Last week I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Shelley MacDonald Beaulieu, Owner & Head Tomato of One Roast Vegetable.  The subject was Staging Your Kitchen to Sell.  Shelley took calls from the audience, and one caller asked what could be done on a small budget, maybe $100-$200.  I talked about cleaning and decluttering first, and then offered up ‘eye candy‘ for the kitchen.  That’s right; I said I ‘eye candy’.

Eye candy is how I refer to kitchen cabinet hardware … you know, all those knobs and drawer pulls that make access to our cabinets easier, and look nice too.  Unfortunately, this accessory has been overlooked for far too long. For many homeowners, the  kitchen cabinets are still in good shape, but the hardware is as old as the cabinets themselves, and just like the latest fashions may become outdated, so does the hardware. The good news is, if you can operate a screwdriver, you can change your hardware. Most cabinets have single hole pulls.  These are easy to replace and don’t require drilling additional holes.

Let me give you a few examples:

Drawer Pulls –these are so easy to change, and even install on cabinets that currently don’t have any knobs or pulls. This is a bit more adventurous, but still a DYI project  (Check out how: http://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/installing-cabinet-and-drawer-hardware/index.html)

 

There are many different choices available such as porcelain, stainless steel, and even glass.  You also have a choice of country décor, modern, and French country styles.  You can even mix and match pulls if you like.  If you are keeping to a budget and you plan to move within six months, I would advise to stay with one type of drawer pull or handle and buy the best hardware for your budget. If you are staying and want to change the ‘look’, why not try something like this:

 

Whimsical hardware, like these metal men pulls, can be the focal point in a kitchen.

 

Make sure you wash down the cabinets first, before installing the new hardware. Have fun with the eye candy and I know you’ll spend more time in the kitchen!

Now, onto faucets.  Buyers love gadgets in the kitchen.  I would tell you that the faucet is the #1 ‘gadget’ in the kitchen that buyers will turn on and use, especially if it has a spray function. I have shown enough houses to tell you this! If your kitchen faucet has a slow leak or the sprayer doesn’t work, that’s not good news.  Your local home improvement store has a variety of styles and price to fit your budget.  Don’t overlook the sale table.   I’ve personally found several faucets that were over $300 reduced by 50% because they were discontinued or were special order items that customers returned. 

The faucet finish is also important and should compliment your kitchen’s décor. Your choices can include chrome, nickel, brass, copper, bronze and satin. According to Delta Faucet Co., the chrome finish is the no. 1 choice.  Chrome isn’t my favorite, because it shows water spots.  If you’re like me, then choose the matte finish…problem solved.  Take a look:

This is a Moen Single Handle pull out spray faucet in a satin finish.  This one is under $150. Gosh, it might just make you want to wash the dishes…or clean the veggies, or water the plants…or squirt your hubby….you get the idea.

 

 

Whether you’re thinking of moving or NOT thinking of moving, get some eye candy for your kitchen. You’ll be amazed at how much better it makes the kitchen look, and how much better you’ll feel.

All best wishes,
Ginger