A kitchen is the heart of the home and a top selling feature. But what are buyers really looking for in a kitchen and which updates will pay off?
Chances are you've seen how painting old cabinets can completely transform the look of a kitchen. It's true, painted cabinets look great and cost less than replacements. But, DIY paint isn't as simple as Pinterest makes it out to be and hiring a pro who really knows what they're doing can be nearly as costly as getting new cabinetry. Before you decide to scrap existing cabinets, consider their condition. Hinges can be replaced for smoother operation and hardware and door and drawer fronts can be easily updated. But, if doors are warped or the door style is outdated, replacement may be your best bet.
If you skimp on your kitchen cabinets (especially the doors and drawer fronts), you may find things looking rough around the edges sooner than they should.
Refacing Kitchen Cabinets:
This is true regardless of the style and finish you choose. Even white cabinets should be chosen in a hard-wearing material that will hold up to repeated use. If possible, avoid laminated finishes that show obvious seams at the corners, as this is where materials can start to separate. Real wood cabinets are refinishable or repaintable, so they’re always a good bet.
For my client, we'll be replacing her light maple cabinets with painted off-white painted cabinets that have simple Shaker style door and drawer fronts. This will give her undamaged doors, soft close on all drawers and doors, and 42" tall upper cabinets with crown molding to fill the space her high ceilings offer and give the kitchen high-end appeal.
** Designer Tip: Tall upper cabinets and/or crown molding make a kitchen look more expensive and desirable.
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Favorite Decor for Any Kitchen
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