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How to Spruce Up a Boring Kitchen

Wednesday, May 11, 2022
by Tucker Robbins

The kitchen is a place in the home where many hours are spent preparing meals and spending time with family.  If the kitchen is boring and not ecstatically pleasing to you or your family, no one is going to want to spend any time there.  Below is a list of a few ways in which you can spruce up your boring kitchen and make it a place where you really love to be.  

  1. One of the first ways you might think about to spruce up a boring kitchen is buying new appliances.  The typical type of appliance these days is stainless steel.  Another type of appliance that folks are using these days are the ones that look just like cabinets.  Whatever type of appliance you decide to buy, you will be helping your kitchen look as good as it possibly can.
     
  2. Another way to spruce up your kitchen is by changing the paint color.  If your kitchen is older, it is possible that the paint has gotten worn over the years and adding a pop of color with new paint can make all the difference in the world.
     
  3. Yet another good way to spruce up a boring kitchen  is by changing the cabinets.  You can choose to have all new cabinets put in or you could just change the way they look by painting them.  Antiquing is a popular way to refinish and spruce up furniture.  Antiqued cabinets are very beautiful and can make a kitchen look really nice. 
     
  4. Buying some new lighting for your kitchen is an easy way to spruce it up.  You can get as crazy as you want with lighting when it comes to making your kitchen an exciting place to be.  Go to your local hardware or lighting store to see what all is available for you to choose from. 
     
  5. New flooring in the kitchen is another way to make it look updated.  If you currently have laminate you may want to change it to tile, or you could choose to extend the hardwoods from the family room or whatever room adjoins the kitchen into the kitchen.   

These are just a few ideas for sprucing up a boring kitchen.  Hopefully they will get you started in the right direction for making your kitchen a room that everyone wants to congregate in.  

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

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Simple Kitchen Fixes

Wednesday, February 12, 2020
by Tucker Robbins


Whether you are planning on selling your home or just want to spruce it up a bit, the kitchen is the main attraction and heart of your home.  You don’t have to do an expensive remodel to improve the space! Here are a few tips to get your kitchen looking great and up-to-date. 

 

  • - Cabinets are on prominent display in your kitchen, and should look great.  Clean them up and give them a coat of primer and paint.  White, as well as neutrals like grey or taupe, gives a clean look and brightens up the space, and all work well with pops of color around the kitchen. Darker colors work best in large kitchens, and bright colors can be the star against neutral wall colors and decor. Click here for more cabinet painting tips from HGTV. 

  • - Refurbish with new cabinet doors.  This can be a little more expensive, but not as costly as replacing all of the cabinetry. You can even ditch the doors and use open shelving for a modern, clean feel. 

  • - Change out the hardware on drawers and cabinets.  Have an idea of what you want before you go to a home store to purchase the pieces, because there are so many choices available.  Classic styles are best if you plan on putting your home on the market. 

  • - Not only would it protect walls from liquids and grease, but adding a tile backsplash gives a whole new look to your kitchen. Thanks to advances made in peel-and-stick technology, double adhesive mats are strong enough for tile, and you can do this yourself with very little tile installation knowledge. This video from Ask This Old House shows step-by-step how to use this improved material and save time and money while updating your kitchen. 

  • - Give your sink a makeover simply by replacing the faucet and the handles. 

  • - Countertops dated and unattractive? Replacing them doesn’t have to be a big expense; some laminates look like the real thing and cost much less.  Styles include look-alike marble and faux granite.   

  • - Add a dash of style to cabinets with glass doors by papering the inside of the cabinet. Con-Tact© paper or any self-adhesive shelf liner is perfect for this small project.  Amazon carries many designs to choose from.  

  • - Installing a new light fixture can make a big difference in your kitchen, and doesn’t have to break the bank.  Look in thrift stores, consignment shops, or yard sales, and give an old fixture a facelift with some spray paint! If you’re unsure about installation, call an electrician or handy person to change the old to the new. 

 

If you decide to make just one change, or several, make a budget, stick to it, and stretch the makeover out over a few months so you don’t overspend.  For potential buyers to come in and see a clean, new-looking kitchen, or simply having your family and friends spend more time in the refurbished space, a simple update can make a big impact. 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

 

Photo credit: howtonesstforless

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How to Update a Kitchen Without Breaking the Bank

Tuesday, October 20, 2015
by Tucker Robbins

kitchen

Kitchen cabinets can be painted (if they are wood and in decent shape). Many times the cabinets themselves can be reused; it’s just the doors and drawer fronts that are tired. If they are too far gone to paint, or you just don’t want to do it, new doors and drawer fronts (refacing) can be found at the Taylor Cabinet Door Company (www.taylorcabinetdoor.com 800.852.7087). Don’t forget to get the new soft close hinges to replace the old ones. You can then install doors and fronts or hire a contractor to do the job. Taylor says it usually runs about $15 an item to get installed. For example, a good sized kitchen with 30 doors, 16 drawer fronts, and 4 false doors in painted maple (with accompanying hinges) will cost (uninstalled) around $3,800, another $300 if you want a glazed finish. There are also plenty of different woods and panel styles available. Plan on about a month, however, to receive your new custom fronts.

Cabinet door and drawer hardware – just surf the internet. There is a lot of cool stuff out there. Even Home Depot, Lowes, and IKEA have big selections.

Counter Tops – Granite is still in fashion and prices have fallen, but some of the newer materials are also gaining popularity. Quartz and silestone are less porous and just as heat resistant. Stainless steel is gaining favor. Laminates, tile, and concrete are losing popularity. Corian and wood are once again gaining popularity on the west coast – but not here in Delaware yet. It’s hard to go wrong with a decent granite and an under mounted stainless steel sink. I also really like the hands free kitchen faucets. Shop on the internet and you can find them substantially discounted!

Lighting – It’s time to get rid of the old brass bar lamps. There are a wide range of new fixtures out there that will grace any kitchen.

Appliances – Brushed stainless and nickel are the choice of the moment. Just don’t get ones that show fingerprints or discolor with heat (read reviews on the appliances you are considering). Not all expensive appliances are worth the expense. If practical get a gas cooktop/range. Obviously you need a dishwasher and refrigerator, but forget the trash compactor and maybe the wine cooler (or maybe not, they are kind of cool).

Flooring – Hardwoods and Tiles seem to rule the floor. There are plenty of exotics from which to choose from but don’t go overboard.

Backsplash – Options include tile and, well, tile. I recommend the tile!

Information courtesy of New Castle County Realtor Tucker Robbins.

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Tucker Robbins
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
3838 Kennett Pike
Wilmington DE 19807
(302) 777-7744 (direct)
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