Kitchen & Bathroom Design Blog

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Any real estate agent will tell you that a remodeled kitchen will help your home appeal to potential buyers. But a full kitchen remodel can be expensive, and it may not give you the best return on your investment if you are upgrading just to sell. Instead of going for a complete overhaul — where you are putting in all-new cabinets, painting walls, upgrading to new appliances, and updating your countertops — you can make changes to your kitchen that are less involved, and add value. You may not need to hire a contractor, depending on the projects. These updates are sure to wow potential buyers and will bring you more for your home at sale time — they can even help you sell your home fast.

Paint your cabinets

Kitchen styles come and go and if your cabinets haven’t been updated in the last decade, or even longer, chances are you’re considering giving them a fresh look before putting your home on the market. Putting in all new cabinets is one obvious choice, but this kind of change is not only a big expense, but it can also be disruptive and involves hiring a contractor, not to mention finding the ideal cabinets and ordering them. Keep in mind that new kitchen cabinets can cost between $1,860 to $9,187, or even more if they're custom-made.

You can work with what you have in order to save time and money by giving your current cabinets a refresh. If you plan on doing this kitchen cabinet paint job yourself, you’ll want to remove doors, drawers, and shelves and then go through the process of preparing them for painting. Repainting or refinishing your kitchen cabinets could cost from $175 to $2,600 depending on how much space you are working with, and whether you do the job yourself or hire a professional. Painting cabinets white can be an appealing choice for buyers, as it can give your kitchen a streamlined look and make it look larger. Navy blue or gray tones are other colors worth considering that are easier to keep clean than white.

Replace cabinet hardware

After you’ve painted your cabinets, or if you are leaving them as is, you can take them to another level by updating the hardware. Replacing your cabinet hardware is an easy update that will give cabinets a modern look. When you are choosing what kind of hardware to upgrade to, consider the other metal finishes in your kitchen (like light fixtures and the faucet), and keep in mind that you may want to replace this hardware to create a cohesive look. Some finishes that are on-trend for 2022 are black, unlacquered brass, chrome, polished nickel, copper, and gold. The price of replacing cabinet hardware (and you can update your faucet while you are at it) will vary, depending on the size of your kitchen and the models you pick. For new kitchen hardware, you might expect to spend $130 to $270, depending on how many pieces you need to buy.

Before you start researching the best hardware, you’ll want to take a look at your existing hardware to see what you are replacing. Some styles (like knobs) will require only one screw, while other pulls might require two screws for installation. Others might be mounted to a drawer or a cabinet with a backplate. Suppose you are updating your kitchen to sell. In that case, simple metal hardware may be the best option, and if you aren’t sure, consult with a real estate agent or professional home stager.

Add new light fixtures

Light is one of the top selling features for any home and maximizing light is a definite must when preparing your home to show it to potential buyers. If you have a single-level home or a second-floor kitchen, adding a skylight can be worth considering to maximize light — the price could range from $900 to $2,300. Another, less involved upgrade is to update light bulbs with LEDs and replace light fixtures with finishes that match or coordinate well with cabinet hardware. Picking new lighting can be overwhelming, but you can’t go wrong with simple modern pendant lights. You might hang a set of three lights over a kitchen island, or a bar with stools. Another lighting choice worth considering is under cabinet lights or recessed lighting over your prep area. Colored light fixtures can be coordinated with cabinets, and another trend to consider is bamboo or other natural fiber light shades.

Give your countertops a makeover

Countertops take a beating in any kitchen. Before you think about replacing your countertops go for an extensive deep clean and then see if it might be worth giving your countertops an update. Installing a completely new countertop can be a big job. If you have a tile countertop, you may be able to update it without replacing it completely. A wood overlay can give you a versatile and modern butcher’s block look, or you can spread a thin layer of concrete over it for a more industrial change. If you are dealing with grout, you may be able to make a difference with a grout cleaner. If you aren’t sure you may want to work with a contractor to help you figure out the best options for an easy upgrade.

Get creative with a backsplash

Updating your kitchen is about adding features that are functional and adding design elements that bring your home into the present. A backsplash can give the worn area behind your stove a refresh, while at the same time adding a decorative update. There are many backsplash options and if you have a bigger budget to work with, tile can be an ideal choice. Other designs to consider are stainless steel, or chalkboard (which can also be used for notes or shopping lists).

The key when updating your kitchen to sell is to present a clean and open space that potential buyers can see themselves cooking in. You don’t need to spend a fortune to show your kitchen in the best light.