Kitchen Designed to Sell

We often get calls from homeowners who are looking to upgrade their kitchens before they list their homes for sale. These kind of calls create mixed emotions for me. I’m really happy on one hand to take on a new project with a challenge. It’s usually a challenge because most sellers are very budget conscious walking a thin line between investment and potential return on investment. On the other hand, I’m sad. Sad for homeowners who are finally updating their kitchens, but who won’t be there very long to enjoy the new beautiful spaces. Here’s one we updated to sell last year. 

The project I’m sharing with you today is just such a kitchen. Wonderful clients, rock star realtor, sought after neighborhood, and the world’s cutest dog. We made updates and design decisions meant to appeal to the majority of buyers, maximize profits, and minimize the number of days on the market. I thought it might be helpful to see our thought process on decisions made for this renovation and the before and after photos.

The kitchen before was dark. Dark cabinets, busy gold granite, beige backsplash, builder grade lighting. It also had a tall two-tier bar. Our plan was to lighten and brighten with neutral finishes that would have mass appeal to buyers. 

Kitchen Designed to Sell Plan

1. Lower the two-tiered bar to create one continuous countertop
2. Install new white quartz countertops
3. Replace backsplash with a white subway tile with a low contrast grout
4. Install new matte black cabinet hardware
5. Replace the sink with a single bowl granite composite sink and a modern single handle faucet
6. Paint the cabinets in a soft white – Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee
7. Update lighting over the island, kitchen table and adjoining den 

Ready to see the kitchen after the updates?

Why a White Kitchen? 

Everyone loves a clean white kitchen. White kitchens are timeless. White kitchens are unoffensive. White kitchens appeal to all buyers; at least they don’t turn off potential buyers. White kitchens can be made “your own” by adding colorful accessories and art or by painting the island a beautiful color. White quartz countertops are updated and what today’s buyers are looking for. Quartz countertops are the #1 request we have in all of our kitchen remodels. White subway tile is a neutral. The shape is neutral, the color is neutral, the non contrasting grout is neutral. A lot of tile can be very taste specific and evoke a strong like or dislike. Subway tile is the “jeans” of kitchen design. It goes with everything and everyone loves it. 

Want evidence? 

This home sold fast. And for top dollar. And our sellers were very happy. And so was the world’s cutest dog.

After photos by Geinger Hill.

Thinking about selling your home in the near future? Update your kitchen now so you can enjoy it TOO before turning it over to the new owners. 

Want to know what products we use again and again in our kitchen renovations? SHOP OUR AMAZON STORE.  Contains affiliate links. We get paid a small commission if you buy something from our store, but it never costs you a penny more. 

Do you have a kitchen that needs an update? We would love to help you fall in love with your kitchen too. Whether you are ready for a full kitchen update or just in need of cabinet refinishing, we would love to help. We do everything from custom cabinet refinishing and painting to full kitchen project management and design. Fill out the form below if you’d like more information.