AtWell Staged Home is hired to assist in a much needed kitchen makeover.
When we first meet, the home owner isn’t quite sure what to do with her dated – but still mostly functional – 1980s kitchen. Sure, she could live with it a few more years, but why not have something completely functional and totally to her liking?
By the end of the initial consultation, three options are revealed:
1. A simple “facelift.” Similar to what would be done for quickly staging a home to sell.
2. Cabinet refacing along with new countertops, backsplash, floor, paint, etc.
3. Total gut – starting from scratch – but only if the price is right.
We agree that the best option for this 25-year-old kitchen is probably the “gut,” but how much will it cost? After working with a kitchen designer for ideas and pricing, Susan presents the 2 best options to the owner, who decides to go for the gut!
AtWell Staged Home assists the home owner from design through final installation, ensuring that finishes coordinate, add value and most important, meet the home owner’s needs and desires.
A big fan of HGTV, this home owner gets her first custom kitchen at the age of 87!
Eating Area – Before
The owner likes the table near the wall but would like more function, better lighting and modern design.
Eating Area – After
The contractor designs a built-in table, satisfying the home owner’s request. The area can also serve as additional work space with outlets added for appliances. This creative solution also eliminates the need to relocate the baseboard heater.
Eating Area – Before
Eating Area – After
Here’s what this Yorktown, NY, home owner had to say about the design process and working with Susan of AtWell Staged Home:
“I am thrilled with my new kitchen! It’s beautiful and functional and turned out better than I ever could have imagined. Thank you so much for all of your help along the way.
You were professional and patient, you have good taste and you thought of things I never would have on my own, like opening the wall to the dining room and extending the tile through to the entry.
I didn’t realize how many decisions and details were involved in a kitchen remodel, and I’m so thankful for your help and guidance along the way as you made this very large – and sometimes overwhelming project – go smoothly.”
Kitchen – Before
With the sink awkwardly placed in the corner, doing dishes in this kitchen feels like a punishment.
Kitchen – After
A larger sink is placed in the center of the wall and the corner is now used more efficiently for storage. The dining-room wall is opened to allow communication with guests. Moldings not only wrap the top of the cabinet, but all around the room. And electrical outlets are tucked up under the cabinets – out of sight but still easy to reach – so as not to interfere with the dramatic glass-tile backsplash chosen by the home owner.
Kitchen – Before
Kitchen – After
Saving, always saving…
As the cabinets are being installed, the home owner asks to alter the plan slightly. She would like the corner cabinet to have a glass front.
Changes in plans are almost always costly, and this change is no exception. The quote to change just one door front comes in at an astounding $700.00.
Susan recommends replacing the wood panel inset from the new door with glass. The contractor easily accomplishes the task. And, as you can see, the owner gets the same result but for a lot less.
Kitchen – Before
The refrigerator is too close to the window, which limits how far the door can be opened.
Kitchen – After
The pantry is relocated to the window wall, allowing full access to the refrigerator. The glass-tile backsplash inspires the paint color, which is extended to the dining room, replacing the “dusty rose” wallpaper.
