Before & After
There’s an old saying: "A picture is worth a thousand words." I’ve found this to be so true, especially when I look at before-and-after pictures on projects I’ve completed. The words I’ve heard include "Wow!", "What a difference", and "I can’t believe we lived with that kitchen for so long!" Sometimes you don’t realize how different the kitchen is until you look at the pictures.
Some projects have more dramatic changes, such as walls being removed, the kitchen relocated to another part of the house, or soffits being taken down. Some clients simply change the existing cabinets and countertops and see a tremendous difference. The key to getting the "wow" effect is proper planning. Are the changes going to improve the look of your home? Are they smart design-wise? Will others appreciate the improvements, even 10 years from now?
Recently, I went to measure an older home for new cabinets. The couple bought the home and imagined a gas cooktop and separate gas wall oven in the kitchen. Unfortunately, I had to tell them the space available wasn’t large enough to have those two appliances side by side. I told them I couldn’t recommend doing the arrangement as they had envisioned. The gas cooktop would have been too close to the side of the tall oven cabinet. Manufacturers usually recommend at least six inches between a cooking appliance and a vertical, combustible surface. So we went to Plan B: They decided to use a free-standing gas range and to center it on the wall. This is a better arrangement, giving them counter space on both sides of the range.
The couple did tell me they want to be able to sell this house when the time comes. When considering resale, it’s essential to keep the major items in the home straightforward. I advise homeowners to use neutral colors for walls, countertops, and cabinets. Add your own favorite color in the curtains, dishes, or wallpaper. Instead of making all the countertops a taller height for taller users, choose one area only, such as an island. Allow some wall cabinets with open shelving or glass doors, so you can add your personal touches in those areas.
When your project is completed, you should be very pleased with the results and feel comfortable in your home for years to come. TPW
Some projects have more dramatic changes, such as walls being removed, the kitchen relocated to another part of the house, or soffits being taken down. Some clients simply change the existing cabinets and countertops and see a tremendous difference. The key to getting the "wow" effect is proper planning. Are the changes going to improve the look of your home? Are they smart design-wise? Will others appreciate the improvements, even 10 years from now?
Recently, I went to measure an older home for new cabinets. The couple bought the home and imagined a gas cooktop and separate gas wall oven in the kitchen. Unfortunately, I had to tell them the space available wasn’t large enough to have those two appliances side by side. I told them I couldn’t recommend doing the arrangement as they had envisioned. The gas cooktop would have been too close to the side of the tall oven cabinet. Manufacturers usually recommend at least six inches between a cooking appliance and a vertical, combustible surface. So we went to Plan B: They decided to use a free-standing gas range and to center it on the wall. This is a better arrangement, giving them counter space on both sides of the range.
The couple did tell me they want to be able to sell this house when the time comes. When considering resale, it’s essential to keep the major items in the home straightforward. I advise homeowners to use neutral colors for walls, countertops, and cabinets. Add your own favorite color in the curtains, dishes, or wallpaper. Instead of making all the countertops a taller height for taller users, choose one area only, such as an island. Allow some wall cabinets with open shelving or glass doors, so you can add your personal touches in those areas.
When your project is completed, you should be very pleased with the results and feel comfortable in your home for years to come. TPW