We have all heard the saying that kitchens and baths sell homes. Well, even if you’re not selling your home, your kitchen and bath(s) may still be the most important spaces. Of course, they must be functional, but you also want them to be attractive.
There is nothing more embarrassing than having unannounced guests see your kitchen or bathroom if it’s dirty. Frankly, for most of us, it doesn’t even have to be really dirty. Anything less than spotless makes us feel like we have to apologize or make excuses. This is true even if you have just scoured from top to bottom, if your kitchen or bath just feels dingy.
So, what can you do about it? You can’t just drop everything and renovate, or can you? It depends on how comprehensive your renovations will be. Start with the floor. What can you do to make it look better? If you have vinyl flooring that is torn or stained, or has for other reasons overstayed its welcome, you might want to consider peel and stick tiles. Today, they are available in beautiful styles and colors, some that even have the look and texture of natural stone. The best things about peel and stick tiles are that they are affordable, and anyone can install them.
What else? Updating cabinetry is always great. You can even just update the hardware. Check out these articles for more information:
Home Improvement: Cabinet Re-facing
Cabinet Re-facing Projects: Cabinet Hardware
Cabinet Re-facing: Painting Cabinets
Re-facing Cabinets: Five Tips for Painting
Oh, yes, faucets. How quickly they seem to become outdated. The good news is there are some awesome styles out there in your favorite name brands and replacing faucets is another project you may be able to do yourself.
Replacing fixtures such as tubs, sinks, and toilets and replacing tile may count as “real” renovations. These are issues that deserve careful consideration. However, you may not need to go that route. You may be able to refinish your fixtures, re-caulk sinks and tubs, and re-grout tile for a fresh, clean look without all the work, drama, and expense.