Home Staging in Portland Oregon Blog

WORLD of difference!!!!  Makes for a brand new kitchen....the paint and the new handles are an incredible update!!!

The "new" kitchen looks fantastic!  Great color choice and so nicely staged!

One word of caution, having painted tons of cabinets . . . make sure the contractor sands very very well and uses a very good primer, preferably oil-based.  I prefer Benjamin Moore.  Paint will chip off easily if the cabinets aren't properly prepped.

Maureen:  When I read the title of your post, I honestly was not expecting such great results from painting these kitchen cabinets, but they really look great.  Super idea !

Also... two more things.  First, I just noticed your picture... and, although my memory is foggy, I don't remember you having that picture.  It looks great.  How long since you changed it ?  Or has it been there forever, and I am just noticing it ?

And... secondly, I took a look at your outside blog... and really, really like it.  What a nicely presented blog.  Excellent !

Hi Kathy ~ It's a fairly easy update, and not nearly as expensive as replacing or even refacing the cabinets.

Hi Alison ~ Thanks for your feedback on the importance of proper techniques when tackling this type of work.

Hi Karen Anne ~ Glad you like the painted cabinets!  About your other comments .... my current photo was taken about a month ago ... it was way past due, glad you approve  :-)   And thank you so much for your kind words about my outside blog -- that is much appreciated!

Maureen - What an amazing difference!  Kept scrolling back and forth between the two before/after photos.  Thanks so much for including the names of the primer and paint - you know we all would have been asking you!  The clients must be over joyed.

Hi Sally ~ they really did look fabulous in person, too.  Such a cost-effective update, especially for selling.  The clients were indeed over the moon with the quick sale!

Amazing transfomation Maureen, the cabinets look great painted, and the handles add such a great touch.  Love the little stools at the counter too.

Good Morning Maureen, what a difference a can of paint makes!  Excellent before and after photos.

I love this.  That is such a super smart investment.  I'm wondering if this is something that we should start looking into.

Amazing! What a great recommendation from Portland's finest home stager. The look is so much more sophisticated and there's no doubt that the potential buyers viewing this home will fall in love with it.

Thanks too for sharing the information on the products used. My boys just moved into a home and their kitchen cabinets are going to go through a face-lift given your post.

Kathy

Maureen:  Well done.  The first thing was the fabulous improvement on the cabinets but I also noticed that you got those nasty fridge magnets off the door.  Oak cabinets were so popular for so long.  I bet that the $1,000 cost will be recouped 10 fold. 

HI Maureen - Very nicely painted and nicely staged as well.  A tremendous improvement.

Maureen, wow, wow, wow!  I'm going to bookmark this one to show the before and afters to clients, along with others from the two Kathy's.  Love that Zinsser primer.  Thanks for sharing!

Maureen- I'm bookmarking this too.  This was an amazing transformation and I too kept going back and forth to look at the changes made.  And thank you too for listing the supplies and tools you used. Most people think they're going to have to spend in the tens of thousands at least in the kitchen but this proves you don't have to!  I suggested this because it is so well done. 

nice paint color choice -- so many want to paint white -- your black choice is much better!

Talk about WOW factor !  What a huge difference this makes.  Sometimes our only obstacle is the man of the house - for some reason they do not like to paint cabinetry or woodwork !

I love the contrast of the dark cabinets and the white counters. Great job, Maureen, and thanks for explaining what products you used.

Maureen, I had a client who was very happy when painted his oak cabinets espresso color following my suggestion. I just never had pictures on before and after. Not all clients are ready for a messy painting process.  I will bookmark you blog and will print out your picture and will have it in my consultation folder.

It is amazing kitchen transformation on a budget and look, that counter top that use to be in line for replacement doesn't look bad at all now. And hardware is the icing on top.

hi Roger ~ Thanks, the hardware is very solid and substantial and is a great buy (2 for $12.99 at IKEA).

hi Dan ~ Just painting the cabinets made the rest of the kitchen look better too!

hi Debbie ~ The result is well worth the time and money spent, compared to other options like replacing or refacing the cabinets.

hi Kathy ~ Thanks for your kind words.  I hope your boys love their new home (no doubt it will be beautifully redesigned with your help  :-)

hi Valerie ~ well, this home had a pending sale in 12 days and has recently closed!  The sellers were wonderful to work with and took care of all of the cosmetic improvements that were needed.

hi Marc ~ glad to hear that you agree!

hi Ginger ~ that primer works well -- I don't do this type of work myself, but know a great contractor who does.

hi Kathy ~ if people just knew that there are other options out there, more would likely improve the look of their cabinets. Thanks for your support!

hi Anna ~ I agree everything in this kitchen looks better now, just because the cabinets were painted.  I love that hardware from IKEA!

hi Michelle ~ It's funny how the white tile counters ended up looking so much better after the cabinets were painted.  The contrast made such a difference, thanks!

hi Karen ~ well, it's not black although my photo shows that, sorry.  They're a very dark brown espresso which looks wonderful.

hi Sandi ~ if the homeowners don't want to tackle this, a good painter or contractor can handle it and the cost is reasonable.

Maureen,What a great transformation....updated on a budget. I just had a design client do that w/ an oak bath and here is the after picture!

Hi Maureen--The end result it like night and day.  The dark color brings out the detail on the cabinet fronts and the new pulls make the cabinets current.  Love your work!

Wow - Maureen - It's amazing what a little paint can do. This once dated kitchen is now so modern and sleek looking. I love the way the dark wood now contrasts with the white counter tops! I'm sure you're clients were thrilled with the outcome!

That looks like a totally new kitchen, Maureen!  Thank you so much for sharing the photos with us, and most of the the primer and paint that was used.  This change alone adds so much value to a dated kitchen.

Maureen, Great blog, great before and after pics I was already tempted to do this to a small bathroom cabinet and wall unit that are in outdated oak. All the pics here kitchen and bath sold it. I can't wait to see how it comes out and thanks!

Wonderful transformation, Maureen!  I did ebonize some oak bathroom cabinets in a condo I'm working on (but didn't change the counter tops!), but we actually decided to leave the oak kitchen cabinets as is (but added granite counters) because our target buyer will most likely appreciate them.  Julie

Hi Ellen ~ Yes it's a nice update isn't it?  The espresso cabinets look stylish.

Hi Marianne ~ That's a beautiful bathroom!  Thanks for sharing the photo ... wonderful outcome  :-)

Hi Janet ~ I agree, those pulls just really add a modern look to the cabinets.  Thanks for your feedback!

Hi Kristine ~ The sellers relocated to another state ... and they were indeed happy to have a quick sale, YES!!  I hope that you have a restful and relaxing weekend ...

Hi Diana ~ In addition to the cabinets, they also agreed to new wall paint colors, carpeting, and light fixtures.  These updates all contributed to a "move-in ready" look for buyers.  Everyone was happy with the quick sale.

Hi Elizabeth ~ Good luck -- and please show us photos when it's done!

Hi Julie ~ OK -- how do you ebonize cabinets?  I'm so curious!

That is a great budget-friendly solution with fantastic results! Oak cabinets were usually extremely sturdy so updating with paint is definitely something that more sellers should consider when they don't want to do a complete renovation.

I have two clients that I can't wait to share this blog with! Good pictures are worth a thousand words!

Thank you for giving us the products-you are a dream come true! Fabulous transformation!! Looks like a million bucks!!!

Oh Yeah!! So current and buyable!! That's what today's buyer's are looking for. You did a wonderful job Maureen. Love the hardware on the cabinetry as well - bling! Thanks for sharing the process.

Maureen,  I am bookmarking this as a before and after.  It's only paint and  hardware and some decluttering and staging decor  of course!    

Hi Kathy ~ Budget-friendly fixes are the best for selling, you're so right!

Hi Cathy ~ The appeal of this kitchen increased so much with this relatively easy fix.  I hope people will realize that you don't always have to spend a lot to make your home more sellable.

Hi Pamela ~ Bling here and there is a good thing!!  Thanks for your comment  :-)

Hi Beverly ~ There's nothing better than photos to illustrate the power of Before and After, is there?

Wow, what a difference!  Thanks for posting!!!

Vary nice. Are there other colors that are popular for kitchen cabinets now?

That is a stunning after photo, Maureen.  And I appreciate your use of key words to open your blog.  Good girl!

Love it!! The transformed kitchen looks so classy now!!  Bon Appetit! :)

Maureen,

Great idea! I'm filing this technique away for future use -- what a difference! I'm curious if you've ever had outdated sinks/tubs in horrible colors like green or mauve (like a client of mine has right now) re-glazed, how expensive it was, and how it came out?  

Maureen, that looks like a totally different kitchen!. I have painted dated cabinets several times and the owners love the transformations. You did a fabulous job. The updated kicthen is a beauty.

I'm very nervouse about things painted (my house has some painted brick that I am SO mad about) so my first reaction was, "paint!  Noooooo!"  But I think my mind has been changed.  Painted cabinets (with GOOD paint jobs) is a very look.  Beautiful kitchen.

I think this looks fantastic!  It is a big step for homeowners to take.   It is a real struggle for some sellers to recognize the value of updating their homes to such an extent before they sell it.  Sometimes they just look at you like you are crazy suggesting such things.  I really appreciate that you gave us the paint colours, etc.  Great work!

Hi Maureen,

This was a great post, great information and a great set of before and after photos. We have had our client's cabinets painted and hardware changed numerous times before, but never a dark finish. It looked really great. Thank you for sharing the primer and color names. I will recomend this combination in the future.

Vivian

Great info - an incredible transformation - looks very fresh and modern!

It is amazing what paint and a change of hardware can do.  My husband painted the cabinets black in two of our bathrooms, and with new hardware, light fixtures and a framed mirror rather than the plate glass option, we had fabulous looking rooms for very little money.

That is a great "new" kitchen!  Another way to update cabinets is to sand down the cabinets and use a dark stain on the cabinets.  thanks for sharing!!

Very nice transformation. Thanks for sharing the information about the type of paint and cost.

Hi Katrina ~ glad you like it!

Hi Joetta ~ There are so many choices in cabinets --and it also depends on the area you live in.  If you go to a new home subdivision and look at the kitchens, you'll see the "latest" in cabinet colors.

Hi Beth ~ Thanks -- and yes, we've got to use those key words!

Hi Janice ~ Bon Appetit -- love that!!  You are so much fun  :-)

Hi Amy ~ It's important to really check out the tile reglazing company -- ask for references and phone their previous clients (or check Angie's List) because some companies just go in and do a quick spray job and the chips start appearing soon after.  In a remodeled home that I just staged, the bathtub and tile surround, two sinks, and the bathroom tile floor were all reglazed for $1,000.  The "other guy" (who's a national company) wanted $3,000 for the same job.  Don't always hire the cheapest but do check them out first.

Hi Judy ~ I didn't do the work, but recommended a great contractor who did.  Everyone loved the outcome!

Thanks, John & Kasey. Sometimes paint can do wonders!

Hi Karen ~ If sellers want to overcome the objection that their house looks dated and needs lot of work, they should consider cost-effective updates.  Not talking remodeling here, just some simple updates that will make the home move-in ready.

Hi Vivian ~ that dark espresso has a rich classic look  -- I love it!

Thanks, Karen!

Hi Cathy ~ your husband is a clever man.  Those are the types of improvements that don't break the budget but make a huge difference!

Hi Linda ~ These cabinets were sanded too -- that's a necessary step in the process.  I've seen a gel stain too and it's a bit easier process than the primer and paint -- but it lets the oak grain show through a bit more, as well.

You're welcome, Kimo.  Glad you found it helpful.

What a dramatic change! My son is about to re-do his kitchen and I'm going to show him this.

Amazing transformation.  Unfortunately, "oak cabinets" seems to be the "holy grail" for many and the thought of painting OAK CABINETS sends people into convulsions.  The same with painting paneling, though more and more people are willing to do that than they were a few years ago.

What a world of difference the paint AND the new handles made!

They look ok, but most sellers are not going to do this. They are still plenty of buyers that like oak, and you have no idea what color a buyer wants to paint the cabinets or walls in the kitchen. In most cases, cleaning them and adding nice hardware will be sufficient.

Pictures tell the story.  Sounds like spending some time at our local Home Depot or Lowes might be a good investment of time.  We could learn about what people are doing in their homes to update them and about some of the products available.

I agree with Robert.  The pictures are worth a thousand words.  That kitchen looks very Pottery Barn.  I'm sure the sellers loved it.  And you can't beat the price.

What a great comparison shot.  Maureen, can I use your photos to show a client I am having this exact issue with? 

Looks great! Thank you for sharing the recipe!

I recently suggested to a seller that he paint his oak cabinets.

He looked at me kind of funny, and asked if I minded if he got a second opinion.

I said, "Sure, go ahead and ask, but I'll tell you the same thing next time."

Seriously, painting those nice oak cabinets is a real issue for many folks over 30 years old. They believe that oak is more expensive, and therefore better, than painted wood. And cherry is even better!

Hi Maureen...Love the look.  I've had a vacant house staged and will be going up shortly to take photos.  The same thing has been done in one of the bathrooms using a very dark chocolate and new hardward plus a frame was made for the large wall mirror and painted the same color as the cabinets.

You did a super job for your clients and I'm sure they will be successful in selling their home at a much better price because of that.

Kate

I'm a natural wood guy myself but that is a very striking makeover.  Well done!

Hi Marte ~ I hope your son's kitchen turns out beautifully!

Hi Karen ~ I guess it also depends on what part of the country you're located in.  In our area, oak cabinets (even though they were once considered beautiful, solid wood) are seen as dated, and people's tastes have moved on.  These cabinets could also have been painted white or cream, but the dark espresso provided a lovely contrast with the (dated) white tile counters, making the entire kitchen look fresher and more "move in ready" for a relatively low cost.

Hi Jeff ~ again, perhaps in some areas that holds true, but many of today's buyers are so picky and they don't want to think about doing work when they buy a house, and often don't have the funds for improvements.  In this case, all of the updates these sellers made helped sell the home in 12 days, so they were very pleased.

Hi Robert ~ Those stores offer helpful (and free) classes to give homeowners the latest ideas -- they're a great resource.

Hi Nancy ~ Thanks!  What the sellers loved was the sale in 12 days!  Now it's closed, and they've moved on to a beautiful new home!

Hi Pam ~ yes, please feel free to show your client these photos -- I hope they find it a helpful suggestion.

Hi Carolyn ~ You're welcome -- but we have the great contractor who did the work to thank for the recipe!

Hi Thomas ~ In our area, those feelings about oak being so venerable are more common in the 50+ age group.  Most of the younger buyers here dislike them ... and since the target buyer for this home was under 50, we updated with dark cabinets. In other higher-end homes that I stage where the target buyer is over 50, we often leave them alone.

Hi Kate ~ I hope you might post some photos of that bathroom transformation -- it sounds wonderful and your sellers were smart to make those changes.  Thanks for your kind words -- this home is SOLD!

Hi Marshall ~ Thanks for weighing in ... I like natural wood myself, but also realize the importance of presenting a home for the target buyer profile.

Great job.  I have just discovered Rustoleum's Cabinet Transformations product and was wondering if anyone else has used it?  Tints to 35 colors and requires no stripping, sanding or priming.

Hi Mona ~ I'd love to know more about that product ... hope that someone who's used it might weigh in ... the no sanding or priming sounds almost too good to be true!

Seems like an easy update! For some reason people seem to think that painting cabinets is difficult and doesn't produce the right results. Thanks for the tip, Maureen.

Hi Maureen  

I guess to each there own. Personally I would be way quicker to buy the oak over Paint to me the painted cabinets remind me of the 20's..............Brad

Hi Lisa ~ It's not really an "easy" job but it's worthwhile when you're selling, I believe.  However it really depends on the price point of the home, the target buyer profile, and the neighborhood.  In this case, it was a no-brainer, and it worked  :-)

Hi Brad ~ Choosing natural wood or painted cabinets is a very personal choice.  The seller should ask their agent and stager what the target buyer would expect for the neighborhood.  This home was competing with new construction .... they never have oak cabinets, so paint was the best option.

Excellent advice, the before & after says it all. Most people will cheat & not do the primer which makes all the difference in the world for final results.

Maureen,.... you definitely knew what defined market standards, and trends.  Kitchens sell homes, or can kill the sale, and few buyers would have the imagination to paint a kitchen.

I have a great hardware store nearby, with incredible selections. This will definitely help me.

Mona ....  I like the idea of the 35 colors from Rustoleum, but do you know how well it wears?  The last thin you want is pealing paint.  

Nice transformation Maureen. Congrats on the quick sale! Sometimes the simplest solutions have the biggest impact.

Maureen, This is one of my favorite remodels.  Have been seeing lots of "flip" investors doing this and I love showing homes with cabinets repainted.  Who knew?!!! 

Once you've seen in person you really understand...it's awesome!

Thanks for posting. 

Hi Lyn ~ working with oak, it's especially important to prime first, yes! Several coats are needed.

Hi Liz ~ buyers likely would think that painting cabinets is a big chore, and they don't want to spend the time or money ... but when sellers do the things necessary to make their home move-in ready, guess what?  It sells faster!

Hi David ~ Simple is good, especially when the sale is so quick!  These sellers were wonderful to work with, and did what was necessary for a faster sale.

Hi Todd ~ When selling, most sellers want to stay within a certain budget for "fix ups."  This one is cost-effective and doesn't take that long to do.  Glad you're seeing this done in your area too!

Maureen -- I had a listing a few years back. It was a probate and the executor did not want to spend a lot of money.  The very dark and terribly grimy cabinets were cleaned, primed and painted a lighter color. What a difference. Under contract quickly.  Without cleaning those cabinets up, those cabinets would have definitely dragged down any offer we would have received.  This is a great tip!

WOW!  A great new kitchen!  Thanks for sharing.

They look great.

We did the same think in our own kitchen covering the bleached oak look. We removed the dated (read: ugly) wallpaper and did a nice skip-trowel finish. It provides a nice modern look.

Before

After

Phase II will be granite counter tops, a tumbled marble back splash, and stainless appliances.

Tom 

What a great solution - I"ve had several homes with bleached wood that people hated...will definitely keep this in mind as a marketing tool

Hi Barbara ~ So good to hear that painting those cabinets was successful!  Nothing like a fresh coat of paint to update just about anything.

Hi Michele ~ well, it looks new, anyway  :-)

Hi Tom ~ Wow! Thanks so much for including your Before & After photos!  Would you care to share what products were used?  I love how your kitchen looks now!!

Hi Ann ~ It's amazing how many people think that replacing the cabinets is the only option.  Painting is so much cheaper for those that want a change.

My first thought  when I read your title was - "Oh, no!  Don't paint over OAK!"  But then I saw your pictures and ones left in the other comments and I must say I am super impressed!  Definitely adds to the wow factor of those kitchens!

Love it Maureen!  Your pictures show a huge improvement. I'm bookmarking to share with sellers and buyers who need updating!!! Thanks so much for sharing.

An awesome transformation...I think the added hardware is what really makes the new paint stand out and look crisp. Thanks for sharing !!

Super results. I have those same cabinets and my house is 1991. I'm bookmarking for future reference.

Maureen,

We outsourced it. The refinish was a three-part process. The first was a spray on base, the second layer was done by hand, and the third layer was a clear finish. It took about 4 days to do. The wallpaper and original back splash were removed and the skip-trowel was applied. We had an interior designer help us pick the three main colors used throughout the house. The green was applied in the kitchen. The cost was $2000.

We have selected a granite and back splash. That work will begin in a couple of months. After that, the new appliances will be installed.

The total cost will be about $5500.

Tom

Thanks for showing the befotre and after pictures on this. It really makes a difference.

Hi Brenda ~ so glad to hear that you're a convert!!  :-)  The photos that others added to this post really do show how great those old cabinets can look.

Hi DeeDee ~ My pleasure!  Hope your clients find it helpful.

Hi Patricia ~ I agree with you -- this hardware looks even better in person.  It's one of my favorite things about the kitchen now.

Hi Cynthia ~ This home's about the same vintage and oak cabinets were all the rage then ... and we loved them back then.

Hi again Tom ~ Thanks for adding this info -- your kitchen is getting an entirely NEW look for a very reasonable investment.  You and your wife are very savvy homeowners!

Hi Brian ~ Glad that you agree.  Thanks for your feedback.

Amazing transformation...do they look as wonderful up close? That is usually where a paint job drops the ball...but I'm sure you did it right!

Wow!  I would never have thought of this.  Amazing result!  I will definitely bookmark for future reference.  Thank-you!

Maureen:

Designers keep telling me that paint is the most economical thing to do to change a rooms appearance.  You proved it.  Great transformation.  Thanks for the blog and the paint info.

Maureen - wish you had enabled the "reblog" feature, because I've got some home Sellers who need to see this!  Great job!

Hi Dawn ~ I think they actually look better in person than in the photo.  The color is superb but photographs a bit flatter.

Hi Kelly ~ You are welcome -- hope it comes in handy down the road.

Hi Evelyn ~ It's true!  Paint is one of most economical means of transforming a room ... believe it  :-)

Hi Lori ~ I thought the reblog feature was turned off, but I've checked it now -- so feel free to reblog if you'd like!

The key for doing this right is prep!  If you are going to do a good job it means degreasing the hell out of the cabinets, sanding, priming with oil based sealer and then painting with oil based paint.

Of course most people don't give a rip and just wash them down and paint them with whatever is on sale at HomeDepot because it is cheap and only has to look good for until after the closing happens.

Oak cabinets were so popular! This is a great idea and thanks for the photos. I may use to show some clients!

I should have featured this 60 comments ago!

Congratulations. Your home staging is being featured in the group Staging Before and After Pictures.

Kathy

Maureen - This was a wonderful and inexpensive way to update the kitchen. Loved that you included the materials used. Great job!

Maureen,

What a clear picture of value added by a professional stager!  And a contract within 12 days - awesome.

I get so confused by all the different types of paints. Which one is the right kind for oak cabinets?

Maureen, what a dramatic difference a little paint made to this kitchen. Great suggestion.

Hi Chris ~ The prep is the most important part of the job -- that's why we recommended a licensed general contractor to do the work.

Hi Larry ~ Oak certainly was popular, but it's time to move on and fortunately there are so many other good options :-)

Hi Kathy ~ thanks very much!!  Your Staging Before and After Pictures group is one of the best!

Hi Judy ~ Thank you, glad you think so!

Hi Irene ~ the sellers were happy, the buyers are happy ... everyone wins!

Hi Randy ~ Check with your painting contractor, or a good paint store.  They usually have all the latest info -- good luck!

Hi Michael ~ This truly is a small but effective update.

What a great example of an affordable and FABULOUS kitchen makeover! The end result is incredible. Good job, Maureen, and thank you for sharing and helping to get the word out that staging and redesign doesn't have to break the bank in order to achieve a dramatically improved look.

Simply FABULOUS transformation Maureen! And I also thank you for sharing the products used.

Painting is a lot easier than trying to refinish, believe me I have tried.  Thanks for a great post.

Paint is one of my favorite tools for updating and remodeling.   Great transformation and Congratulations on the quick sell!

What a big difference. The entire room looks updated, clean and modern.  Thanks for sharing.

Wow!  This looks great!  I need to do my own kitchen and have been debating what to do.  You sold me!  (I like Tom's results, too!)  Thanks.

Hi Maureen,

Looks great.  Thanks for sharing your post with us.  Have a great week!

Cheers from Lake Tahoe,
~Grace

Painting definitely made a huge difference!

Maureen, sleek and lovely transformation!!!  Saw a house today where the cabinets had obviously been freshly painted, and they looked great. 

Paint is marvelous at transforming dated cabinets.  I did a distressed paint on some cabinets in my kitchen and it really worked well...Except I've got to finish the project...

Oh boy. That kids table is the same table MY KIDS had. And the same cabinets I have now...

Wow, Maureen! Amazing the difference!  Way to go!

Wow! What a difference. The kitchen looks great!

Hi Ashley ~ Yes, we need to spread the word that staging is affordable and isn't just for the higher-end homes.

Hi Leslie ~ I'm happy to hear that you liked it!

Hi Gene ~ I've heard that refinishing is indeed a lot of work.  It sounds like you know from personal experience so thanks for your feedback!

Hi Diane ~ so true, paint is one of the most cost-effective means to update a home.  I hope that more people get the message!

Hi Lisa ~ Funny how painting the cabinets made the rest of the kitchen look a lot better, isn't it?

Hi Marilyn ~ Good luck tackling your own project, and please share some photos with us afterwards, OK?  I like Tom's new kitchen a lot too!

Hi Grace ~ Thanks for taking time to comment.  Hope life at Lake Tahoe is going well!  We used to vacation there when I was growing up ... learned to water ski on that beautiful clear water  :-)

Hi Debra ~ it really did, and there were several offers on this house.

Hi Sonja ~ Many thanks for your enthusiastic compliment!

Hi Liane ~ Glad you think so ... it's nice to hear such positive feedback.

Hi Erica ~ That's OK because your house isn't on the market!  When it is, you'd likely do some updates so that buyers would rush to make an offer  :-)

Hi Karen ~ only because they were too busy!  It's something that a homeowner could do if they take the time to do it right.

Hi Diane ~ It's great to hear that you saw some painted cabinets that also came out well.  I'm wondering if they were dark or light?

Hi Ruthmarie ~ When you finish your cabinet painting project, I hope that you'll post some photos for us!  Good luck!

The dark expresso (brown) looks great with the white appliances and countertop.  What color would you recommend for oak cabinets with black appliances?

Congrats on the feature!  This is a fabulous example of the power of painting dated oak cabinets!  We can always use more examples of this, because convincing people to do it can be so difficult.  Thanks for the great pics!

Maureen:  I LOVE the proof you provide here.  It shows that with a little creativity, hard work, and small budget you can create miracles!  I also love that you got so many to chirp in with their own contributions ... such as Tom.  Testament to the value and quality of your posts ... Congrats on all!  Thanks for sharing the post on my blogs too ..

Gene

Hi Carolyn ~  Choosing cabinet color would also depend on the color of the counters and the flooring ... so that everything coordinates well.

Hi Sharon ~ Seeing the Before and After is a lot more powerful than words, you're right!

Hi Gene ~ You are much too kind and I appreciate your loyal support!

Love this! I wish I had these pictures so I could show clients. They just don't see how it will look and don't trust me. LOL  Plus they think they are painting over something valuable, ugh.

I can't believe I missed this one, Maureen.  WOW...and such an easy fix for an amazing transformation when you think about it.  Even the floor looks better as a result!!  Bravo.

Oh my!  My kitchen cabinets are bleached oak!  I had no idea that was no longer cool!  Well, one more thing to add to my list!  Really great before and after shots!

Hi Shar ~ You can give them a link to this post, no problem!

Hi David ~ It's true that everything else in that kitchen ended up looking better -- amazing how that happens  :-)

Hi Pat ~ It depends on the neighborhood and what the other homes on the market there have .. if they're all selling with oak cabinets, no worries!

Hello, chiming back in for anyone that would like to give advice on this project for a property about to go on the market. Maureen you just said it above, "It depends on the neighborhood and what the other homes have there..." There are only three other listing in this neighborhood and since there are no photos of the kitchen or baths, I'm assuming that they have not been updated. We are going to update with granite, a backsplash and new sink; however the question is whether or not to paint the cabinets. We cannot go dark due to the lack of light, so we would have to go white and I'm not so sure that the green color wash is so bad? I am also considering having a contractor bid on removing the four upper cabinets between the kitchen and eating area as well as removing the florescent light grid and updating the lighting. These clients will follow my recommendations, however with everything else we will be doing in this house; wall paper removal, texture, painting, tiling bathrooms, painting bathroom cabinets, updating light fixtures and more I don't want them to over invest for the neighborhood. I'll be contacting their REALTOR® today. In the meantime please let me know your thoughts.

Thank you, I look forward to your input.

Wow, the difference is amazing! I will definitely keep that in mind for our clients, and if I'm house hunting myself.

Hi Leslie -- I think you should post this as a separate blog post and ask the AR stagers for their input ... post it in Home Staging, Stage it Forward, etc.  The overhead "grid" can easily be resolved with either one or more ceiling-mounted light fixtures, or can lights.  For those cabinets, I think the green wash is pretty dated looking, but again it depends on what types of finishes the other homes this one is competing against have.  You don't have to use white -- a rich cream color would look nice on the cabinets, especially if you use a granite that has cream as one of its colors.  Good luck and I'll be interested in seeing the comments if you post this!

Hi Lynda ~ Thanks, it seems like a relatively easy process that a homeowner could do -- or you can hire a handyman like these sellers did -- and even with the labor cost, it was a good return on their investment.

Just my two cents Leslie on checking back......I'm with Maureen. I'd paint the cabinets.

We had some clients do this and it made a huge difference plus the home soon sold.

Hi Dennis & Terri ~ That's great to hear that it worked for your clients too!  Thanks for your feedback.

Gorgeous!  I've been looking at my own oak cabinets lately and wondering if it would be worth painting.  Your photos have sealed the deal on that decision!

Hi Rhonda ~ Good luck with your project!  I hope that you're happy with the outcome  :-)

Thanks Maureen and Shar, after further research I'll be taking your advice and recoomend painting the cabinets. Still working the rest of the proposal. Thanks again.

Hi Maureen, I like your post and all of the comments.  It has been an interesting read.  I will go back and read your other posts later.

I can see your post is really dragging and you're starved for comments, Maureen, so I'll provide a quality comment that will hopefully spur some activity! My home has those same oak cabinets. Maybe I'll look at painting them! Thanks for the info!

hi Elisha ~ Thanks for taking the time to read this post and all of the comments, which make it more interesting!

hi Steve ~ LOL!  If you have oak cabinets and you like them -- leave them alone! But when it comes time to sell, you may want to consider the less-expensive option of painting them  :-)