Reface Your Cabinets with Classic Style

by Sue Booth
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

More homeowners are turning to kitchen cabinet refacing to update their kitchens and increase the future resale values of their homes. According to market research, kitchen remodeling is one of the best ways to yield a high return on investment (ROI). Kitchen remodeling can typically generate about a 90% ROI. Refacing your kitchen cabinets can offer one of the highest ROIs, but to keep your investment solid, you may want to remodel with a classic look that won't readily go out of style.

Choose from the Classics

When refacing your cabinets, you may want to consider some of the trademarks of a classic style kitchen:

• Neutral colors like whites, creams, or beiges
• Monochromatic or duo-chromatic color schemes
• Neutral materials such as dark wood combined with stone that doesn't go out of style
• Formal furniture with tight backs and rolled arms--furniture longevity is more important than following the latest trends
• Dark wood furnishings with classic shapes
• Decorate to match the architectural style of your kitchen when in doubt
• Use symmetry or buy items in pairs to balance the room

Classic Reface, Classic Kitchen

Kitchen cabinet refacing options can help you realize your desire for a classic kitchen. Veneers can be made out of a number of classic wood styles--maple, cherry, or oak. Your contractor can apply the wood veneers over your existing cabinet doors, and they'll look like new solid wood cabinets--no one will know the difference!

The kitchen makes the largest impact on house price and its ability to sell. You may want to hire a professional kitchen designer ($250-$500) to help you choose the colors, products, and materials best suited for your kitchen--and you should see an increased ROI.

Sources

• Cabinet Refacing
• Do It Yourself Or Hire Someone Else - Lowes
• HGTV- Kitchen Design
• CNN.com- Kitchen Facelifts

About the Author
Sue Booth is a freelance writer and a former product analyst for Good Housekeeping magazine. She holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.