Minor Kitchen Improvements

12 years ago

Hi All,

I'm looking to sell my condo in the next year, and despite my initial plans for redoing everything besides the cabinets, I just don't think I'll see any return on it. In it's place I'd like to just spruce it up a bit using some clever ideas (and like 200 bucks or so). The below are a few things I don't mind doing:

-tiling the floor
-tiling the backsplash (probably subway tiles)
-painting the ceiling grid in bronze to match the handles. This is either genius or foolish

I also plan on putting some actual colour in there with stuff like dishtowels, etc, but I really appreciate any tips from you.

P.S. I'm replacing the microwave with a white one as my current one broke last week.

Thanks!

Featured Answer

PRO

McCabe By Design LLC

12 years ago

You might want to consider linoleum for the floor and avoid any threshold issues that could come about with tile. Also, tile means multiple days of a mason being in the house rather than just a few hours with linoleum.
Do you plan on removing the current back splash or tiling on top of it?
Have you consulted with a real estate agent to ascertain what types of upgrades are helping units like your sell in your area? By be worth you time before you invest any more time or money into materials.

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Comments (14)

apple_pie_order
12 years ago
Of the options listed, only replacing the flooring would be a step forward. If you only have $200, spend it on nice towels, undercabinet lighting, and a professional cleaning. Replace all the tubes in the ceiling with brand new ones of the same kind.
Shawn
Original Author
12 years ago
For added clarity as my pictures are terrible: the cabinets are BM calming cream, the walls are BM Shaker Beige, and the handles are oil rubbed bronze.
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Shawn
Original Author
12 years ago
The $200 bucks is just a guess- I'm willing to spend more or less depending on what make enough of a difference.

The florescent lights, cleaning, and towels are all going to happen.
pcmom1
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Maybe paint the walls. Then add long runner and a few accessories. With the rug, be sure to get one that will lay flat (get rug grip on bottom). Add a bright tea kettle, small nice looking coffee maker.
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pcmom1
12 years ago
Set the stage with a bottle of wine, glasses. A few simple flowers.
El Dorado · More Info
Shawn
Original Author
12 years ago
The runner idea is clever! I never would have thought of that; same as the wine bottle thing (luckily I have plenty of those!).

If I was to paint it (which I'm not opposed to doing) what would you recommend?
PRO
JudyG Designs
12 years ago
Do the floor…dark gray like the draw pulls.
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PRO
Dignan Construction, LLC
12 years ago
I would go with the floor. Whichever option you choose I would do something that would add some darker tones. Right now between the cabinets, fridge and floor everything is very light. Good luck!
Shawn
Original Author
12 years ago
The carpet on either end is a good half inch higher than the current floor, so I think I could tile it and still not have any issues. I'm also happy to do the work myself, as a friend my mine and I tiled a lot of his house last summer.

Just to clarify- the current pulls are bronze.
pcmom1
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Dark gray floor tile (if a good price), something not too slippery, like a slate would be awesome. Only since you can do the work yourself and you don't need too much!
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pcmom1
12 years ago
Have heard diagonal lines will expand a space. Lay large tiles this way:
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Shawn
Original Author
12 years ago
I like the idea of dark grey floors, as I think the room needs to be grounded a little. The tile shouldn't be that expensive either
PRO
McCabe By Design LLC
12 years ago
Assuming you have a plywood subfloor under the vinyl + particle board underlayment, then you are good to go and you should budget $15/sq. ft. for materials and tool rental if you do the work yourself. Don't forget to seal the grout. Don't forget to factor in disposal fees for the existing floor.