Upgrade your kitchen without remodeling

If you are planning to sell your home, you can present your kitchen as an organized, clutter-free, versatile space that will make it easy for buyers to envision being productive and happy working in the heart of their new home.

Want to give your kitchen some pizzazz without blowing a fortune? Here are some easy, low-cost changes that can instantly upgrade your kitchen, without major remodeling.

1. Replace your kitchen faucet with an updated model.

2. Change the face of your cabinet. If you have solid wood cabinets, strip the colour or finish. Then apply a new stain with a couple of drops (or squeezes!) of yellow or green oil pigment (available at your local craft store) added. The colour will have more depth and more drama.

3. Replace or paint ugly laminate countertops. (Use Marine-grade paint.)

4. Add warmth during cold seasons with a gorgeous rug next to the sink counter.

5. Try adding beadboard as a backsplash for a traditional or country kitchen. Be sure to cover with a quality paint that can be scrubbed!

6. Want a Tuscan look? Mount terracotta or stone pavers as a backsplash. Apply matching or contrasting mortar to customize the look.

7. For an even more inexpensive look, use vinyl floor tiles in a stone or mosaic pattern as a backsplash. There are some wonderful vinyl tiles available today.

8. For a plantation look, replace your conventional doors with window shutters.

9. Add colour to plain white cabinets with art! Ask your children to paint flowers or scenes on white paper. Then mount the paintings in small painted frames and attach two or three (depending on the proportions of your cabinets) to the front of each door. (And you can change the paintings anytime you want!)

10. Invest in an attractive portable kitchen island to use as a prop for a kitchen with an open center and insufficient counter space.

Voila! A dramatic makeover in your kitchen takes just a few inexpensive touches!

Of course, if you have the budget, you can go all-out for improved efficiency, better storage, premium presentation and a great fresh look.

Two no-fail suggestions:

1. Replace outdated appliances with newer models to save both space and energy.

2. Refresh the kitchen with a neutral, two-toned colour scheme to make the space seem larger

Money spent updating your kitchen rewards you better than money spent on any other upgrades to your home. When it comes to kitchens, buyers continue to demand improvement in efficiency and style, and they love remodeled kitchens and new appliances.

Provided by HGTV.ca

Posted by David Shieh- Abbotsford Real Estate Agent