Austin Real Estate Agent Jill Rose's New KitchenPhoto courtesy of Better Home and Gardens.

This week, JB Goodwin REALTORĀ®, Jill Rose, was featured in Better Homes & Gardens. It all started when Rose decided to reface her kitchen.

The space started with classic wooden cabinets, a microwave over the stove top, and an uninspired white backsplash. By the time she was done, she had created a sleek modern kitchen that featured clean white cupboards, an attractive off-white tile backsplash, and an eye-catching custom range hood.

What you can't tell from looking at the fixture is that Rose actually built it herself. She was inspired by a $4000 bronze hood that she fell in love with on her search for a new look. Of course, $4000 is a lot to spend on an appliance, so Rose decided to get crafty. In a matter of five hours, this industrious home keeper had herself a brand new range hood which she made from wood and designed herself. The best part being, she made something exactly to her tastes for the price she wanted: an impressive $115.

Here's a few different ways to update your kitchen, just like this Austin REALTORĀ®:

1. Backsplashes

Tiles don't just come in various shades of the classic subway tile anymore, there are hundreds of options to choose from. Finger tiles can provide slender blocks of coordinating colors ideal for a funky accent band. Small square ceramic tiles come in every color you can think of from glitzy golds to pristine whites. If you haven't tiled before, don't get intimidated. Most smaller tiles come on a mesh sheet, making getting perfect spacing a snap. If you opt for larger tiles, there are all kinds of spacers you can buy to help you keep your work exact. Then, it's just a matter of mounting the tiles, squishing grout into the gaps, and being sure to keep your workspace clean. Chipping dried grout off the floor is no fun, so try to keep your construction zone neat.

2. Cabinets

Kitchen cupboards can be a significant focal point in a room, and if they are starting to look a bit tired, you may want to consider refacing them. Rose applied a coat of paint and some new handles to freshen them up. You could also look into getting a few glass cupboard doors and add one or two as accents. Glass doors can have a lovely effect in a kitchen, effectively breaking up any monotony. You also may consider selecting a cabinet to remove the doors from entirely. Use the shelves inside to feature some of your finest dishes and give your kitchen a showroom flair.

3. Light Fixtures

The amount of light you have in a space can make a big difference on atmosphere. Whether a room feels cozy, sterile, or warm can all be affected by lighting. For a warmer, more intimate touch, consider investing in pot lights. For big, bright lighting a bank of fluorescents might be just the thing. For a flashy antique look, you may even want to invest in a small chandelier.

4. Faucets

Updating the faucet in your kitchen sink isn't just a simple way to update the look of your sink, it can also be a handy improvement. If you like to cook big portions, you've probably had this problem at some point: You go to wash your tall soup pot or a long baking tray, and you quickly realize you can't get it under the tap. Consider upgrading to a high-necked faucet to get that extra clearance, or invest in one that has an extendable nozzle. In terms of aesthetics, nozzles can come in all kinds: brushed brass, high-gloss stainless steel, even copper with a satin finish. More importantly, updating this appliance is also practical.

5. Islands

If you have a large kitchen, but are forever on a search for more of that elusive counter space, consider adding an island. What's great about an island is that, while consistency can be great, there's no need to match it to your preexisting countertop type. In fact, something a bit different can act as a fantastic centerpiece for your kitchen. There are some very clever ones that manage to repurpose vintage counters from hardware stores, banks, and sweet shops. Others have used stainless steel for an ultra-modern appearance, repurposed lumber for a rough-hewn look, or granite for a classy finish.

So next time you're viewing a home, don't get caught up on some of the smaller details like the cupboard doors, or the type of faucet in the kitchen sink. Appreciate the space and the shape of the room. Kitchen refacing is always a possibility down the road, and as Rose proved, if you're willing to get a bit crafty, it doesn't have to cost much either.

If you're looking for a new home to call your own, contact JB Goodwin today. For over 40 years we've been providing premium service for those searching for and selling Austin real estate.

Posted by Mary Ann Castro on
Email Send a link to post via Email

Leave A Comment

e.g. yourwebsitename.com
Please note that your email address is kept private upon posting.