ago
    @hatetoshop the grout on the floors is charcoal gray :( The tile is way too small and the grout is awful. The rest of the first floor has hardwood flooring. Quite honestly, the kitchen has horrible flow which is the reason we had always hoped to do a total renovation on the space. It's one of the reasons I hate to spend any money on updating when ultimately someone will probably rip the whole thing out. I was considering offering a $25K credit to a buyer but my experience is people will usually deduct for upgrades even when an allowance is given.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I would definitely update the appliance (many stores have cheaper stainless steel packages) and have the granite counters that are lay over the existing counters installed and change the knobs on the cabinets. It will look so much more up to date and possible like it was remodeled. A fresh coat of a rich neutral will give a rich, homey feel as well.
    Barb Cona thanked Monica Nordquist Design
  • 12 years ago
    There are 96 knobs in the kitchen lol
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    You need to bring some "excitement" into that kitchen. What this kitchen needs is a "face lift"! If you are on a budget start with the paint. Then update the appliances to stainless. Change the faucets and / or sink too. Have the tile floor steam cleaned If there are no broken tiles. Look for a tile backslash using white subway tiles, which will tie into your tile floors or small glass stone tiles on a mesh backing. They come in 12 x 12 and are not difficult to install. Just make sure you get the correct thin set and grout. Find something that has a white like your counter tops. That alone with will take years of your kitchen. I really think you may be able to simply add a backslash to your existing counter tops. If the gray cabinets are in good shape keep them. If you handles are metal...clean them and leave them. If they are wooden...paint them black like your chairs. The key is to clean the clutter out ( fax machine, toaster, blender, etc) and clean it top to bottom. And yes a new light fixture is needed.
    Barb Cona thanked Patricia Gagnier Gagnier Construction Co Inc.
  • 12 years ago
    I wouldn't try to do too much - you never know what style the new owner will be after. Good friends of ours bought a brand new house and immediately ripped out the kitchen and master bath!

    Painting the walls a richer, deeper color would provide some contrast. I agree with Anne on the colorful valance/rugs/accessories - a long runner between the island and the sink will minimize the look of the floor tile. A good cleaning, some fresh flowers and a candle that smells like chocolate chip cookies should do the trick...
    Barb Cona thanked Ron StPeter
  • 12 years ago
    Warmth! Add a deeper gold to the walls, small art pieces (italian tiles, kitchen prints) to the backsplash area and a vibrant printed window valance. The key is to make the place look inviting without spending much $$ to accomplish it. Declutter the countertops of all but the absolute necessities. Fresh flowers, fresh fruit . . .
    The biggest bang for you buck will be some type of backsplash - but keep cost down. Wallpaper, paint, and artwork are inexpensive. I would not invest in appliances unless you plan to take them with you when you move.
    Barb Cona thanked lrhicks