hey all,
I just got back from a consult and I am impressed with what my client is willing to invest into her townhome. She has not told me what her budget is but I have an idea that it is 10-15k to make improvements. I have some ideas for her kitchen that I want to run by you and get your reaction. Sorry I do not have pics. thanks for the advice
Scenario:
Home has hardwood floors throughout first floor.
Beige carpeting in bedrooms, Beige berber in lower level.
Prob is that the floor are pickled from the early 90's and will not work with today's buyers styles.
Client is willing to refinish floors. I got a quote and it is about 3,000 to refinish and stain. I have recommended English Chestnut from Minwax- it works with the stairs and railing and is a warm medium tone that will work with traditonal furniture and more transitional decor. Most people in these units are young professionals or downsizers and favor a more traditional look.
The bathrooms are 15 years old but have white tile and white fixtures. We are painting them and adding some new shower curtains and bling.
We are also removing wall mirrors from 4 rooms and repainting.
The problem is the kitchen. It has the same pickled floors and pickled cabinets. It also has white appliances that are in great condition. It has formica and beige/peachy tile backsplash.
I have recommended:
Stain Floor
Paint Cabinets Oil based paint in a semi gloss white that matches the appliances so they do not need to be replaced- add beadboard to the island and new brushed nickel knobs
Replace the light fixture with a brushed nickel fixture
Add white subway tile backsplash to coordinate with the cabinets- it is cheap- less than $1.00 per tile.
Add granite counter- color I have selected is sapphire blue (dark color) it is a level 2 and affordable.
The issue I am having is whether to keep the wood cabinets stained pickle? or to paint them white? or to stain the cabinets the same as the floor ? If they are stained the appliances will have to be replaced since they will look like white teeth sticking out! We will then have to do a more expensive tumbled stone backsplash.
I love a white kitchen and it will be bright and cheery or are medium wood tone cabinets better? or do I keep the pickled?
trying to visualize it: I'd go with painting them white. Since the floor will be one stain, the backsplash/appliances/beadboard will be white and blue granite - the pickle would be a little too much. Painted white they will blend right in, look new (even though they are not) and just be one less negative to take away from a buyer's mind. Good luck & post pics!
I say loose the pickle pine - it's dated. Go for the all white - especially if it's clean. Suggest a bowl of lemons (or limes) - blue, white and yellow (or green) work well together
Thanks Ladies,
I think I am going to keep my recommendation to go with the white. The granite is a not totally blue- it has a dark base color and then warm gold and blue shimmery flecks. All the other level 2 granite samples were too gold to go with white cabinets. I think it will look clean and fresh but I do not want her to make the wrong investment. I appreciate your vision kh
I vote for the white too. Especially w/the counter tops you're recommending. Now...show us some B&A pics when you can!!!
The cabinet color choice is up to you, but can I PLEASE suggest that you do not specify an oil-based paint. Having been in the faux painting industry for nearly 10 years I can say that water based paints will do just fine and they will not harm the environment. I'm not a "tree hugger" but I do try to do my best when it's easy.
Why not choose the warmer granite and paint the cabinets a nice light and warm color? Most people I know are changing out therir dark granite in favor of lighter and warmer. The home we just moved into has white cabinets, white appliances and black granite. I HATE IT! And so do most of the people who visit. Cabinets are going dark brown and black (to downplay the granite) and the appliances are getting replaced next month.
JMHO
I'd suggest painting them white......That always looks crisp and clean plus most people can live with white.
What about going with a creamier off white? You may have to switch up the backsplash for something warmer to go with the granite and creamy white then. The white subway tile I am invisioning is very sterile looking. If the budget allows adding a small decorative tile to pickup some of the colors in the granite every 12 inches are so really can bring it all together with out breaking the budget. Hope things are going well and good luck it sounds like a fun project.
I agree with the majority; paint the cabinets white, as there is no need to replace good appliances and use the rest of the money in other parts of the house that really need it.
Kate -- Although the painted white cabinet sounds nice (I wish you had pics of the way it is now) I hesitate. I have seen too many painted cabinet jobs done poorly. Just be sure that you get someone to do it right -- you dont want hinges gummed up with paint, paint sloped on the inside of drawers, etc. Has your client listed the property yet? If she is not currently working with a local agent, I will be happy to help market the property. Call me if you need anything. --Rich
Although I love the look of a well-done white cabinets, it is difficult to keep them white especially in such a high use area. The finish on stained cabinets is more durable and therefore more valuable in my opinion.
I would use melamine paint on the cabinets - it has the best adhesion and stands up to kitchen "abuse". I think white would be nice for the cabinets, but I'm wondering about the white subway tiles. I'd maybe consider a slightly different colour for those to give a bit of contrast. I agree with Michelle K. that it might look a little too sterile with the white subway tiles. (just my 2 cents). I'm sure whatever you do, it will look gorgeous Kate. Can't wait to see photos.
I think you'd also do well to update the faucets - same color brushed nickle as the cabinet handles
Well -- you have tons of great suggestions and I agree with Charlene -- what ever you choose, Kate, I kow you will choose right!
Pickles belong in a jar in the fridge.
My painter can paint any cabinets to look great. Go with a nice white and new handles. He also has a process that I call liquid stone. It's many layers and no thicker than 1/4" (give or take) and it looks like granite. It never has to be polished.
The price is better for paint and counters is cheaper than just the granite counter tops