For many people, the kitchen is the heart of their home. But what happens when you find a house you love, but the kitchen breaks your heart a little? Maybe the layout works well, but the cabinets are too dark, the backsplash is too busy or the fixtures are dated. Enter the kitchen face-lift. While a full kitchen gut and remodel can easily run $75,000 or more, a kitchen face-lift can be completed for a fraction of the cost, often in a matter of weeks (rather than months). This is a great option for a kitchen that functions and flows well but could use some cosmetic updates.
Today I want share an example of a beautiful kitchen face-lift completed by one of my clients last year. When these clients purchased their Bryn Mawr home, it checked all the boxes–central location, historic charm, ample square footage and plenty of backyard space for their boys to play. The kitchen was the only eyesore. While it was bright and spacious, the overall color scheme did not align with my clients’ tastes. Fortunately, they were able to see past the cabinet and countertop colors to envision the kitchen of their dreams. I was floored by the transformation.
Here’s the kitchen before…
And here it is AFTER! Amazingly, not a single cabinet or floor board was replaced. They kept all appliances except the dishwasher, and the overall layout stayed the same.
Here’s a breakdown of everything they changed:
• Painted Kitchen Cabinets & Island: My clients matched the cabinet color to Omega Cabinetry’s Pearl Finish. The island is Benjamin Moore Cat’s Eye.
• New Countertops: MSI Calacatta Botanica Quartz countertops, purchased and installed by AAA Hellenic Marble in West Chester
• Custom Cooktop Cover: My clients didn’t love the cooktop’s location (on top of the island), but moving it would be expensive. Instead, they ordered a custom cover from Etsy to conceal it when not in use.
• New Tile Backsplash: Yulong Stone Basket Mosaic Neo Gris tile, purchased and installed by AAA Hellenic Marble
• Repainted Refrigerator Panels: The SubZero fridge was in excellent condition, so the buyers just had the panels repainted to match the cabinetry.
• Replaced Cabinet Hardware & Hinges: The cabinet pulls are from Top Knobs’ Brixton line in polished nickel. The new hinges (purchased at build.com) are the same size as the old ones, but in a different finish.
• New Dishwasher: Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer. This unit consists of two separate drawers that you can load and run separately.
• New Farmhouse Sink: My clients really wanted a new farmhouse sink, but the “cut-out” sizes for these sinks are very specific, which makes them a difficult replacement option. Luckily, the sellers left all the manuals and paperwork from their own kitchen remodel in 2004, including the sink model and manufacturer (Kohler). My clients contacted Kohler and were able to purchase a farmhouse sink with same dimensions.
• New Faucet: Brizo Artesso Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet. This faucet includes SmartTouch technology, which allows you to turn the water on and off by touching anywhere on the faucet’s body or handle. This feature is particularly helpful when your hands are wet or messy from cooking!
• Updated Lighting: Flood lights were replaced with retro-fit LED recessed lighting.
TOTAL PROJECT COST: Approximately $25,000
TOTAL PROJECT TIME: One month
There you have it, friends! A kitchen face-lift from start to finish. I often recommend this option to buyers touring kitchens with great “bones” but dated color schemes or finishes.
Whether you’re considering a kitchen face-lift or a major move, I’m always available to talk and discuss your options. Reach out to me today at 484-614-2362.
Leave a Reply