
Your kitchen cabinets don't have to be white
This article, an edited excerpt from an online chat on The Washington Post's Home Front, features James Young, host of the DIY Network show "I Hate My Kitchen." Young addresses common kitchen design dilemmas and offers advice to homeowners.
Regarding current kitchen styles, Young emphasizes personal preference over strict trends, advising that the kitchen design should align with the home's overall style. He notes the enduring popularity of painted cabinets, with white being a long-time favorite, though gray is emerging as a strong contender. Mixing colors, such as painted cabinets with a stained island, is also a popular and stylish choice. For backsplashes, simple subway tiles remain a classic and popular option. Stainless steel appliances continue to be a favored choice, with manufacturers introducing fingerprint-resistant finishes. Young stresses that homeowners should prioritize what they genuinely like, as they will be the ones living with the design.
For homeowners considering selling their house, Young advises a careful financial evaluation before undertaking a complete kitchen remodel. He suggests consulting Remodeling Magazine's annual cost-vs.-value report to understand the potential return on investment. If a full renovation isn't financially viable, he recommends focusing on cleaning, decluttering, and staging the existing kitchen to enhance its appeal to buyers.
Addressing the practicalities of painted cabinets, Young assures that refreshing cabinets with a coat of high-quality paint, like Benjamin Moore's satin or gloss enamel, is a great idea. While fingerprints and splatters are unavoidable, proper paint finish allows for easy cleaning. He highlights the importance of thorough preparation, including sanding and de-glossing, and recommends using high-quality enamel paint, such as Benjamin Moore's Satin Impervo, for durability and a good finish. For color choices, while Dove White or Decorators White are safe bets, gray is increasingly popular.
When designing a kitchen, Young stresses the importance of a solid design plan to avoid costly change orders. He identifies electrical and plumbing considerations as primary elements, noting that keeping them in their original locations can significantly reduce costs. Lighting is deemed critical, and appliances should be selected early in the process to ensure proper cabinet fit. After these foundational elements, attention can turn to more aesthetic choices like countertops, backsplashes, and flooring materials.
On the topic of hardwood floors in the kitchen, Young is a strong advocate. He counters concerns about water and damage by highlighting the advancements in hardwood floor finishes, which offer excellent resistance to water, wear, and tear. He also notes the added comfort of hardwood underfoot compared to harder surfaces. Lastly, stainless steel appliances are confirmed as a reliable and stylish choice that continues to provide an updated look to any kitchen, despite their long-standing presence in the market.
For small, oddly shaped kitchens, particularly those in older homes, Young suggests that radical solutions might be necessary. He advises consulting a structural engineer or a licensed contractor to explore options for opening up the space, even if it involves tearing down walls. He emphasizes that improving functionality is paramount, as a beautifully updated kitchen that remains dysfunctional will not meet the homeowner's needs. Therefore, maximizing the space's utility should be the primary goal, even if it involves significant structural changes.
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