There are many ways to energize your kitchen from a complete makeover with lighting, flooring, cabinets, counters, and appliances to simply refreshing what you have. There are countless books and magazines that will show you a dream kitchen with a nightmare price: $9,000 to $25,000 for most major remodels.
But here's something to consider. If your cabinets are wood or laminate and are structurally sound but simply outdated, don't replace them. Renew them. Most finished woods and laminates can be cleaned, primed, and painted for a fraction of the cost of replacement. I'm not talking about some adhesive cover-up or laminate makeover. Just elbow grease, primer, paint, and imagination. The options are truly endless!
Some years ago, I had solid cherry cabinets installed in my boys' bedrooms to increase their storage capacity. Several of the doors had cosmetic defects and had to be replaced. But I got to keep the defective ones; as proof of my point, note this simple sign that I made from one of those doors for a kitchen that is presently being rejuvenated. All told, I have less than $20 invested in this little sign.
MSN House and Home concluded that kitchen remodeling yields the greatest return on investment of any home improvement project. In excess of 90% of what you spend will be returned and a great kitchen helps sell the house faster. Remodeling magazine concluded that the national average ROI for kitchen remodeling is 88%. The net result is that you'll recoup most of what you spend. If ambiance is what you like, enjoy it at home and save money too. There's no return on your investment when you eat out. So bring the charm of that Paris Cafe or Italian Pizzeria to your home. Or, if you're into the shabby chic or NYC fast food look, you can have your own bushel of rats! (Just kidding. These are two of our girls, Gypsy and Pearl.)
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