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ncamy_gw

White kitchen that won't sell- $308 Update with tons of pics

ncamy
15 years ago

You spoke and I listened....I was serious about not having the money to update so I very carefully and selectively shopped. Over a period of 2 months we DIY'd a few minor changes that I hope will make the difference. The total cost of our updates...$308! Even I am surprised that we were able to make such a dramatic change for such little money. My Ebay and internet bargains include: 1.5 inch brushed nickel knobs for $0.80 each, two light fixtures for $30 each (including shipping), main sink pull down faucet $80 and prep sink $30 (again including shipping), and then the rest was spent on paint and accessories. I also removed one of the bar stools, the bird clock, all of the blue accessories, and neutralized the glass front cabinet to display only clear glass, pewter, and mostly white china. The color we painted was a deeper gold than what was there previously and it does make the molding pop plus it blends well with the gold tones that we have in the adjoining living room. If I had another $40-50 I would get another picture for over the little wooden chest, but for now I've used something I already had. Although it is an original piece of art, it is intended as a nursery piece, but what the heck...it was the right colors and I already had it. I think it looks better there than the "formal" bird print that was previously there. Plus the bird print had too much blue in it. So here it is folks....my $308 update!!!!

Before:

After:

Comments (74)

  • raehelen
    15 years ago

    Good job!

    It must have been a fair amount of work to do all that painting- but Wow! What a difference it makes!

    FYI- for those looking for iron pieces similar to that above the window- Michaels has lots like that. I even scored one that had an artificial arrangement glued to it (took that off)on a reduced table that was marked 90% off last clearance price. Supposedly regular $120, and I paid $5.

  • lascatx
    15 years ago

    Very well done.

  • pcjs
    15 years ago

    Lovely!

  • jejvtr
    15 years ago

    nc
    You should be proud - your hard work, perseverence really paid off in a BIG way - Wish you best of luck w/sale now
    Great job!

  • iris16
    15 years ago

    Necessity is the mother of invention! Good job.

  • stiles
    15 years ago

    Looks so rich and warm! Keep us posted on the sell job! You belong on HGTV designed to sell.

  • sundownr
    15 years ago

    You should be very pleased! Your changes made such a huge difference. While your original kitchen wasn't bad, it was a little tired. Only $308 and it's not tired now! Very, very impressive.

    ~Cindy

  • ourfixerup
    15 years ago

    WOW What a great job. I love yellow kitchens and yours is
    so warm. My husband is not a fan of white cabinets but he
    said your kitchen is wonderful and warm. I love the piece over the window, what a great idea.

  • alexrander
    15 years ago

    Kudos to a great job. I loved your kitchen before, but I can see that this really helps for the resale.

  • zenamidievel
    15 years ago

    Fantastic job! AMazing what that small amount of $$ did! Looks great.

  • atlgirl
    15 years ago

    I think you should have your own show on HGTV. In these lean economic times, what you have done shows no one needs to live in a dated room. Congratulations!

  • pbrisjar
    15 years ago

    I see you found a way to keep some of the blue pieces visible (in that hutch). Got a chuckle out of that.

  • deegw
    15 years ago

    Great job Amy. I've been wondering about you. I was afraid you might have gotten a little too much "tough love" the last time you posted. I'm so glad you were able to make dramatic, inexpensive changes with the forum's suggestions. Best of luck trying to sell your home.

    Dee

  • plansrus
    15 years ago

    Wow, nice job, definitely an inspiration to us all. Good luck with selling the house.

  • PRO
    Window Accents by Vanessa Downs
    15 years ago

    I totally agree that the changes you made have given the room a dramatic makeover.

    I am so happy that you posted the after photos so we could see the difference that a little money and elbow grease can make!

    I'm praying for the right person to come along and buy your home!

  • tkln
    15 years ago

    I agree with everything that's been posted so far....what an amazing transformation for such a small price. I really really hope you sell your house soon...but if you don't, it's definitely NOT because of the kitchen!!!

  • cotehele
    15 years ago

    It looks so good! The walls are warm and the contrast with the white cabinets, which along with the hardware, gives the room a lot of depth.

  • busybme
    15 years ago

    Holy Cow! It looks great!! Definately 'the look for less'! : )

    So glad you stopped back by, amy, to give us the update and to share your pictures. I am amazed at how much you did for so little $.

    btw, I've been hooked on stockblowout . com eversince you first posted about finding that lighting fixture there! Thank you for that tip.

    Sandy

  • evilbunnie
    15 years ago

    What an excellent job! I particularly like the branches and berries piece over the sink window, and I like how it brings that warm reddish brownish color up there -- it makes the small wood cabinet and the barstools make sense now. It's especially cool that it sits under that recessed light, like you planned it to be that way. Much better than the clock face that just reflected that light, the metal scuplture lets the light play down the wall. I know you did this in a hurry up and sell, love it and leave it kinda way, but I think I love that little piece -- It's perfect right there!

    Great job with those changes, you listened to the important comments and ditched others. Kudos to you and your budget shopping skills!

  • tradewind_64
    15 years ago

    You did great. I am very impressed.

    Joanna

  • pfmastin
    15 years ago

    Thanks for the info on the metal art above the range!
    Pam

  • chefnewbie
    15 years ago

    I doubt there's another word of praise left to use in the english language! Brava! I don't think I've seen such an amazing transformation for such a small budget anywhere!

  • terezosa / terriks
    15 years ago

    What a big change for the money! The color really warms up the space. I would suggest that you add a few accessories to bring the wall color to the counters. Maybe some pottery pieces similar to this one:

  • marybeth1
    15 years ago

    I know this sounds redundant but WOW! You have shown how with just a little money you can transform a room from nice to FANTASTIC! I'd buy it in a minute!

  • robynpa
    15 years ago

    What they said - fantastic job. You have the knack!

  • tetrazzini
    15 years ago

    Wow, I can't get over it!! I have to go back to your original post and read people's suggestions. Whoever suggested painting the room darker and removing the border to make the trim pop knew their stuff. I'm really impressed by the choices you made and the bargains you found. You did a great job!

  • bevangel_i_h8_h0uzz
    15 years ago

    I almost never comment on finished kitchen remodels but I just HAD to this time because I am so totally impressed with the changes!

    I remember your original posts and how tough people were in telling you to get rid of the border along the top of the walls which you so clearly loved. I felt downright sorry for you because it had to have seemed like people were attacking your personal tastes. I know I would have felt that way. When you're decorating to sell however, you have to look at things with other peoples' tastes in mind rather than your own. Kudos for having the courage to that!

    You've created a very warm, inviting kitchen that I think 999 out of 1000 people would like very very much. The darker gold walls make all the white "pop" so much that even the appliances all look "brand new"... which is a perfect thing for a potential buyer to be thinking. LOL! And the decorative touches you've added are absolutely perfect. Just enough to keep the space from looking bland and unfinished, not enough to get in the way of potential buyer's own "vision" about how they could add their own decorative touches.

    An absolutely marvelous transformation... and to have done it on such a tiny budget is almost unbelievable. I suspect people will be pointing to your kitchen make over constantly in the future whenever someone posts that they really need to makeover their kitchen but "can't afford to do much."

    Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Do let us know what kinds of comments you get about the kitchen from future lookers...tho I expect there won't be very many more lookers before someone puts in a bid on the house and takes it off the market.

  • stretchad
    15 years ago

    This is INCREDIBLE! I think this goes to show how you don't need a big budget to improve upon a kitchen.

  • boringmama
    15 years ago

    I know you really don't need another comment, but I have to say....I thought everyone was very hard on your 'original' kitchen. I rather liked it. (I happen to love blue and yellow anyway), but the transformation is amazing. Love it, love it, love it.

  • rhome410
    15 years ago

    Wonderful job. It's so rich and classy looking. Your accessory selections seem just perfect to show off the room.

  • remodelmom
    15 years ago

    If I walked in to your kitchen, I would want to buy that house! It looks warm and welcoming, and I believe many people could picture themselves in it - just what you want a potential buyer to do, right? Love your barstools - where did they come from? My current ones won't last long with 3 little ones....
    Good luck to you on your sale!

  • gigib_08
    15 years ago

    Wow! I am sooo impressed! Your kitchen looks Fantastic! What an inspiration to show what you can do on a limited budget! You did a great job!!

  • queenofmycastle0221
    15 years ago

    Impressive! Enough Said!

  • susanlynn2012
    15 years ago

    I am so happy you painted over that border and now your beautiful crown molding really adds to your kitchen. I love your kitchen now with the changes you made. Your kitchen should definitely be in the HGTV show "Designed to Sell"! I know your kitchen will be now an asset to your home. Thank you for sharing and listening to some of our advice. You deserve an A+ for such a great job in transforming your kitchen and making it look gorgeous and updated.

  • amck2
    15 years ago

    What a great attitude you have to have taken all those comments and executed such a great transformation. Your kitchen is lovely, fresh and classic. I'm sure your hard work will lead to a sale soon! Congrats!

  • phoggie
    15 years ago

    WOW!!!!
    I really did enjoy seeing your "new kitchen".....you did a wonderful job of decorating on a shoestring. I wish we would see more things like this. Have you done any more rooms?....love to see them.

    I know you will sell your home quickly.....or it won't be the kitchen's fault~~~~

  • neesie
    15 years ago

    Wow, you certainly created a kitchen with universal appeal! I have to admit that I am one that liked it before, with the exception of the white faucet. Now, I have to admit....it rocks! Congratulations, and I hope you are successful finding a buyer.

  • Buehl
    15 years ago

    It looks wonderful! I especially like the leaves over the sink! I'm looking for something similar....thanks for tip about Michael's Raehelen!

  • bodiCA
    15 years ago

    Excellent educational study you have exceedingly executed. Wish my eye was pulled to the wonderful triple doors and view beyond rather than sticking on the bold striped valance. Fascinating how the richness of this color compliments the cabinets where the lighter with the cabinets seem to simply reflect off each other. This is very well done! Simple and clean yet very inviting and warm. Love what you created!

  • moonkat99
    15 years ago

    For only $300???? Fabulous transformation on a serious budget!

    Congratulations on a job very well done. You have every right to be proud of what you've accomplished.

    And best wishes for finding the right people to call it home :)

  • lowspark
    15 years ago

    You did a fantastic job! What a difference a few key touches can make. You know, it wasn't so much that the border was bad, it was more that it was too personal. It was almost like if you'd painted "Ncamy's Kitchen" on the wall. Nothing wrong with it for when it is your kitchen, but of course, I wouldn't want my kitchen to say that.

    Best thing about it is all the bargains you got for the knobs, lights & faucets. This could have easily cost you three times as much if you hadn't done your homework.

    Congratulations on a job well done. I hope your house sells quickly. Please come back and tell us when it does!

  • mamadadapaige
    15 years ago

    did it sell yet?

  • biochem101
    15 years ago

    Amazing!!! If I was in the market I'd definitely buy your house. In fact, I really want your kitchen now!

    Saving these pics to my 'Decor' folder to remind myself how it's done. Even that picture change over the little dresser makes a difference. Not that the other one was 'bad', but this one is cheerier. This is amazing.

  • Happyladi
    15 years ago

    Wow. I thought your kitchen was okay before but the small changes really have an impact. I love the new wall color, I didn't even notice the crown molding before. And the new faucets really make a difference, too. It all looks great.

  • momto4boys
    15 years ago

    jaw dropping!

  • celticmoon
    15 years ago

    I don't know what is most impressive:
    -that you listened and ran with so many (well intentioned but hard to hear) suggestions
    -that you did some killer bargain hunting
    -that the result is so flat out smashing

    No way this kitchen will impede a sale.

    Best of luck in this tough market. We are rooting for you. Come back and post when you get your offer(s)!

  • sue_ct
    15 years ago

    THANK YOU for including us in the final product, you knocked it out of the park! Please let us know when you sell. It looks fabulous. How do YOU like it? Would you still want to cook in it, or is it a case of, yes it is better for selling, but I wouldn't want to live with it?

    Sue

  • THOR, Son of ODIN
    15 years ago

    bumping this amazing transformation!

    -Lena

  • chloe_s_mom
    15 years ago

    Wow! Now people will be able to see the kitchen for what it truly is - a fabulously huge kitchen, with lots of counter space, and lots of important , useful upgraded features! Good for you!

  • susanlynn2012
    12 years ago

    Glad the kitchen finally sold a few years later. I feel it was also the market since the changes in the kitchen really made a difference.