Hey all, the kitchen is going to get all new cabinets, 4 high-lights put int, new flooring and new sheetrock. i believe* we are putting tile down instead of linoleum. so far we are most likely going to purchase the cabinets from lowes. we aren’t completely set on which types yet.
i’d like to check here to get some quick advice just to make sure i don’t make any major “boo boos”, and also if i could get some quick helpful hints (if any). so on that note, does anyone have any recommendations of some does and don’ts as far as what to purchase…where i shouldn’t waste my money because i won’t see a good enough return etc. the home may* be rented out or flipped…it depends if it makes us some positive cashflow. at any rate, would love to hear some feedback.
Dollar for dollar your best investment IS the kitchen. Personally, I’ll walk away from a house that I love if the kitchen sucks. Don’t mix white and the creamy yellowish off-white that’s so popular in appliances… it makes the off white look dirty. One of the most important surfaces is the counter-top… at least imho. Also remember, ugly cabinets can be refaced by painting the cabinets on the inside and just replacing the doors and hard ware. The cheapest and easiest face lifts for a kitchen:
Paint (duh)
Faucets
hardware
Also remember to keep the kitchen light and bright whether renting it out or selling it. If you’re gonna rent it I would suggest glossy paint so that the wall is nice and wash able. From what I understand a good option that’s relatively cheap (haven’t priced it m’self so I dunno) is a concrete counter top… Anyway that’s the voice of an inexperienced REI but experienced home improvement addict.
If you are going to flip put in nice granite countertops with an island and a kohler double basin cast iron sink.
If you are going to rent put in a much cheaper but nice and durable countertop and nice but inexpensive fixtures.
IME, you should be able to get a better deal with a local, mom-and-pop type cabinet maker. I bet they beat Lowes every time. I was shocked at how cheap local shops are and the quality they put out is amazing.
Of course, if you live in a high cost area (ie. NY or the like), this may not be the case, but I searched elsewhere since Lowes and HD had such junk and I am really glad that I did.
I buy used cabnits and other kitchen items from people that are redoing their kitchens.I got an entire kitchen from a rich lady for $50. I had to remove them myself but it was way worth it.It doesn’t have to be new,just in really good shape.Look in the paper for demo sales.People will sell every item in a place before demo (windows,sinks,toilets,ect.) You can also place your own want ads.
hmm that’s a good point. i didn’t think of that. what would you suggest considering many rehabbers suggest “earth tones” and most are off whites anyway. also, i like how you have the white trim on the modlings and another darker color as the paint…however this may be risky because of the usual “what i love others may hate” … so is there any way to get a good look with/out being too chancey?
While it looks beutiful it may cause someone buying alot of hassel.What if their furniture doesn’t match with that dark of a color.They need to be able to see their own things in the house.Not to mention they would have to prime the wall before repainting.I would stay light on the walls,it is always a safer bet that way.
hey there…i guess my reply was two questions. 1. i know the kitchen should stay bright…so what woudl you recommend so i don’t run into the cream + white problem? 2. for the rest of the house i was playing with the idea of someting like the blue…to make the trim standout…what could i do so that i don’t run into problems like you mentioned (matching furniture)? are there any good combos of earth tones which are a safe bet?
I use a paint color from home depot called cozy cottage.I love the shade of yellow and it doesn’t get washed out by the white.You can also paint cabinets.Mine are two tone.I paint the doors a darker color then the rest of it.I love a color from lowes as well called Safari. It is a kahki green and I love it! When I said creamy I was meaning a yellow with a beige hue to it.Anyway just stay light and airy and you will do fine (nothing washed out though).
ryan, eventhough i agree that the combination of blue n white looks rich… don’t do it. you have to think like a buyer. as another post says, the furniture may not match and most of all, not all homeowners like bold colors. not to mention if your kitchen is not roomy it may make it look smaller. stay on the safe side and use something lighter.
I agree. Keep it Neutral. But that doesn’t mean boring. While not considered a neutral, yellow is a popular kitchen color. Try putting a color scheme together using your tile, counter top, wall color, etc. try using magizine photos. Ask the paint attendant what the most popular kitchen color is. A lot of people ask for help in picking out colors. I agree that if it is a small space, do not go dark. Maybe go neutral and bring in color with a tiled backsplash. Look in magizines to see what the trends are. If your kitchen has great cabinets, quality countertops, tile floor, and a designer touch, you will most likely come out on top. Everyone has different taste, but every one wants that magizine cover kitchen. There are a lot of routes that you could go with your kitchen, but remember that the KITCHEN is the #1 thing that most people look at when viewing a house. Just my two cents. Good luck!
Interestingly enough when it comes to the kitchen a burnt pumpkin orange and red are both considered “neutral” colors… This according to a designer I was asking information of earlier… And apparently there are some 200 colors labeled “Terra cotta” so becareful out there. This appears to be yet another field where it should not be attempted at home without a licensed professional! LOL!!
