We’ve all heard that kitchens are the heart of the home, the centerpiece and gathering place for friends and family. Most realtors will tell you that kitchens sell houses. They also will tell you that if you plan to sell and get top dollar, sprucing up your kitchen is essential.
Since the kitchen is so important, we need to ensure it has the “wow” factor.
You have many kitchen styles to choose from: rustic, country, modern or traditional. Homeowners are no longer satisfied with cookie-cutter design. They want something unique that has character and makes a bold statement. Remember that cabinetry is not just for storage; it’s an essential element of your kitchen’s style. Cabinetry is the crown jewel that ties the space together.
I had the privilege of chatting recently with Mandie Rodriguez of MLR Interior Design in her lovely Ocean Springs kitchen. I asked her, “What is the fastest way to update an outdated kitchen?” Her reply: painting the kitchen cabinets and updating the hardware. She said not to be afraid to use color on the cabinets and to pick out some fun hardware. She recommends hiring a designer before starting a project to save time and money in the long run. Her motto when working with clients is “your home, your style, your way.”
So, if you already have cabinets and want to renovate them, either hire a professional or get ready for some DIY work — a budget-friendly solution. If you decide to take your own cabinets from drab to fab, first you need to determine their condition. If they were previously painted, they can be painted again if the existing paint is in good condition.
If they are not in good condition and the paint is peeling or chipped, the old paint must be removed. Many stripping products are available that make this process easy. Always let the stripping agent do the work. After stripping and before painting, patch any visible holes, scratches and nicks with wood filler. Once that has dried, sand lightly to smooth out the patches, then prime. Priming is an important step in the process. Primer provides a suitable surface for the paint to stick to and covers imperfections. Now you are ready to paint.
Today, there seems to be a movement toward a streamlined look that focuses on simplicity and minimalism. Minimalism is the perfect trend for the kitchen, where organization, cleanliness and efficiency are paramount. It enables clear, clutter-free surfaces and stylish, sleek materials. Bear in mind that minimalism certainly does not have to look boring or unfinished.
You can add some great finishing touches with your countertops, backsplashes and fun hardware. These upgrades can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen.
In designing your perfect kitchen, the style and elements you choose should be personal. After all, kitchens are the heart of the home.
Happy renovating!
Robin Killeen is owner of Conquest Solutions and has been buying repo homes, estate homes and bank foreclosures and restoring them into dream homes, ready for new families, since 2015. Reach her at (228) 424- 0098.
