Who doesn’t love a spacious, new kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances? Fact is, when showing your home, the kitchen is THE most important room in the house. It is both the most functional room in the house and the one place that people tend to gather in to socialize and connect with one another. It is the hub of the house and, because of the function, form, and durability that must be built into a kitchen, it helps to have it up-to-date. But, a traditional remodel or renovation is a financial investment. According to a 2017 study by Houzz research published in Forbes Magazine, the average cost to remodel a traditional kitchen is between $25,001-$50,000.*
But what if you just do not have the time or money to update the kitchen? What if you’re just looking for a little change of scenery or a slight refresh? The good news is that you don’t have to commit to demolition or a major splurge. You can still give your kitchen’s look and feel a little lift on a small, low-commitment budget.
Here are some helpful hints for anyone looking for a little refresh. So whether you’re getting your home ready to put your Wakefield area home on the market or just looking to change things up a bit, try implementing these ideas.
1. DECLUTTER – Purging is therapeutic! Look around your countertops and in drawers; remove non-essentials. Remember the simple phrase, Less is More and implement this mantra into your kitchen living. This is especially important if you’re preparing to show your home to prospective buyers and/or staging for photographs. Try placing a simple vase with fresh, colorful flowers or even a bowl of fruit on the counter.
2. LIGHTING – Freshen up the space by updating or swapping out the lighting over the kitchen table or island. Include pendants or undermount lights beneath cabinets to add ambiance and illuminate the prep-space. At a minimum, replace any burned-out light bulbs.
3. PAINT THE CABINETS – Replacing kitchen cabinets can be very costly. An alternative way to update the look is to refinish or repaint the cabinet faces. White cabinets and other colorful options add a bright, fresh look that is attractive to the eye.
4. CABINET HARDWARE – Swapping out the handles and pulls is a quick, easy and often inexpensive way to make a significant change in the kitchen. Look for stylish options or a different type of finish such as brushed nickel. Again, keep it simple and, especially if you are selling your home, avoid using knobs with flowers or cute animals or bold shapes. Those personal choices may not be the choices of the prospective buyers.
5. ORGANIZE THE CABINETS AND PANTRY – Buyers love storage and if your cabinets/pantry looks spacious, it will be a plus for you. Toss out expired food in the pantry, straighten up the cabinets and clear out things you’re not using to show them how much functional storage space you have.
5. ADD PLANTS – Greenery is perfect for any kitchen. Adding live plants, flowers or herbs give a space color, a sweet scent, and even the benefit of cleaner air. A few colorful pots of leafy herbs on the kitchen windowsill suggest simplicity and tranquility.
Thinking about selling your home in Wakefield or surrounding North of Boston community? Contact Christopher J. Barrett Realtors today!
* Carlyle, Erin. "What It Costs To Remodel A Kitchen In 2017." Houzz/Forbes Magazine. 5 December 2017. https://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2017/12/05/what-it-costs-to-remodel-a-kitchen-in-2017/#17f6bcd81d7c
